TEETH WHITENING AFTERCARE
SIDE EFFECTS
1. Gum/Lip Irritation: Gum and lip irritation may occur when the whitening gel comes in contact with your gums or lips. When irritation occurs, the area may become white (blanching), sore or inflamed. The tissue will return to normal within 24 hours. On a rare occasion gum irritation may cause light bleeding. Bleeding is typically a sign of gum disease. We highly recommend you stop using all teeth whitening products and contact your dentist. We minimize the chances of irritation by applying vitamin E oil on the gums and lip. If irritation does occur, applying vitamin E oil to the affected area does alleviate it quite significantly.
2. Teeth Sensitivity: Although uncommon, some individuals may experience tooth sensitivity during the first 24 hours. If you are prone to existing sensitivity, have a recently cracked teeth, micro cracks, open cavities, leaking fillings, exposed roots or other dental conditions that cause sensitivity then you are more likely to experience it. Prolonged sensitivity after treatment is also a possibility. If you believe you may be more susceptible to sensitivity, you can brush your teeth with sensitivity toothpaste for up to 3 days before your session or you can purchase our desensitizing gel to reduce sensitivity.
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3. Spots or Streaking: Post whitening session, some individuals may develop spots or streaks in their teeth that are whiter than the rest. This is due to calcium deposits that naturally occur in your teeth. These spots are not caused by the whitening gel. Calcium deposits are already on your teeth, the gel just makes them visible again, these spots will eventually diminish in a few days.
4. Allergic Reaction: Some people are allergic to peroxide but are not aware of it. If you had the treatment done and a few hours or a day later you have a blister on your lips, you are probably having an allergic reaction to the gel. Buy liquid vitamin E in any drugstore and apply it to the blister until it goes away. It generally goes away within a couple of days by itself anyway.
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HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?
SHADE REBOUND: Shade Rebound is when your whitening results rebounds back to 1–2 shade(s) darker than the shade initially observed immediately after treatment, within a week. Shade rebound occurs from non-compliance of aftercare recommendations. Teeth become especially vulnerable to stains right after whitening for 24 to 48 hours, we strongly advise you stay away from highly pigmented foods for the first 24-48 hours after whitening. Your teeth are covered by a protective layer called a pellicle, the power-bleaching process removes it, so teeth tend to absorb stains easily until its reformed.
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DEHYDRATION: After whitening your teeth are dehydrated which gives it a chalky, bright appearance. Once teeth re-hydrates, loss of brilliance may occur. However, your teeth did not regress back to its starting shade, they are still lighter than when you originally started. The chalky “dehydrated look” is temporary and not sustainable, most natural teeth does not look this way 24/7 as you are always re-staining your teeth when you consume colored foods or beverages. Pictures you see of celebrities with this look are enhanced by lighting or photo editing.
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AFTER TREATMENT: After the treatment, it is natural for teeth colour to regress somewhat over time. This is normal and should be very gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents (see reverse for the White Diet). Do not eat or drink anything except water for the first hour after the treatment because the gel opens the pores of the enamel and makes the teeth very vulnerable to staining agents.
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TEETH POROSITY: If you have naturally porous enamel, your teeth will be more vulnerable to staining agents and your teeth will get stained again sooner than the average person. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing ahead of time how porous your teeth are. Generally speaking, if you have porous enamel and you expose your teeth to staining agents on a regular basis, your results may last for only 6 months. If you have non-porous enamel and you don’t expose your teeth to staining beverages on a regular basis, the results may last for up to 2 years.
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YOUR HABITS: If you expose your teeth to staining agents such as tobacco, coffee, red wine, tea, colas, etc. on a regular basis, your whitening results will not last as long. Make it a habit to rinse with water/brush your teeth after eating, drinking, smoking, etc.
THE WHITE DIET
Teeth become especially vulnerable to stains right after whitening for 24–48 hours, we strongly advise you stay away from highly pigmented foods for the first 24–48 hours after whitening. Your teeth are covered by a protective layer called a pellicle, the power-bleaching process removes it, so teeth tend to absorb stains easily until its reformed. Non-compliance of after care recommendation may result to shade rebound within the first week. Remember that you are always re-staining your teeth every time you eat colored foods or beverages.
