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Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme • Opalescence PF • Opalescence Quick PF 45% • LC Block-Out Resin Sof-Tray Classic Sheets • Ultra-Trim Scalloping Scissors • Opalescence Pocket Tray Cases • Opalescence Boost UltraTect • KleerView Retractors • IsoBlock • OpalDam • UltraEZ • Flor-Opal • Opalescence Endo • Opalustre

WHITEN WHITEN YOUR SMILE - Questions behind Tooth Whitening There are many causes of tooth staining. Certain medicines, tooth trauma, root fillings, and certain foods and beverages can cause tooth discoloration over time. Some discolorations are superficial while others are internal. Both can be effectively treated by a dentist; professional whitening is the best option to safely lighten discolored teeth. HOW DOES BLEACHING WORK? The whitening process is possible “due to the ability of the carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to freely pass through enamel and dentin and to permeate to all parts of the tooth.”1 These peroxides break down into oxygen radicals, which migrate between the enamel prisms, breaking down any colored molecules that result in tooth discoloration. The structure of the tooth is not altered; the internal tooth color is simply made lighter. “Bleaching agents break down into tiny molecules and move in all directions so even if the entire tooth is not covered with bleach, the entire tooth is whitened.”2 Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of peroxides in whitening teeth. Enamel, dentin, existing fillings, and bonding materials are not affected by the whitening agents, nor are they harmed by the whitening materials. IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR BLEACHING? No younger than 12 years. There is no upper age limit. Elderly people like to be able to reduce the signs of tooth aging, many are not aware of the chances bleaching can offer. WILL BLEACHING WEAKEN THE TOOTH’S ENAMEL? Findings on the Opalescence PF product line presented at the American Association of Dental Research confirm that whitening with Opalescence PF will actually minimize sensitivity, provide anti-caries benefits, increase enamel microhardness, and improve overall enamel health.3,4,5,6 WILL BLEACHING CAUSE TOOTH SENSITIVITY? Tooth sensitivity is a relatively common side effect of bleaching. If sensitivity occurs, it is transient and disappears after the completion of bleaching. However, all Opalescence products include PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride) desensitizing agents for additional comfort. Research has shown that “just as hydrogen peroxide penetrates through the enamel and dentin and to the pulp, so does potassium nitrate. Fluoride acts primarily as a tubular blocker, plugging the holes and slowing down the fluid flow that causes the sensitivity. Potassium nitrate acts more like an analgesic or anesthetic by keeping the nerve from repolarizing after it has depolarized in the pain cycle.”7 HOW LONG DOES THE BLEACHING LAST? Bleaching results are very stable, but depending on the patient’s nutrition and lifestyle habits, the procedure may need to be redone periodically. Due to the safety of the bleaching agents, this should not concern the dentist or patient. WILL BLEACHING AFFECT BOND STRENGTH? Even though bleaching agents release a great amount of oxygen into the tooth, existing bonds are not weakened.8 If bleaching before bonding, allow a period of 7-10 days after bleaching. The high concentration of oxygen in the tooth could significantly and adversely affect polymerization of the resins.8 IMPORTANT: DENTIST SUPERVISION IS THE BEST WAY TO WHITEN! Tooth whitening treatments today are effective/efficacious and safe if they are used appropriately and with the correct materials. This includes an initial diagnosis, professional teeth cleaning, briefing on the chosen whitening process, and monitoring of the patient during the treatment phase. Self-treatment by the patient with over-the-counter (OTC) products often does not provide the results desired. All products of the Opalescence system are medical devices, and are dispensed or released only by dental practitioners. 1 Haywood VB. History, safety and effectiveness of current bleaching techniques and applications of the nightguard vital bleaching technique. Quintessence Int., 1992 23(7): 471-488 2 Morgan J, Presley S. In-office “power” bleaching of vital teeth as an adjunct to at-home bleaching. Advanced Tooth Whitening Vol. 2 Pract Procedures and Aesthet Dent 2002;14(1):16-23. 3 Basting RT, et al: The Effects of Seven Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Agents on Enamel Microhardness Over Time, J Am Dent Assoc. 2003 Oct; 134(10):1335-42. 4 Al-Qunaian TA, The Effect of Whitening Agents on Caries Susceptibility of Human Enamel, Oper Dent. 2005 Mar-Apr;30(2):265-70. 5 Clark LM et al: Influence of Fluoridated Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gel on Enamel Demineralization. (AADR Abstract #0497), 2006. 6 Amaechi BT et al: Enamel Fluoride Uptake from Fluoridated Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gel (AADR Abstract #0498), 2006. 7 Haywood VB. A comparison of at-home and in-office bleaching. Dentistry Today 2000, 19(4) 44-53. 8 R.S. Schwartz, J.B. Summitt, J.W. Robbins. Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry-A Contemporary Approach, 2nd edition. Chicago: Quintessence, 2001. 4