Information Following Bleaching

DO

1. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.
2. Place one small drop towards the front of each tooth hole in your custom tray (be careful that you do not use too much).
3. Seat the tray over teeth. Gently remove excess gel that may flow beyond the tray's edge.
4. You may wear the tray over night or during the day. Maximum wear time is 8 hours per day.
5. After the prescribed time, remove the tray. Brush your teeth to remove excess gel, then clean the gel from the tray.

PLEASE DO NOT

• Do not use the bleach while pregnant or lactating.
• Do not eat while trays are in mouth
• Do not expose the syringes to heat and/or sunlight
• Do not freeze the syringes
• Do not leave the trays where pets can get them - they will chew them up
• Do not smoke while the tray is in the mouth

FINALLY REMEMBER...

• Teeth are naturally darker along the gumline. These areas may require more time to lighten than the rest of the tooth.
• A small percentage of patients experience sensitivity with bleaching. Should this occur, contact your dentist. It may be recommended that you bleach every other night. You can also use the bleaching during the day for 1-3 hours at a time.
• Foods and juices high in citric acid can cause sensitivity to the teeth.
• Some patients have noticed temporary discomfort of the gums, lips, throat, or tongue. Should any of these symptoms persist more than two days or progressively worsen, call your dentist. These side effects will usually subside within 1-3 days after treatment is discontinued.
• Coffee, tobacco, and other products can re-stain your teeth over time. Should this occur, the teeth can be re-whitened within a few nights.
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important before and after beaching to maintain a healthy smile.
• Some old amalgam or "silver" fillings may leave a dark purple color in your bleaching tray.
• Some patients have also noticed some "blotching" of the teeth after removing the bleach, this is normal and will go away within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Do not be alarmed.

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