In Office Whitening Post Op Care Instructions
You have just completed the tooth whitening procedure and the information below will help you keep your smile white and dazzling!! The first 48 hours are crucial to maximize the whitening results from your bleaching procedure. Some patients experience sensitivity after bleaching.
Now for some aftercare instructions and recommendations:
Dark staining substances should be avoided because after this procedure is when your teeth are most susceptible to absorbing stains. Anything that can stain a white shirt can stain your teeth. *Whitening will not whiten tooth restorations such as fillings and crowns. *
Please avoid these items for the time you are bleaching + one additional week.
- Drinks: Coffee, Tea, Red Wine, Cola
- Condiments: Ketchup, Mustard, Red Sauces, Soy Sauce, Steak Sauce
- Food: Berries
- Toothpaste: Colored toothpaste
- Mouthwash: Colored Mouthwashes
Sensitivity:
Sensitivity normally lasts 24–72 hours however it is not unusual for it to linger for a week or more. We recommend over the counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol. Avoid acidic fruit juices like orange juice until the sensitivity has dissipated. Sensitive toothpaste such as sensodyne and prescription strength Prevident Sensitive are recommended. We sell Prevident in the office.
Some patients experience “zingers” during and post whitening. At home you may experience the same utilizing the maintenance gel. We recommend using the Prevident sensitive toothpaste daily to help. You can even place it within the whitening trays and let it sit for 30-60 minutes daily to help. It will also help prevent sensitivity so you can use it for a week prior to using maintenance whitening gels.
Chewing “sugarless” gum will help too as it will reduce the peroxide levels decreasing the “zingers”.
Take home whitening trays:
- Brush and floss your teeth before use.
- Place a small drop of whitening gel in each tooth within the tray you want to whiten and place the tray over these teeth.
- Leave in the mouth for 30-60 minutes depending on sensitivity. Some leave it longer than others. You can spit excess saliva.
Cleaning Procedures:
- Upon removal, rinse with cool water and a soft toothbrush may be used with a mild soap.
Storage:
- Store your trays up and away from animals, specifically dogs because they love to chew on them.
Warning:
- Do NOT clean or soak in mouthwash. Alcohol based mouthwashes can degrade resins overtime and can pick up the color.
- Do NOT use abrasives such as toothpastes as it will put scratches on it and it will pick up odor and stain.
- Do NOT use denture cleanser.
- Do NOT use hot water.
- Do NOT use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. They will degrade the material long term.
- Do NOT place in direct sunlight. Keep away from heat sources.
For maintenance refills they can be purchased in the office or at our online store. Visit our website, click on the store tab, search for whitening gel and order. Oftentimes we have a discount coupon promo code so give us a text or a ring.
If you have any other questions please reach out to our office.