IN-OFFICE LASER TEETH LIGHTENING SYSTEM


Thank you for considering an In-Office Tooth Lightening System. We are confident you will be satisfied with the overall results that can be achieved when using this method. The special gels applied to the isolated teeth are designed to work with today's photon energy sources, such as:

Argon Lasers Laser teeth whitening is designed for convenience, efficiency, and speed when performing in-office tooth lightening. Required time to complete this chair-side application has been reduced by eliminating some of the time consuming steps commonly associated with other lightening systems.


How does it work? With all tooth lightening systems , time and exposure are among the most important factors. In order to lighten tooth structure, stain molecules (attached to the enamel rods within the tooth's structure) must be removed in order to produce a desired lightening effect. This is accomplished two ways:


1. Allowing a formulated gel to saturate into the teeth enamel rods and dentin, organic stains are removed through the dissociation effect of the H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide).This dissociation factor is believed to increase with the utilization of energy (light end/or heat source(; therefore, the whitening effect of patient's tooth structure is accelerated with a treatment of whitening gel when exposed to a high-intensity, argon laser source.


2. The diffusion of hydrogen peroxide into the tooth surface is the other factor assisting the whitening effect of the tooth structure, This neutralizes the stain molecule's "color" effect on the enamel matrix and underlying dentine. The diffusion factor lightens the actual stained area of the tooth surface and creates a lighter, brighter effect by eliminating the dark-shading factor created by stain molecules.


Patient/Case Selection: 1. An ideal candidate for tooth lightening is a patient in good physical health that wants to lighten his/her natural dentition showing signs of one or more of the following:

Teeth appearing "yellow" or stained from normal, natural aging o Teeth stained by tobacco use: cigar, cigarette, smokeless tobacco, etc. o Teeth stained from coffee, tea, dark-colored juices or sodas, red wine, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, etc….


2. Patients exhibiting Tetracycline staining (teeth may appear as blue or gray shade (other intrinsic staining (i.e. medicine( or extrinsic staining (i.e. fluoridated water, food, dark beverages, tobacco, etc.(may achieve some or NO results after treatment). Results will vary. Some intrinsic and/or extrinsic stains may NOT be entirely removed by this lightening treatment.


3. A patient should not consider laser teeth whitening if he/she is not free from apparent tooth decay, gross calculus deposits and/or has tooth staining that is easily removed with a standard prophylaxis treatment


4. Consider teeth whitening prior to any cosmetic/restorative procedure (any permanent dental appliance( in order to "set" the tooth shade. To ensure the best match between natural and artificial dentition, allow tooth shade to "settle" for a minimum one to two-week period before completing any definitive cosmetic or restorative application.


5. Laser/Zoom teeth whitening is intended only for use on natural dentition. This system will not lighten porcelain, composite, acrylic or any other restorative material.


Every case is different. No one can predict the final outcome. The success of lightening teeth is dependent on the type of stain(s) involved and patient's enamel quality/condition and compliance. You may NOT notice any significant difference in the shade/color of your teeth following the procedure. Post-operative tooth sensitivity can also vary from patient to patient. Each patient's level of satisfaction and treatment goals can vary with teeth whitening procedure(s).


Take-home kits are available to maintain and enhance your optimum shade. Please inquire into whether a take-home kit is appropriate for you and how you may benefit from adjuncts such as whitening toothpastes, and maintenance kits.


APPROXIMATE APPLICATION TIME:

40 minutes to 60 minutes - 1 hour (will vary based upon number of intervals repeated)


PRE-TREATMENT


1. Shade Matching: Using a standard shade guide, we usually take a reading of patient's tooth shading. The VITA'" Shade Guide"" is a very reliable guide system. We may Record your tooth shade prior to treatment, and after treatment. Final results are usually measured after patient's teeth have been allowed to "rebound" to final shading position.


2. We may provide you with protective eyewear. Standard UV protective goggles or glasses as are recommended.


3. We may Pumice the teeth to be treated to remove any loose surface debris, calculus, and surface staining.