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Teeth Whitening
Information and
Informed Consent Form

2. What types of whitening are available?

In-Office whitening: We use the ZOOM System, which can be done in one visit.  The total appointment time is about 1.5 hours.

Due to the strong whitening gel used in this procedure, either a resin or a rubber shield must protect your gums.  Once the gums are protected, the gel is applied to the tooth surface.  In many cases, a special high intensity light will be used to further activate the gel.

In-office whitening can also be done to lighten a tooth that has had a root canal.  In this case, the tooth is whitened both from the inside and the outside; (inside whitening of root canal treated teeth is done at an added expense).

The advantage of In-Office whitening is that we do the work for you, and spend less overall time whitening your teeth.  The disadvantages include some of the normal inconveniences associated with any dental treatment, such as having to keep your mouth open for the duration of the procedure, and that possibility of increased costs, as compare to Take-Home whitening.

Take-Home Whitening: This process can be done anywhere not just at home.  It involves wearing a custom-made whitening tray that looks like a thin, transparent nightguard.  You fill the tray with a mild whitening gel.  You then need to wear the gel filled tray for the specified period of the time each day (per our instructions).  This procedure must be continued over a period of time that generally extends from 2-4 weeks.  We will check your whitening progress as necessary during the period you are using the whitening gel.

The advantage of Take-Home whitening is the ease of use.  The disadvantages include the inconvenience of wearing the whitening tray, and that your results will depend on your consistent use of the tray.

Combination of In-Office & Take Home: We encourage this method to maintain the results over a long period of time.

Next: 3. What should be expected upon completion of professional whitening?
Back: 1. Who are the best candidates for whitening?
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Printable Version of the Teeth Whitening Informed Consent Form