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Teeth whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is an effective method that involves applying a gel containing peroxide to the teeth to eliminate unwanted stains. Several factors can cause discoloration of living teeth. Often, it is a superficial buildup of dental plaque or tartar, which can easily become stained due to frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. In these cases, a simple cleaning and polishing performed by a dental hygienist is usually enough to remove these superficial stains.

However, the discoloration can also be embedded deeper into the enamel and dentin. Aging, certain foods, tobacco products, medications such as tetracyclines, excessive fluoride during childhood, or dental caries are all causes that can explain these internal stains. For this type of discoloration, teeth whitening proves to be a particularly suitable treatment.

It is essential to emphasize, however, that not all discolorations respond the same way to whitening. This is why a thorough dental examination and an accurate diagnosis by the dentist are indispensable to optimize results and choose the best approach. Thus, thanks to personalized treatment, you can regain a bright and radiant smile.

Duration of your teeth whitening

The average treatment duration usually ranges between two and six weeks. However, teeth stained by nicotine or certain medications like tetracycline require a longer treatment, which can last from two to six months.

For so-called “normal” staining, plan for a maximum treatment duration of:

– Up to 6 weeks with at-home treatment
– About 6 sessions in the clinic, with one session per week to achieve optimal results

In cases of nicotine-induced staining, the recommended duration is longer:

– Up to 3 months for at-home treatment
– 12 sessions in the clinic for effective whitening

Finally, if the staining is caused by tetracycline (with deep gray-brown shades or horizontal lines), the treatment will be even more prolonged:

– Up to 6 months with at-home treatment
– Up to 24 sessions in the clinic

Since each case is unique, it is important to adjust the treatment duration according to the nature and intensity of the staining to achieve the best results.

Color stability achieved

The color should remain stable for a period of 1 to 3 years according to the patient. In cases of color return, one can expect to lose about 20% of the whiteness gained during bleaching.

Side effects

• Tooth sensitivity.

• Sensitivity and/or redness of the gums.

• Sensitivity and/or redness of the throat.

Touch-ups

Mini-treatments lasting 2-3 or 4 days can be repeated every 6 months to 1 year.

Strength of the tooth

Structurally, the tooth does not become more fragile with whitening, but the surface temporarily becomes a bit softer and more porous.

Contraindications to whitening treatment

Before undergoing teeth whitening, it is essential to be aware of certain contraindications to preserve your oral health. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to postpone this treatment to avoid any unnecessary risks.

Similarly, people suffering from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should avoid teeth whitening, as these inflammatory conditions can weaken the mucous membranes. If you have chronic heartburn, your mouth may be more sensitive, making the treatment less suitable.

Whitening is also not recommended for individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to cancer, AIDS, or an autoimmune disease. This precaution aims to avoid worsening their condition.

Finally, if you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or suffer from bruxism, as well as if you wear orthodontic appliances such as braces, it is important to consult your doctor or dentist before proceeding with whitening.

Contact us to schedule your appointment!

Do you want a dazzling smile? Teeth whitening is the ideal solution to safely restore the whiteness of your teeth. Our team of professionals will assist you with a personalized evaluation to choose the method best suited to your profile. Don’t wait any longer to regain confidence in your smile!