Teeth whitening at the dentist

Contraindications to teeth whitening

Before starting teeth whitening, it is necessary to take into account some contraindications:

• Immaturity of milk teeth: children and adolescents should not undergo whitening, since their milk teeth are not yet fully formed, and the procedure can harm their development.
• Diseases of the gums: people with gum disease, such as periodontitis or periodontal disease, should consult a dentist, as whitening can worsen the condition of the gums.
• Genetic factors: in some people, the teeth have a naturally yellow tint, which may not respond to whitening.
• Damage to enamel: patients with damaged enamel, for example, as a result of caries or mechanical injuries, should be careful.
• Recently completed dental treatment: especially root canal treatment — a suitable time interval should be observed before bleaching.

How to prepare for teeth whitening?

• Hygiene of teeth This is a crucial step before bleaching. Removal of deposits and tartar increases the effectiveness and shortens the time of the procedure. Hygienization is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized equipment.
• Consultation with a dentist — it is worth making sure that there are no contraindications to whitening and to report any changes in the mouth, especially gum disease.
• Evaluation of prosthetic restorations — fillings and crowns may not respond to bleaching and require an individual approach.
• Avoiding coloring foods and drinks — such as coffee, tea, red wine for a few days before the procedure.

After the procedure, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene: daily brushing, flossing and rinsing the mouth, which will allow you to maintain the whitening effect for longer.

Methods of teeth whitening

• Whitening in the dental office — using a UV lamp or laser.
• Overlay Whitening — use of individually tailored overlays with whitening gel, mainly at home.
• Whitening pastes — available for daily use.
• Mouthwashes and whitening cosmetics — complement the care.

The effectiveness and safety of each method depends on the individual case, so before choosing it is worth consulting with a dentist.

Teeth whitening — at home or in the office?

In-office whitening is more effective and faster with stronger means and specialized equipment, however, it is more expensive and requires a visit to the dentist. Whitening at home is cheaper and more convenient, but the effects appear more slowly and are less intense.

Teeth whitening with the Beyond lamp

The method consists in irradiating the teeth with a special light emitted by the Beyond lamp, which activates the whitening gel applied to the teeth. The procedure lasts about 30-60 minutes and may require several sessions to achieve the desired effect.

Overlay teeth whitening

It consists in the use of individually tailored overlays with whitening gel, which the patient wears for several hours a day or at night. The procedure is convenient and can be carried out independently at home, however, the effects appear after a few weeks or months.

Rules for applying overlays:

• Wash and dry your teeth thoroughly before applying the overlays.
• Adjust the overlays to the shape of the teeth.
• Apply them according to the recommendations of the dentist.
• After removing the overlays, brush your teeth and tongue.
• Apply overlays regularly.

How long does the whitening effect last?

• In the dental office — the effect lasts for several years, but requires periodic maintenance.
• At home (overlays, paste) — the effect lasts from several months to a year.

The durability of the effect is influenced by lifestyle, diet and hygiene. Avoid coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, which can weaken the whitening effect.

Is teeth whitening safe for enamel?

Whitening carried out by a specialist or using approved products is safe for enamel. Excessive or incorrect use can lead to damage to the enamel, toothache or irritation of the gums. Always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and the dentist.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

The procedure can cause mild or moderate discomfort, especially irritation of the gums. With laser or lamp whitening, burning is less common, but possible. In case of pain, you should consult a dentist.

Is it possible to whiten a dead tooth?

A dead tooth does not respond to standard whitening, since there is no living tissue in it. You can improve its appearance by:

• installation of a crown or veneer,
• color correction with special preparations,
• removal and replacement with an implant or bridge.

Can fillings be bleached?

Fillings do not whiten like natural teeth. In the case of color difference, you can:

• replace the filling with a new one of the appropriate color,
• cover them with a crown or veneer,
• apply color correction with preparations.

Can implants be bleached?

Implants made of titanium do not bleach. It is possible to whiten crowns, veneers or bridges embedded on implants if they are made of materials that respond to bleaching. Before the procedure, it is necessary to consult a dentist.

What diet after teeth whitening?

For a few days after the procedure, you should avoid:

• dark drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, cola),
• dark fruits and vegetables (berries, beets),
• sweet and sour dishes (cakes, citrus fruits).

Recommendations:

• brush your teeth after each meal,
• use toothpaste intended for teeth after bleaching,
• rinse your mouth after eating,
• regularly use preventive dental procedures (sandblasting, scaling).

Remember that teeth whitening is only part of comprehensive oral care. Regular washing, flossing, use of rinses and follow-up visits to the dentist are key to a healthy and beautiful smile.