Teeth Whitening: Treatment Information There are two ways in which whitening can be obtained: At Home Whitening This involves taking impressions of your teeth which are then used to develop custom made trays for you to wear with the whitening solution. The results can be seen over a 2-3 week period. Zoom in Surgery Power Whitening In surgery, instant power whitening using a hydrogen peroxide solution which is activated by an ultraviolet light. 90 minute Zoom whitening combined with the use of a at home ‘touch up’ kit utilising hydrogen peroxide for 45-60 minutes, 7-10 days post treatment will achieve the brightest most consistent results. Cautions All patients prior to whitening must be aware of the following:

1. Patients with hypersensitive teeth may not be able to tolerate the bubbling action of the whitening gel. Pre-treatment with ‘Tooth Mousse’ is sometimes required.
   
   
2. Five percent of all patients experience some degree of sensitivity to cold during whitening, this is reversible. Whitening every second day or reducing the time, can control such sensitivity. ‘Tooth Mousse’ also successfully manages this sensitivity.
   
   
3. Old crowns, veneers and fillings will not change colour
   
   
4. Undiagnosed dental decay or undiagnosed oral problems may react to the whitening process. It is therefore essential that a full examination is carried out prior to whitening.
   
   
5. The colour stability post treatment depends on the intake of substances that cause staining as listed above.
   
   
6. Occasionally ‘Zoom’ or ‘At home’ whitening can initially create a blotchy effect which usually settles within 1 week. The use of ‘At home’ kit with more whitening gel or ‘Tooth Mousse’ will even out the colour.
   
   
7. We advise patients to only whiten in short bursts as we a have no long term data on the effect of constant whitening of the teeth and gums.

Advantages

• Whitening is ideal for undamaged teeth that require lightening in colour only.
  
  
• Custom made trays enable you to whiten in the comfort of your own home at times suitable to you.
  
  
• The upper and lower teeth can be whitened
  
  
• Approved whitening products are safe for use

Disadvantages

1. Whitening works best for teeth that are stained yellow, brown or orange. Teeth with grey stains may lighten a little but the results will not be as good.
   
   
2. Crowns, fillings and veneers will not change colour
   
   
3. Old fillings may need to be replaced after whitening
   
   
4. 2-5 percent of all patients experience some degree of cold sensitivity during whitening and using ‘Tooth Mousse’ successfully manages this sensitivity.

After 10 years of experience, we can safely pass this message on to our patients:

“In this day and age, short bursts of a vital whitening treatment can be performed safely, without damaging the teeth or the soft tissues and achieve a very pleasing outcome resulting in whiter, brighter, younger and healthier smile.”

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