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Informed Consent for Whitening

INFORMED CONSENT FOR PHILIPS ZOOM WHITESPEED TOOTH WHITENING TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION
My orthodontist has informed me that my teeth could be treated by in-office whitening
(also known as “bleaching”) of my teeth. This information has been given to me so that I can make an
informed decision about having my teeth whitened. I may take as much time as I wish to make my
decision about signing this informed consent form. I have the right to ask questions about any
procedure before agreeing to undergo the procedure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE
Zoom in-office tooth whitening is a procedure designed to lighten the color of my teeth using a
combination of a hydrogen peroxide gel and a specially designed visible LED light lamp. The Zoom
treatment involves using the gel and lamp in conjunction with each other to produce maximum
whitening results in the shortest possible time. During the procedure, the whitening gel will be applied
to my teeth and my teeth will be exposed to the light from the Zoom lamp for three (3), 15-minute
sessions. There is an optional fourth session for those with dark stains. During the entire treatment, a
plastic retractor will be placed in my mouth to help keep it open and the soft tissues of my mouth (i.e.,
my lips, gums, cheeks and tongue) will be covered to ensure they are not exposed to either the gel or
light. I will be provided a visible LED light filter for my eyes. After the treatment is completed, the
retractor and all gel and tissue coverings will be removed from my mouth. Before and after the
treatment, the shade of my upper-front teeth will be assessed and recorded.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
I understand I may decide not to have the Zoom treatment at all. However, should I decide to undergo
the treatment, I understand there are alternative treatments for whitening my teeth for which my
dentist can provide me additional information. These treatments include: Whitening Toothpastes/Gels,
Other In-office Whitening Treatments, Take-Home Whitening Kits, Porcelain Crowns , Veneers or
Composites.
COST
I understand that the cost of my Zoom treatment is determined by my dentist. I understand that my
dentist will inform me if there are any other costs associated with my Zoom treatment.
RISKS OF CONSENT FOR TREATMENT
I understand that:
 existing issues should be treated before undergoing a whitening procedure.
 results will vary or regress due to a variety of circumstances.
 Zoom whitening treatments are not intended to lighten artificial teeth, caps, crowns, veneers or
porcelain, composite or other restorative materials, and that these types of restorations may
need to be replaced at my expense to match my newly whitening teeth.
 darkly stained yellow or yellow-brown teeth frequently achieve better results than people with
gray or bluish-gray teeth.
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 teeth with multiple colorations, bands, splotches or spots due to tetracycline use or fluorosis do
not whiten as well, may whiten unevenly, may require additional whitening, or may not whiten
at all.
 Previous orthodontic treatments may cause teeth to whiten unevenly if any resin from the
treatment was not properly removed from the teeth, either due to residual resin remaining on
the teeth or overpolishing upon removal.
 those with porcelain fused to metal crowns, amalgams, lingual bars or implants may feel
excessive heat.
 teeth with many fillings or cavities may not lighten and are usually best treated with other non-
whitening alternatives.
 the Zoom Lamp emits visible LED light and all materials used in the isolation process, when
properly used as directed, will block any exposures of soft tissues to this light.
 it is recommended that those currently treated for a serious illness or disorder (e.g. immune
compromised, AIDS, etc) should consult a medical doctor before use.
 Zoom treatment is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
I understand that the results of my Zoom Treatment cannot be guaranteed.
I understand that in-office whitening treatments are considered generally safe by most dental
professionals. I understand that although my dentist has been trained in the proper use of the Zoom
whitening system, the treatment is not without risk.
I understand that some of the potential complications of this treatment include, but are not limited to:
Tooth Sensitivity/Pain – During the first 24 hours after Zoom treatment, some patients can experience
some tooth sensitivity or pain. This is normal and is usually mild, but it can be worse in susceptible
individuals. Normally, tooth sensitivity or pain following a Zoom treatment subsides within 24 hours,
but in rare cases can persist for longer periods of time in susceptible individuals. People with existing
sensitivity, recession exposing root surfaces, exposed dentin, untreated caries, cracked teeth,
abfractions , oral tissue injury, open cavities, leaking fillings, or other dental conditions that cause
sensitivity or allow higher penetration of the gel into the tooth may find that those condition increase
or prolong tooth sensitivity or pain after Zoom treatment.
Gum/Lip/Cheek Inflammation/Burn – Improper isolation during the whitening procedure may cause or
result in (i) inflammation of your gums, lips or cheek margins due to exposure of a small area of those
tissues to the whitening gel or the LED light, or (ii) a chemical burn due to whitening gel coming in
contact with soft tissue. The inflammation or burn is usually temporary and will subside in a few days,
but may persist longer and may result in significant pain or discomfort, depending on the degree to
which the soft tissues were exposed to the gel or LED light.
Dry/Chapped Lips – The Zoom treatment involves three, 15-minute sessions during which the mouth is
kept open continuously for the entire treatment by a plastic retractor which covers the lips. This could
result in dryness or chapping of the lips or cheek margins, which can be treated by application of lip
balm, petroleum jelly or Vitamin E oil.
Cavities or Leaking Fillings – Most dental whitening is indicated for the outside of the teeth, except for
patients who have already undergone a root canal procedure. If any open cavities or fillings that are
leaking and allowing gel to penetrate the tooth are present, significant pain could result. I understand
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that if my teeth have these conditions, I should have my cavities filled or my fillings redone before
undergoing the Zoom treatment.
Cervical Abrasion/Erosion – These are conditions which affect the roots of the teeth when the gums
recede and they are characterized by grooves, notches and/or depressions, that appear darker than the
rest of the teeth, where the teeth meet the gums. These areas appear darker because they lack the
enamel that covers the rest of the teeth. Even if these areas are not currently sensitive, they can allow
the whitening gel to penetrate the teeth, causing sensitivity. I understand that if cervical abrasion/
erosion exists on my teeth, these areas will be covered with dental dam prior to my Zoom treatment.
Relapse – After the Zoom treatment, it is natural for the teeth that underwent the Zoom treatment to
regress somewhat in their shading after treatment. This is natural and should be very gradual, but it can
be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents. Treatment usually involves wearing a
take-home tray or repeating the Zoom treatment. I understand that the results of the Zoom treatment
are not intended to be permanent and secondary, repeat or take-home treatments may be needed for
me to maintain the tooth shade I desire for my teeth.
The safety, efficacy, potential complications and risks of Zoom treatment can be explained to me by my
dentist and I understand that more information on this will be provided to me upon my request. Since it
is impossible to state every complication that may occur as a result of Zoom treatment, the list of
complications in this form is incomplete.
The basic procedures of Zoom treatment and the advantages and disadvantages, risks and known
possible complications of alternative treatments have been explained to me by my dentist and my
dentist has answered all my questions to my satisfaction.
SIGNATURES
By signing this document in the space provided I indicate that I have read this informed consent (or it
has been read to me), I fully understand the entire document and the possible risks, complications and
benefits that can result from the Zoom treatment, and that I give my permission for the Zoom treatment
to be performed on me.

