Teeth whitening

There are several methods of teeth whitening and it is up to the individual to decide which one to choose, depending on convenience, speed and financial means:

• Teeth whitening with trays at home.

The patient-specific caps with bleaching agent are worn daily for 10 to 14 hours. This lasts about two weeks. For a good effect, the instructions given by the dentist must be followed very closely. In case of tooth sensitivity, breaks of a few days or a week should be taken, and the use of desensitising toothpastes or fluoride-containing products should be used;

• Teeth whitening in the dentist’s office.

In our clinic, teeth whitening is carried out with Opalescence Boost PF 40% (active ingredient hydrogen peroxide). This is a whitening method that reaches the deep layers of the tooth and whitens them. It does not require light activation of the whitening gel and therefore does not dehydrate the teeth, resulting in significantly less tooth sensitivity than whitening methods that require light activation.

When teeth whitening is performed, the first step is to determine the colour of the teeth using the VITA colour scale. Afterwards, the gums are coated with a protective material and then the whitening material is applied to the teeth. The teeth whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth 2 times for 20 minutes per visit. After each application, the gel is washed off and a new layer is applied. This method of teeth whitening is superior to other methods in that it achieves results quickly and efficiently. After the session, your teeth will have a lighter shade, but the procedure may need to be repeated 1 or 2 more times to achieve the best result.

• Internal teeth whitening.

This method of teeth whitening is used for single teeth, usually endodontically treated teeth that are dead and discoloured. Sometimes it can be very different from the rest of the teeth and cause discomfort to the patient. In this case, the tooth is bleached from the inside by injecting a bleaching agent into the cavity formed in the tooth. The medication is changed approximately every 5 days until the desired result is achieved. The procedure may have to be repeated as the result is not long-lasting.

Teeth whitening is not an ordinary beautification procedure. It should be taken seriously and avoid risky experiments and obscure methods found on internet forums where non-medical people discuss and share their advice. In all cases, we recommend that you consult your dentist before you prepare to whiten your teeth so that he or she can examine your teeth, determine whether whitening will harm them and help you choose the right method.

During the first 24 hours after the whitening procedure, it is advisable not to drink coffee, tea, smoke, drink red wine or other colouring foods or drinks. It is also advisable to avoid coloured rinses, toothpastes and other coloured oral care products after the whitening procedure.

Teeth whitening is not recommended for braces wearers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people allergic to peroxide or other substances in the whitening gel, people with gum disease, tooth decay, or people with badly worn or sensitive teeth. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for children and adolescents under the age of 18, because at a young age the enamel of the teeth is not fully formed, and teeth whitening can disrupt the enamel formation.