Teeth whitening

More and more people want whiter and more beautiful teeth. In this article you will find the answer to your teeth whitening questions.

- Why do teeth turn yellow? Over time, the natural aging process as well as lifestyle and diet can change the color of the teeth. In most cases, the teeth change their color to yellowish brown due to the infiltration of the enamel with organic substances from food such as: coffee, nicotine, red wine, tea, etc. Professional bleaching substances put in contact with the enamel interact only with the infiltrated organic substances that they oxidize, resulting in the whitening of the teeth. Bleaching substances do not have the ability to affect inorganic/mineral substances, i.e. tooth enamel, thus the tooth structure remains unaffected. Teeth that have had their nerve extracted (root canal treated) and have a gray tinge, can benefit from the application of the bleaching substance inside the tooth or can have crowns applied.

- What are the teeth whitening methods and products? 1. Toothpastes with a whitening effect manage to remove recent stains caused by a meal that included coloring food or drinks (tomato sauce, red wine, coffee, tea, spinach, etc.). These do not actually whiten the teeth, but rather remove recent stains. We do not recommend using these toothpastes for a long time because being abrasive over time they can damage the enamel or cause tooth sensitivity. 2. Whitening at home in trays - indicated by the dentist after he has determined the cause of teeth staining, following a consultation. The gel is applied for several days (maximum two weeks), 4-8 hours a day (depending on the concentration and the manufacturer's instructions) in special bottles. These gels contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (10-16%). They are effective and it is a controlled method of teeth whitening. 3. Whitening in the office has a faster action (45-90 minutes). These gels also contain peroxides, but with a higher concentration (35-40%). The procedure takes place in the office under the doctor's supervision. This reduces the risk of gum irritation, and the results are immediate and remarkable.

To remember! Teeth whitening is performed only after a consultation with the dentist, who will determine the cause of the discoloration of your teeth and choose the most suitable method for each patient. Whatever whitening method you choose in the office or at home, before applying the whitening gel, the teeth must be perfectly clean. Thus, it is recommended that teeth whitening be done immediately after professional hygiene (scaling, air-flow, professional brushing). ATTENTION: We must also bear in mind that whitening has no effect on crowns or any other type of tooth that is not natural. If you have a filling, the whitening will only affect the surface of the enamel, not the filling, which will remain unchanged. They can be replaced later to blend in with the newly obtained tooth color. Bleaching will not be able to remove stains caused by dental caries, dystrophies or stains caused by tetracycline treatments carried out in childhood, but they can be treated with the help of veneers or crowns. During or immediately after the whitening procedure, sensitivity or even temporary pain may occur. By applying a fluoride desensitizer/gel, they can be reduced to nothing. The degree of tooth whitening varies depending on several factors: the type of stains, the concentration of the whitening agent in the product used, the time during which the whitening agent acts on the tooth and the frequency with which the treatment is repeated. The result is not the same for all patients.

- Are there any contraindications? YES! The absolute contraindication is for pregnant women, as there is a risk of affecting the fetus, those who are breastfeeding and children up to 15 years old, whose teeth are still in the process of growth and development, as well as patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with visible fixed appliances, until their removal. Other contraindications: people with gum disease or dental erosion, people with very sensitive teeth or allergic to peroxide.

- How long does the whitening effect last? At what time interval can it be repeated? It is important to know that teeth tend to recolor, gradually returning to their original shade. The duration depends on the diet. The most obvious recoloring period is in the first three months, but about 70% of the teeth whitening effect is preserved up to 2 years in most cases. A minimum of 1 year must pass between two professional whitening treatments.

- What do we have to do after professional teeth whitening? On the first day after the whitening treatment, the patient must avoid eating foods or drinks that color, such as: red wine, coffee, tea, cigarettes. If sensitivity occurs, toothpastes against tooth sensitivity can be used or fluoridation treatments can be performed (in the office or at home). Last but not least, don't forget to come for regular checkups and cleanings once every 6 months.

We recommend that you do not use (non-professional) whitening methods without the advice of your dentist. You are exposing yourself to risks to your health. Therefore, do not hesitate to turn to the dentist with confidence who is able to recommend the most suitable and effective whitening method for your teeth. Do you have any questions? Do not hesitate to contact us!