ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines what is required for a thorough examination for whitening and describes how to undertake a whitening treatment plan and how to plan further esthetic treatment to follow whitening. It demonstrates methods of gathering useful information about patients, emphasizing the importance of medical and dental histories. The chapter discusses patient communication, methods for undertaking a smile analysis, management of patients' expectations, informed consent, and fee planning for whitening treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should be in a stable condition before commencing whitening treatment and may need to get clearance from their medical doctor. Patients should be warned of the factors before commencement of whitening, and of the fact that additional bonding procedures may be necessary to place composites at the neck of the roots. Although whitening teeth as a dental treatment is now more predictable than ever, there is still no guarantee that the teeth will whiten to a lighter shade.