Variations in the Results: Treatment results may vary or regress depending on the patient and a variety of circumstances. The achievement of a certain shade is unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed. Whitening treatments are not intended to lighten artificial teeth, caps, crowns, veneers, or composites, and teeth with multiple coloration, bands, splotches, or spots may need multiple treatments or may not whiten at all.

Relapse: After treatment, it is natural for teeth to regress to a somewhat darker shade. This progression tends to be gradual but can be accelerated if teeth are exposed to various staining agents. The results are not permanent, and secondary, repeat, or take-home treatments may be needed to maintain the lightest tooth shade achieved after treatment. Refraining from consuming any dark-colored substances that could discolor your teeth for the first 48 hours after treatment is recommended. Some examples of dark substances are coffee, teas, colored sodas, all tobacco, mustard, ketchup, red wine, soy sauce, berries, and red sauces.

Risks: In-office and take-home whitening treatments are considered safe but are not without risks. The most common side effect is sensitivity, which will subside over time and can be managed with desensitizing toothpaste. Please discuss any specific concerns you may have with the dentist.

Consequences of Not Performing These Procedures: None.

Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that your whitening is completed properly, although it is not possible to guarantee perfect results. By signing below, you acknowledge that you have received adequate information about the proposed procedures, that you understand this information, and that all of your questions have been fully answered. You also give permission for photographs or other information derived from your treatment to be used in clinical and economic research, practice marketing, and patient-education activities and materials, provided that your identity is not reasonably discernible.

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