Important information – Terms and Conditions applicable to your inhouse Whitening procedure

1. Background

The safety of professional teeth whitening in general is very high, and the In House light Therapy System is no exception. like all professional health care, though, there are limitations and risks (which are outlined below), and absolute success is variable and cannot be guaranteed.

2. Candidates for Professional Teeth Whitening

Eligibility for treatment is determined through information gathered during your consultation and screening. While most individuals qualify for the treatment, not all people are deemed candidates for the procedure. If this situation occurs, the dentist will discuss his/her findings with you, perhaps along with other possible treatments or options as appropriate.

3. Expectations upon Completion of the Whitening

Significant whitening can be achieved in many cases, but there is no definite way to predict how light your teeth will get. Patients with yellow-brown teeth tend to whiten better or quicker than those with grey-brown teeth. Teeth discoloured by antibiotics, root-canal therapy or trauma do not always respond as quickly or predictably, and may require additional treatment. If your teeth are already a light shade of white, your whitening result could be minimal.

4. Maintenance

Following the completion of the whitening procedure, it is normal to experience a slight degree of relapse with in the first 24-48 hours. Also, through the normal staining process of day-to-day eating and drinking, you may experience gradual shade relapse. This will depend on the frequency of use of tobacco products, coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining foods/drinks.

5. Alternative Treatment Options

There are other options available to you for whitening your teeth, such as porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, composite bonding and a gel/tray system for use at home. If you have any questions regarding alternatives, please ask your dentist.

6. Potential Risks / Problems

Complications can occur with any form of dental treatment and tooth whitening is no exception, although these are generally infrequent and minor in nature. Please read the following information. If you have any questions about these potential risks / problems, please discuss these with your dentist before signing the consent form.

1. Tooth sensitivity: During the whitening process, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity. This is usually mild if your teeth are not normally sensitive. If your teeth are normally sensitive, please inform us before treatment. We cannot completely eliminate this risk, but the use of fluoride before and after treatment can greatly reduce the possibility. Also an analgesic (pain relief that you would normally take for a headache) will usually be effective in helping you feel comfortable. The sensitivity is generally short in duration.
2. Gum and soft tissue irritation: Temporary inflammation on the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth can occur during the procedure, this is generally the result of the whitening gel coming into contact with these tissues. Protective materials are placed in the mouth to prevent this. Stretching or irritation of the lips can also occur due to the cheek retractor.
3. Fillings and other dental restorations: White fillings, porcelain or composite restorations, crowns or veneers may not whiten at all or evenly with your natural teeth during this procedure. All dental restorations that show when you smile, may need to be replaced. A plan can be formulated for these. Please be sure to discuss this with the dentist prior to beginning treatment.

7. Your treatment responsibilities

1. Follow all directions, please take time to read all written instructions and listen carefully to all verbal instructions.
2. Communication – If you do not understand something communicated to you during consultation, or any printed material given to you before and after the procedure, please feel free to ask.