Teeth Whitening Information Sheet

Here are some tips and instructions on how to use your kit and post-whitening care:

• Brush and floss your teeth.
• Place one small drop (from syringe) on the inside of the tray for each tooth that you are whitening, usually the front 8 – 12 teeth.
• Insert the tray with the gel in place and wipe away any excess gel that may extrude onto your gums. Wear for 1 - 2 hours.
• When you remove the tray, rinse out any remaining gel with cold water and rinse and clean your teeth.
• On days of whitening, put tooth mousse in trays and wear over night
• Most initial whitening takes 1 – 3 weeks depending on type and depth of discolouration.
• Use as needed after this, perhaps for a special occasion.

Post Whitening tips:

• If you are a smoker, do not smoke for 48 hours
• Stay away from highly coloured foods (red sauce, blueberries, etc) and beverages (black coffee and tea, etc) for 48 hours
• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold liquids may occur. This usually passes within 1-2 weeks.  Often tooth paste for sensitive teeth in the bleaching tray is enough to settle the sensitivity.   If sensitivity is severe or persists, contact the surgery.
• If you experience gum sensitivity do not brush the afflected area while brushing your teeth, and make sure you wipe away any excess gel, when inserting the tray
• Immediate whitening results can be quite dramatic due to minor dehydration of your teeth. It is normal for the colour to tone down somewhat after treatment when your teeth rehydrate to a natural white tone.
• Long term results vary from patient to patient. This can depend on the original shade of your teeth and include habits such as smoking or drinking coloured beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, etc.)
• Touch-up treatments may be needed every 6-12 months to retain  colour. Extra syringes can be purchased at any time.
• Existing fillings, crowns, bonding, etc will usually not whiten.  Therefore, these may need to be changed in order to match your new smile.

Enjoy your new bright smile!