Microsoft word - whitening-consent.doc

Lakeside Dental Clinic
___________________________________________________________ Dr. Robert Wolanski
WHITENING CONSENT
When you begin the teeth whitening process you may experience some tooth and gum sensitivity, especial y to hot and cold foods. You may get white patches on the gums. These problems typical y go away after a few days. Gum disease and cavities, require treatment before whitening can be done.
Worn tooth enamel wil not whiten as wel as normal teeth.
Fillings, crowns, and veneers wil not respond to teeth whitening treatment. If you want to go ahead
with the treatment then you may have to have the crowns, veneers and composite fil ings replaced,
otherwise you wil finish up with teeth of different colors.
Tetracycline stained teeth, do not have dramatic improvement in their whiteness. If your teeth are
heavily stained by medication, the improvements wil need more prolonged treatment and never attain
the same results as normal teeth. Typical y the only way to improve these discolored teeth is with
porcelain veneers.
The process is not recommended for anyone under the age of sixteen. The older you are the more
resistant the teeth are to whitening. This is because they have been stained for a longer time and
the enamel is thinner. It is the enamel that is most responsible for the whitening effect.
Whitening Treatment is not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding mothers. Anyone al ergic to peroxide or any of the ingredients, should not use a teeth whitening product. Results vary according to the individual’s age, genetic make up, teeth condition and the whitening product chosen. Some patient’s expectations are simply beyond their teeth’s ability to whiten for the reasons mentioned above. We can extend the time of whitening and if larger than normal amounts of whitening agent are required we wil provide them for a lesser cost than the original Kit. We wil not provide these materials beyond a safe dose. There is also a possibility of over-whitening. The result wil be a translucency that may appear grey from the shadows of the mouth. There is a very low percentage of this occurring and only if the whitening process is over-extended. Sensitivity in the teeth and gums:
If you experience either of these symptoms, they can be decreased by fol owing these steps.
1. Use the tray for shorter periods of time or less frequently. The results are the same but it takes longer. Discontinue use for a couple of days before beginning the treatments again. Utilize toothpaste that is prepared for susceptible teeth such as Sensodyne 2. Use Fluoride gel products to shield and replace the minerals in your teeth. This product should 3. Over-the-counter products that include topical anesthetic can treat gum irritation. Certain people have more sensitivity in their mouths. Though, approximately half the people who use whitening products experience some minor tooth sensitivity or gum pain. How does teeth whitening work?
The whitening gel is carbamide peroxide that breaks down into oxygen molecules. These molecules go into the tiny pores of the enamel and dentin and break up the stains that block out the light. More light passes through the teeth and makes them look lighter as the stains are broken into smal er and smal er pieces. Teeth that are dark brown to blue-grey are the most difficult to whiten because the stain is deeply embedded in the structure of the tooth. These types of stains are usual y caused by medications taken during the development of the teeth such as tetracycline. In teeth that whiten easily, results can be seen within three to four days depending on the teeth whitening gel used and the length of time it is worn. Complete results can be achieved in as little as a week or as much as several months depending on the source of the stain and the ability of the teeth or tooth to be whitened. The results of teeth whitening vary but most people are happy with the results. Patients should avoid foods that stain such as tobacco and red wine for about a week after any teeth whitening treatment. Keeping teeth clean with flossing and brushing can maintain whiteness. The teeth whitening procedure may last for one to three years depending on personal habits. A simple process of whitening for one or two nights with a single gel syringe is usual y sufficient to brighten the color again. This should not be as costly and time consuming as the original teeth whitening procedure as you wil already have the custom made trays. Are there any alternatives?
Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another whitening option such as veneers, bonding, or crowns. X________________________ ___ (Patient) #7-4800 Island Highway North Nanaimo, B.C., V9T 1W6 _______________________________________________________________ 250-756-1300 [email protected] www.lakesidedentalclinic.ca

Source: http://lakesidedentalclinic.ca/files/documents/Whitening-Consent.pdf