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BLEACHING TEETH OUTSIDE THE DENTAL OFFICE
Hydrogen peroxide has been used for many years to bleach teeth. It was usually applied by dentists and used with heat and/or light to
stimulate its bleaching action. In recent years, new techniques have allowed patients to apply carbamide peroxide to their teeth at
home using custom fitted trays. Although weak bleaching compounds can be purchased in pharmacies or grocery stores, the fastest
bleaching compounds and best fitting trays may be obtained only from dentists. Dentists or dental auxilliaries should supervise this
type of bleach. This technique has been highly effective, and it does not require heat or light. At this time, bleaching teeth with
peroxide in custom-fitted trays outside the dental office is the fastest and most painless method known.
Potential Side Effects: The experience of tens of thousands of patients using home bleaching has shown the following occasional
side effects.
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Tooth Sensitivity: A few people experience tooth sensitivity. This condition is minimized if bleaching times are reduced,
or it is eliminated if bleaching is discontinued.
Gum Tenderness: Occasionally, gum tissues become irritated, and sometimes a mild sloughing of the superficial layers of
the gums occurs. Reduction of bleaching time or elimination of bleach stops the sloughing.
Discomfort in the Jaw Joints: If bleaching trays are worn too long during any given day, discomfort in jaw joints may
occur. It is reversible when the bleaching trays are removed.
Sore throat: May occur if you swallow the solution. Please try to avoid this.
Patient Instructions (Standard Bleaching Sequence):
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Brush and floss teeth. Rinse mouth well.
Place a small amount of bleaching gel into each space in the tray for every tooth to be lightened.
Insert the tray into your mouth over the teeth, expectorate excess gel and foam, and wear loaded tray for 1 hour. Use for only
30 minutes if using the highest concentration carbamide peroxide gel (30%).
Remove the tray, wash it and wipe it with tissue paper to remove the gel, reload the tray, replace it, and wear it for another
hour. Don’t replace for second application if using the highest concentration carbamide peroxide gel (30%).
Rinse the tray with tap water after use, and tip it upside down to allow drying before next use. Fluoride containing toothpaste
and mouth rinse may be used if desired.
Discontinue bleaching if tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or any other negative event occurs. Notify us of the problem
immediately, and we will advise you concerning further bleaching.
You have observed and we have recorded the color of your teeth at the initiation of bleaching. We will monitor the color changes with
you and will advise you when bleaching is completed. The average time for optimum color change to occur when bleaching 1-2 hours
per day (30 minutes per day with 30% high concentration carbamide peroxide gel) is 3-6 weeks, although color changes may be
noticed as early as a few days. Brown, orange, and yellow stains bleach faster and easier than blue or gray stains. Observation
appointments are necessary every 7-14 days to check the progress of the bleaching. Occasionally, as frequently as once per year, a
few additional touch-up bleaching sessions may be needed so the desirable bleached shade of the teeth can be retained. We will advise
you of this need at your regular check-up appointments.
520.229.3579 · Cell 235.7311 · 7467 N Oracle Rd Suite 151 · Tucson, AZ · 85704 · www.dentaldimensions.org