THE WHITE DIET
Teeth become especially vulnerable to stains right after whitening for 24–48 hours, we strongly advise you stay away from highly pigmented foods for the first 24–48 hours after whitening. Your teeth are covered by a protective layer called a pellicle, the power-bleaching process removes it, so teeth tend to absorb stains easily until its reformed. Non-compliance of after care recommendation may result to shade rebound within the first week. Remember that you are always re-staining your teeth every time you eat colored foods or beverages.
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The Good
Acceptable foods & drinks to have on the White Diet.
cauliflower
cottage cheese
white rice
white pasta
white sauce
skinless potatoes
pita bread
bananas
turkey
white fish
chicken (dry/boiled, NO fat)
chewing gum (UNsweetened)
still/sparkling water
tonic water
skimmed milk
vodka
malibu
gin
white wine
THE WHITE DIET
Teeth become especially vulnerable to stains right after whitening for 24–48 hours, we strongly advise you stay away from highly pigmented foods for the first 24–48 hours after whitening. Your teeth are covered by a protective layer called a pellicle, the power-bleaching process removes it, so teeth tend to absorb stains easily until its reformed. Non-compliance of after care recommendation may result to shade rebound within the first week. Remember that you are always re-staining your teeth every time you eat colored foods or beverages.
THE WHITE DIET
Teeth become especially vulnerable to stains right after whitening for 24–48 hours, we strongly advise you stay away from highly pigmented foods for the first 24–48 hours after whitening. Your teeth are covered by a protective layer called a pellicle, the power-bleaching process removes it, so teeth tend to absorb stains easily until its reformed. Non-compliance of after care recommendation may result to shade rebound within the first week. Remember that you are always re-staining your teeth every time you eat colored foods or beverages.
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The Bad
Foods & drinks to avoid on the White Diet.
carrots
peas
sweet corn
broccoli
green beans
sprouts
mushrooms
tomatoes
red/green lettuce
beetroot
butter
margarine
bread (NO wheat)
fruits
bolognese, curry or chili sauce
chocolates, sweets
tea
coffee
fruit juices
fizzy drinks
red wine
beer
UNABLE TO FOLLOW THE WHITE DIET?
Following the white diet is essential for the 24–48 hours or you may experience a rebound in shade. Avoid shade rebound with the following products:
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DAILY WHITENING FOAM: Brush your teeth with a peroxide-based whitening toothpaste immediately after you consume coloured foods or beverages. We recommend our Daily Whitening Foam as it’s more efficient than most drugstore brands, but any peroxide-based whitening toothpaste would do.
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REMINERALIZING GEL: Remineralizing/Desensitizing gel puts a seal on your teeth, protects it from re-staining and alleviates sensitivity. Use it before your meal.
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WHITENING PEN: To lighten any shade rebound, boost and maintain your results.
THE AFTERCARE BUNDLE: Purchase all 3 maintenance products: Whitening Foam, Remineralizing Gel & Whitening Pen for $59 ($70 value).
MORE TIPS
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AVOID EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD LIQUIDS: The temperature change (hot and cold cycling) causes teeth to expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate your teeth. Try cutting down on these types of drinks or try using a straw.
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AVOID ACIDIC FOODS AND DRINKS: These foods open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to more easily move into your teeth. Use a straw when drinking fizzy drinks or iced tea.
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BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EACH MEAL: Try to make a habit of brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water after each meal. This way the stains won’t have as much time to set into the enamel.
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CUT BACK ON DRINKING AND SMOKING: Frequent consumption of alcoholic drinks and heavy smoking can reverse the effects of teeth whitening. Many alcoholic drinks and nicotine contain tannins that can stain the teeth.
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USE SMUDGE-PROOF LIPSTICK: Ladies, after going through teeth whitening, you should consider switching your current lipstick for the smudge-proof kind. Some kinds of lipstick tend to cling to the teeth, and the pigments by which lipsticks are made can contribute to the discoloration of your teeth.