Teeth Whitening ...

Below are several considerations related to using carbamide peroxide solution for the purpose of whitening teeth. Please read carefully.

1) The active ingredient is carbamide peroxide in a glycerin base. It you are aware of any allergy or adverse reaction to this ingredient, do not proceed with treatment.

2) Peroxide solutions have been available for many years as an antiseptic in the mouth. It has only recently been more widely used for the effect on teeth. The FDA has approved its use as an antiseptic but has not acted on its use as a treatment for whitening teeth.

3) As with any treatment, there are benefits and risks. The benefit is that teeth of many patients can be whitened in a fairly quick and simple manner. The risk involves the constant use of the peroxide solution for an extended period. Research indicates that using peroxide on teeth is safe. There is no definite research, however, indicating the safety for the soft tissue (gingiva, cheek, tongue, throat). Although preliminary findings are encouraging, long-term effects are not known. Although extent of risk is unknown, acceptance of treatment means acceptance of risk.

4) You may experience sensitivity (usually slight and temporary) which will subside when treatment is discontinued.

5) The amount of whitening varies with the Individual. The average patient achieves considerable change within 2-7 weeks of use. Coffee, tea and tobacco will stain teeth after treatment in the same manner as before treatment, if proper brushing isn't continued after treatment. Further treatments can be done months or years later needed.