AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure the best possible results and to maintain the brightness of your smile, please follow these after-care instructions carefully:
THE WHITE DIET
Follow the White Diet for 24-48 hours after a teeth whitening treatment. Remember that after a teeth whitening treatment, the pores of your enamel are open and this makes them extra vulnerable to any stains. Once the pores close, which usually happens 24-48 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits.
Foods You Can Have
BEVERAGES
Water, sparkling water, and milk.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
Vodka, gin, and white wine.
MEAT
Chicken, turkey, and white fish.
OTHERS
White pasta, white rice, white sauce, cauliflower, cottage cheese, potatoes (no skin), and bananas.
Foods You Should Avoid
BEVERAGES
Orange juice, any acidic fruit juice, tea, coffee, colas, other fizzy drinks, and energy drinks.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
Red wine and stout or dark beer.
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, broccoli, spinach, and green vegetables, tomatoes, and beets.
OTHERS
Chocolate, refined sugars, wheat bread, red sauces such as spaghetti sauce, butter, and margarine.
Avoid Extremely Hot or Cold Liquids
These are dangerous to your white smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change (hot and cold cycling) causes teeth to expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate your teeth. Try cutting down on these type of drinks(including coffee and tea) or try drinking them with a straw to reduce the amount of time they are in contact with your teeth.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
For the first 48 hours after your treatment, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, berries, and any foods with strong colors. Consuming these can reduce the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.
Avoid Food and Drinks that Are Acidic
Acidic foods and beverages open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to more easily penetrate your teeth. Use a straw to help minimize the contact of these substances with your teeth.
FURTHER ADVICE
Cut Back on Drinking and Smoking
Frequently consumption of alcoholic drinks and heavy smoking can reverse the effects of teeth whitening. Many alcoholic drinks such as wine have tannins that can stain the teeth. The same goes for the nicotine in tobacco. If you cannot quit drinking and smoking entirely, at least try to do it in moderation or lessen the frequency. If you smoke, it’s highly recommended not to refrain from smoking for a minimum of 48 hours post-treatment.
Use Smudge-Proof Lipstick
Use smudge-proof lipstick to keep lipstick from getting on your teeth because regular lipstick can stain teeth.
Use Maintenance Products
Use Minerals Enamel Booster to seal in results and lock out stains. Use our 1 Year Smile Maintenance Kit once a month and/or use Forever White to touch-up your smile as needed.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Consider using a whitening toothpaste to help maintain the results, but wait a few days after the treatment to start using it to avoid sensitivity.
Use a Straw
When drinking beverages other than water, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, especially during the first 48 hours after your treatment. This can help maintain the whitening effects for a longer period.
Attend Follow-up and Touch-up Appointments
Depending on your individual case and the type of whitening treatment used, follow-up or touch-up appointments may be necessary to achieve or maintain the desired whiteness. Attend these appointments as recommended by Refined Shades.
Manage Sensitivity
It’s uncommon to experience tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments. If sensitivity occurs, please note it will subside within 24-48 hours. Use a toothpaste such as Sensodyne designed for sensitive teeth if you’re experiencing discomfort. You may also take Ibuprofen/Advil to help ease this. If sensitivity is severe or persists, contact me for advice and possible solutions.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water helps to rinse away residues and maintain hydration, which is beneficial for your oral health and the appearance of your teeth.
By following these post-care instructions, you can enjoy your whiter smile for as long as possible. If you have any questions or concerns following your teeth whitening treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact me.