It is also recommended to use a pellicle-removing, tooth whitening, low abrasive toothpaste. Patients are also provided with a custom made tray and gel, to be worn for 30 minutes a day, for use as a touch-up agent. For some deeply stained cases, such as tetracycline, it may be recommended to condition the teeth three days before bleaching to make them more receptive. This acts as a stabilizer and a touch up. The type of stain, patient compliance, and overall condition of the teeth can affect the outcome of the treatment.
Some tooth sensitivity can occur shortly after bleaching.
This usually subsides in 1 to 2 days. Gum and soft tissue can also occur if the tissues are not properly protected from the solutions. As stated earlier, these are not all of the treatments available. If a patient wishes to have their teeth whitened, it is up to them to choose the treatment that is best suited for them. Special thanks to Charles James , Media Librarian at the Lexington Community, for his assistance in scanning images.