Procedure is simple, but as with many things, a little time invested in understanding the process will help ensure optimal results. Whitening procedure should be viewed as part of an overall treatment plan.

- Only natural teeth will be whitened.

- Avoid placing the bleach paste in contact with the gingiva or directly on root surfaces if the patient reports existing tooth sensitivity. If air on the root surfaces produces sensitivity, they should NOT be bleached.

- To reduce blanching, outline the teeth with the dam first and then fill in all of the pink spots, insuring that all areas are covered.

- Never mix the bleaching material with anything.

- For deeply stained teeth (A 3.5 or above), a short etch cycle (10%-40% phosphoric acid) on the dark areas, after pumice treatment and prior to the protective dam placement may be helpful. Etched teeth may be more sensitive.

- If any bleach solution makes contact with tissue, rinse and apply bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and water directly to the area with a wet cotton tip applicator. This will help neutralize any reaction.

- Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity after treatment. This occurs more often with patients who have excessive wear or loss of enamel on the tooth surface. The condition usually resolves without treatment in 1-2 days.