1) The length of time the appliance is worn
2) The number of times the appliance is worn
3) The susceptibility of your teeth, and their internal contaminants, to the whitening agent.

10-Step Whitening Process:

1. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth prior to applying the whitening gel
2. Load the appliance, as demonstrated, by gently depressing the syringe cap - expressing the material only on the front 8-10 teeth - the surfaces that face toward the lip.
3. Place the appliance completely and firmly onto the teeth, but gently. Excessive pressure will express too much material out of the appliance.
4. Gently wipe off excess gel with a toothbrush or Q-tip.
5. Expectorate any excess material.
6. Wear for a minimum of 2-4 hours/day. This can be accomplished during 'sleep time' or during waking hours. The thin tray is very comfortable and can be worn easily while accomplishing other tasks.
7. When the appliance is removed brush teeth and gums thoroughly. The 'tray' should be rinsed thoroughly and placed in the appliance case - ready for the next application.
8. Keep whitening gel away from heat and sunlight or store in the refrigerator to maintain shelf life
9. Keep whitening gel out of the reach of children
10. Keep Smiling!

Possible Side Effects:

1. Sensitivity to cold with some minor gum irritation during treatment. This normally resolves on its own in 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the whitening treatment.
2. The whitening agent will break down and become ineffective when exposed to heat or sunlight. It is best to store the material in a refrigerator.
3. Over-the-counter whitening agents normally have a very high acid content - which can dissolve your teeth, permanently ruining your smile.
4. Normal tooth whitening starts at the biting edges of the teeth and works its way up. Normal color of teeth is darker toward the gum line. We have never had one patient experience any irreversible effects to the teeth from the whitening process!

Dealing with Side Effects:

1. Fluoride gel can provide relief for sensitivity. We can assist you with obtaining a fluoride gel that can be placed in the same appliance used for the whitening agent. Alternating the fluoride therapy with the whitening therapy is of great assistance, should sensitivity persist.
2. Spacing out whitening treatment with a day or two break, after sensitivity occurs, before restarting the whitening process is another method to alleviate symptoms.
3. Never attempt to use any household or commercial bleaching agents in your mouth. Only use the teeth whitening agents that we prescribe for you - those that have been tested and approved for intraoral use.