Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment designed to brighten the colour of teeth, making them whiter and brighter. This treatment is commonly performed in aesthetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of a smile by reducing stains and discolourations on the teeth. Here is how teeth whitening works in aesthetics:
Initial Evaluation
Before the teeth whitening process begins, a dentist or aesthetic professional conducts an initial evaluation to determine whether the treatment is suitable for you. Some individuals may not qualify due to underlying dental issues.
Preparation
First, your teeth are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar, which could hinder the bleaching process.
Before the treatment, we check with you for any contraindications, such as pregnancy, ongoing medical treatment, sensitive teeth or irritated gums.
Whitening Options
At-Home Whitening: The dentist may provide an at-home whitening kit with custom-made trays and a bleaching gel containing a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. You fill the trays with the gel and wear them for a specified period daily over a few weeks. This is a gradual process.
In-Office Whitening: This method is also known as professional in-chair bleaching. The dentist applies a more concentrated bleaching gel to your teeth and then uses a special light or a laser to activate the gel. This process is usually faster and may provide immediate results.
Aftercare
After whitening, you may be advised to avoid certain potentially staining foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, and red wine) for a while to maintain the results. Good oral care, including regular brushing and flossing, is also essential.
Mechanism of Teeth Whitening
The fundamental principle of teeth whitening is based on the use of products containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals penetrate the tooth enamel and react with the molecules responsible for stains and discolourations, breaking them down to brighten the teeth's colour. However, it's important to note that teeth whitening is not permanent, and the results can vary from person to person, depending on various factors, including the type of tooth stains and dietary habits.
Pre-Treatment Advice
It is highly recommended to consult a dentist or an aesthetic dental professional before considering teeth whitening, as it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with existing dental issues. Furthermore, teeth whitening should be performed under the supervision of a professional to help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Recommendations after your teeth whitening
After your session, please follow these recommendations for 3 to 4 hours:
- do not eat;
- drink only water;
- do not smoke;
- no coloured mouthwash;
- do not brush your teeth.
For the 7 days after your sessions:
- water and clear drinks are the only drinks allowed;
- tea, coffee, herbal tea, coloured syrup, wine, soft drinks and acidic drinks are not recommended (or drink them through a straw);
- avoid coloured foods such as spices (curry, saffron) or sauces (ketchup, andalouse…), as well as strawberries, beetroot and spinach;
- spreads, jam and chocolate should also be avoided;
- smokers must brush their teeth gently after every cigarette. If you are outside, a good rinse will do;
- no coloured mouthwash;
- we recommend a white toothpaste (without coloured stripes), for example Sensodyne or Elmex.
Thank you for following these recommendations to keep an optimal result for as long as possible.
