Conventional In-Office Bleaching
(Heat Lamp Technic)

Bleaching teeth that are discolored internally can be a very effective procedure, but you should know some important information before deciding to have this procedure accomplished on your teeth:

1. Bleaching occurs slowly and requires several 30 minute appointments.
2. Bleaching may be somewhat uncomfortable during and for a short time after the procedure.
3. Slight to moderate staining can usually be removed successfully.
4. If staining is severe, crowns or veneers are usually more acceptable.
5. Bleaching teeth may require re-bleaching once per year to maintain acceptable color.
6. Some teeth bleach easily, but others do not bleach well, the only way to determine the bleaching potential of your teeth is to try it.
7. Bleaching is the most conservative and least expensive procedure available for internally stained teeth.

THE PROCEDURE FOLLOWS:

A minimum of two to three 30 minute appointments are required. Each appointment is the same, they are at least 7 days apart.

• Anesthetic may not be used.
• A rubber dam is placed each time to isolate your teeth. Gum protective resin dam can be used as an alternative.
• Bleaching solution (concentrated hydrogen peroxide) is placed on the isolated teeth.
• Bleaching is accomplished by activating the bleaching solutions (concentrated hydrogen peroxide) with heat from a light or other heating instruments.
• Bleaching solution (concentrated hydrogen peroxide) and heat will be applied several times during each 30 minute appointment.
• The rubber dam or gingival protective dam is removed and your appointment is finished.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE:

1. Immediately after each bleaching appointment your teeth will be lighter than they will be 24 hours later. The color will return to somewhere between their dehydrated, bleached, color, and their original darker color.
2. The teeth may be sensitive for a few days, because of the heat application. In hundreds of bleachings over 10 years we have not experienced any long term damage to teeth from bleaching.
3. Please plan on at least 2-3 bleaching appointments. In some cases we may suggest more appointments for an optimum result.
4. If slight color returns after a period of months, re-bleaching may be suggested.