Tooth
whitening
A procedure in which the teeth are lightened by being treated with a special chemical whitening agent (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide).
Tooth
Methods of tooth whitening:
- in-office (with a laser or lamp).
- at home (with trays).
Our clinic performs tooth whitening with a diode H1 laser — a professional and safe chemical tooth whitening method that delivers a fast and effective result, as not only the outer enamel but also the deeper-lying dentin is whitened. The laser energy activates the whitening gel, which then breaks down and produces the whitening effect on the tooth. Compared with other whitening methods (e.g. a lamp), laser whitening produces especially little tooth sensitivity, so after just a 1-hour visit patients can enjoy a white, radiant and pain-free smile.
In-office whitening (laser whitening at our clinic) procedure steps (duration around 1 hour):
- The gums and tooth defects are covered with a special material protecting them from any unwanted effect of the whitening gel.
- A carbamide or hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied and activated with the laser.
- The laser energy accelerates the breakdown of the active whitening agent and the entire whitening process, so usually just one procedure is enough to achieve the desired result.
At-home whitening with trays
This whitening method takes longer (10–14 days), as there is no additional activation to accelerate the whitening process, and nothing protects the gums or enamel. At-home whitening is therefore less safe than in-clinic whitening.
At-home tray whitening process:
- After impressions of both jaws are taken, custom whitening trays are made at the dental technician’s laboratory.
- Together with the trays, you are given syringes with whitening agent to take home.
- The trays with gel should be worn daily for 2–4 hours a day, or worn at night. If you feel sensitivity, consult a specialist, use a remineralising cream and wear the trays every other day or reduce the number of hours.
Before tooth whitening, you should:
- Have professional oral hygiene so that all plaque and stains are removed.
- Treat any caries-damaged teeth (important before at-home tray whitening, as no special protective material is used).
F. A. Q.
Which whitening method should I choose?
It should be noted that with different whitening methods the final effect will be the same, as the degree of whitening depends directly on the tooth tissue structure, not on the whitening method. Only the duration of the procedure, the degree of short-term tooth sensitivity, and whether gum protection is used differ.
Advantages of in-office whitening over at-home tray whitening:
- fast result (in-clinic whitening produces an effect after just 1 hour, while at-home whitening takes 10–14 days);
- in-clinic, a protective material is used to cover the gums, tooth cracks or exposed sensitive necks, preventing unwanted sensitivity;
- no discomfort — you do not need to wear gel-filled trays for hours or sleep with them at night, some of which often gets swallowed;
- before aesthetic filling or prosthetic procedures, in-clinic whitening is preferable — once new restorations are placed and tooth shape changes, the whitening trays will no longer fit and will need to be remade.
Before larger restorative procedures (aesthetic filling or prosthetics) and when whitening for the first time, it is better to try the in-clinic method, as the gums will be protected and the risk of post-whitening sensitivity will be minimised.
How can I know how much my teeth will whiten?
The effect depends on the tooth tissue structure, so everyone’s teeth whiten differently. However, there are also situations where, due to thin enamel or too many fillings/crowns, there is no significant effect. In such cases, during the examination the dentist will explain that a different way of brightening the teeth is needed (aesthetic filling or veneers).
Can I eat after the whitening procedure?
You can eat, but for the next 24 hours staining foods are strictly forbidden (e.g. beetroot, carrots, coffee, black or green tea, pomegranate juice, blueberries, etc.). Such products should also be avoided for another 2 weeks after whitening.
Is the whitening procedure painful?
No, it is not. However, if increased tooth sensitivity is present, whitening is stopped and not carried out.
Is whitening harmful?
If tooth whitening is performed correctly and in moderation, it is a completely safe procedure. Scientific studies have shown that with moderate whitening (1–2 times a year), no structural changes are observed in the tooth tissues after whitening.
What sensations are possible after the whitening procedure?
Temporary sensitivity to cold air may be felt for 1–2 days.
How long does the whitening effect last?
The result depends on your diet and habits. If you consume a lot of staining foods or smoke, the result will be shorter-lived.
When do teeth not whiten?
The tooth whitening procedure may be ineffective if there is no enamel left (e.g. in cases of severe erosion or wear) or if the teeth have many fillings or prostheses.
When is whitening not recommended?
Tooth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for people with many fillings or crowns on their front teeth.
From what age can whitening be performed?
Tooth whitening can be performed on persons aged 18 and over, and from age 16 with parental consent.
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