Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening

Teeth can be covered with plaque or tartar, which can be stained by smoking, drinking coffee, tea or red wine. Scaling and polishing are usually enough to remove most of these stains.

Over time, however, staining can become lodged in the enamel and dentine of the teeth. This often results in a “yellow teeth” appearance. Tooth whitening then becomes the best solution for restoring teeth to their natural radiance.

This safe procedure uses hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide, which is applied to the teeth using a tray. The tray is a prefabricated mold made from an impression of your teeth. The whitening gel is deposited inside the trays, which can be worn during the day (lasting about an hour) or at night.

Usually, the best results are obtained when whitening is performed every day for a period of about 2 weeks. Once the initial treatment has been completed, periodic touch-ups can be performed at little cost, as the trays remain reusable as long as there are no major changes to the dentition.

Tips for at-home whitening

• Brush and floss thoroughly before inserting trays into mouth.
• Fill trays with whitening gel to about one-third of the container and place in the front of the tray.
• Insert the trays into the mouth and keep them in place for as long as necessary, according to your dentist’s instructions.
• Remove trays after the required time. Rinse trays thoroughly and clean with a toothbrush, taking care not to tear the tray.
• When whitening, avoid staining foods such as red wine, blueberries, tomato sauce, coffee, cola and so on. Smoking is not recommended during whitening.
• During whitening, your teeth and gums may become sensitive. If sensitivity becomes intolerable, stop bleaching for one or two days. If pain persists, contact your dentist to report it.
• The final result is highly variable and depends on a number of factors. For best results, you’ll need to be more insistent, increasing the contact time of the peroxide on the teeth and the frequency of use, or in some cases, up to several months.

Zoom chairside whitening

This safe and effective in-clinic teeth whitening technique quickly produces a brighter smile that will last for years. One or two one-hour sessions can whiten teeth up to four shades.

It’s important to know that only your dentist or hygienist can advise you on the right technique at the right time, to avoid unfortunate consequences and unnecessary pain. Dental bleaching is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women, people with very sensitive teeth, or people aged 16 or under.