Why is teeth whitening important?
Tooth colour is directly related to aesthetics and can have a significant impact on self-esteem. The pursuit of a whiter and more aesthetic smile is becoming increasingly common. Teeth whitening aims to make teeth look healthy and beautiful.
What factors affect the colour of our teeth?
Natural tooth colour can vary from person to person; however, factors such as age, tartar and/or carious lesions, smoking, drinking coffee or red wine, or consuming other foods and beverages with high pigment content can contribute to tooth discolouration.
Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?
Anyone can have their teeth whitened, provided their oral health is assessed beforehand. Patients with carious lesions, tooth sensitivity, or other dental or periodontal issues may require treatment prior to whitening.
Teeth whitening procedures are not recommended for pregnant women and, in accordance with the European Union Directive, cannot be performed on individuals under 18 years of age.
Do all teeth whiten evenly?
Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth, which means that any fillings, crowns, or bridges will not change colour and may need to be replaced after the treatment to match the shade of the rest of the teeth. In cases of dentine dysplasia, internal bleaching performed by a dentist is required. This involves placing a bleaching agent inside the tooth and temporarily sealing it for the duration of the whitening gel's action.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are tooth sensitivity and mild gum discomfort. These symptoms usually subside once the treatment is completed. However, incorrect application of higher-concentration whitening agents can lead to more serious injuries.
Who can perform teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening should be prescribed and performed by a dentist. Solutions and products found on the Internet, as well as some natural or homemade preparations, can be harmful and/or may damage the tooth surface and oral tissues. Supervision by an oral health professional is crucial due to the nature of the whitening agents used.
What does the teeth whitening procedure look like and how long does the process take?
Currently, it is very popular for patients to carry out the treatment at home under the ongoing supervision of a dentist. For this purpose, the dentist takes impressions in the dental surgery to create custom-fitted whitening trays for the patient. The patient then fills the trays with gel at home and wears them overnight for the duration recommended by the dentist. This procedure typically takes two weeks, although this period may vary depending on various factors, such as the initial shade of the teeth. To maintain long-lasting results, regular dental hygiene appointments should be scheduled. It is also important not to smoke and to avoid foods and drinks with high pigment content.
In summary, what are the individual stages of teeth whitening?
Dental check-up: assessment of the condition of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, as well as performing any necessary treatments prior to whitening, such as treating tooth decay.
Dental hygiene: teeth cleaning and scale removal.
Whitening: at-home treatment using custom trays and whitening gel.
In some cases: replacement of existing crowns, bridges, or fillings to achieve a uniform colour.
