Congratulations! You’ve just experienced a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. The next 48 hours are important in enhancing and maximizing your whitening results for a long lasting, bright and healthy smile.
- For the next 48 hours, dark staining substances should be avoided, such as:
- Red wine, Cola, Coffee and tea
- Berries such as cherries, blueberries, strawberries
- Tobacco products
- Red sauces, Mustard or ketchup, Soy sauce
- Mild sensitivity to hot or cold liquids may occur. This usually passes within 1 – 2 days. Therefore, avoid extreme temperature fluids for first 48 hrs.
- If sensitivity persists, you may also use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne. Apply the toothpaste on your teeth and leave it for atleast 1 minute before brushing. Use this toothpaste for at least 15 days as it takes time to be effective.
- If sensitivity is severe you may also take over the counter pain medication such as Ibuprofens or Acetaminophens. You may also start using
- If you experience gum sensitivity do not brush the afflicted area while brushing your teeth.
- Immediate whitening results can be quite dramatic due to minor dehydration of your teeth. It is normal for the color to tone down somewhat after treatment when your teeth rehydrate to a natural white tone.
- Long term results vary from patient to patient. This can depend on the original shade of your teeth and include habits such as smoking or drinking colored beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, etc.)
- Touch-up treatments may be needed every 6-12 months to retain color.
- Existing fillings, crowns, bonding, etc. will not whiten. Therefore, these may need to be changed in order to match your new smile.
- The whitening treatment involved a long 20 minute session during which the mouth is kept open continuously for the entire treatment by a plastic retractor. This could result in dryness or chapping of the lips or cheek margins, which can be treated by application of lip balm, petroleum jelly or Vitamin E cream.