Teeth Whitening: Everything you need to know!

If you think your teeth need whitening, the right person to discuss it with is your dentist. With your dentist you will decide which method is most suitable for you.

What methods are available?

At the dental office: After discussing with the dentist and being informed about the procedure, your preparation begins. The dentist will perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth, treat any cavities and replace damaged fillings. They record the current shade of the teeth for comparison with the final result. A protective gel is placed on the gums or a rubber dam is used for gum protection. Then, the whitening agent, which contains hydrogen peroxide in a ratio of 30-35%, is applied to the teeth and needs approximately 20 minutes to take effect. Depending on the result of each session, the continuation or not of the procedure is determined. Whitening at the dental office is usually completed in 2-3 visits, lasting 30 minutes each. One week passes between visits.

At home: The ingredient used in this method is carbamide peroxide in various concentrations. The preparation of the teeth is the same as mentioned above. Then, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to fabricate special customized soft trays. At the next visit, each tray is checked for proper fit on the teeth, and the necessary instructions are given for using the whitening agent with the tray. These instructions should be followed to the letter. Depending on the type of whitening agent, you should wear the tray either all night or 1-2 hours during the day. This method lasts 2 weeks, and each week the result should be checked by the dentist.

Caution is needed and patients should avoid indiscriminate use of tooth whitening products at home.

What problems may arise?

During whitening, temporary tooth sensitivity may be observed, which disappears upon completion of the procedure. Gum irritation may also occur, either because the tray was not applied correctly, or because the whitening material came into contact with the gums. However, none of these symptoms are cause for concern as they disappear once the whitening is finished. Your dentist will give you the necessary advice.

How permanent is the result?

The whitening result lasts approximately 2-3 years, without however the tooth color returning to its original shade before whitening. Your teeth, that is, remain whiter for years but the result gradually regresses slightly. You can slow down this regression by limiting the consumption of foods, drinks and habits with coloring substances that “stain” teeth, such as frequent consumption of coffee, red wine and persistent smoking.

Pregnant women should not undergo teeth whitening. The reason is that the effects of whitening agents on fetal development are unknown and therefore it is better to avoid them. Teeth whitening can be done after the birth of the child.