What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is an aesthetic technique in dentistry that allows patients to achieve a whiter smile without causing damage to the teeth and without surgery.

This aesthetic technique is part of the area of dentistry responsible for restoring and improving the appearance of fractured teeth, teeth with cavities, and whitening the teeth.

Is it possible to whiten all teeth?

It is possible to whiten all types of teeth. Whitening can be applied to both vital and non-vital teeth.

External whitening – In external whitening, a gingival barrier is used to prevent the whitening agent from coming into contact with the gums or tissues adjacent to the teeth, preventing irritation.

This barrier is made with an injectable methacrylate resin, which is placed around the teeth to isolate them from the adjacent tissues. This resin hardens quickly with light from the light curing unit, and is easily removed after treatment.

Should any eventuality occur and the whitening product comes into contact with the tissues, another neutralizing product, based on anti-oxidizing agents, is immediately placed in the affected area.

Therefore, the dentist’s attention during treatment is extremely important. After protecting the tissues, the whitening gel is applied directly to the surface of the tooth enamel. This gel can be activated by LED or laser light, or simply by natural light, since the bleaching agent is the main responsible for the process.

Internal whitening – This procedure, called endodontic whitening, is performed in clinics and is recommended for patients who had to undergo endodontic treatment and now have darkened teeth.

It consists in applying the bleaching agent directly into the tooth’s pulp chamber, causing the whitening effect from the inside out.

The advantage is that it is a conservative way to recover the tooth’s original color. Nowadays, it is possible to perform this procedure safely and without problems.

At-home tooth whitening is a procedure that must be supervised by your dentist.

It consists of using a gel of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, applied in a tray that is worn for 2 hours a day, or preferably at night, for 2 to 3 weeks.

It is important to remember that this treatment can cause problems if it is not done under professional guidance.

Your dentist will determine if this is the best method for whitening your teeth, taking into account individual factors. The effectiveness and durability of the treatment depend on the patient’s diet and lifestyle.

In-office tooth whitening – In-office tooth whitening is a procedure performed in the dental office by a dentist.

During the treatment, the soft tissues of the mouth are isolated and protected due to the concentration of gel applied. The whitening gel is applied and light may be used to speed up the process.

This type of treatment is recommended for those who find it difficult to wear a mouthwash at night.

Should I be careful before having dental whitening?

Before having a tooth whitening, it is important to consult a dentist to evaluate for problems such as tooth decay, tooth hypersensitivity or uncontrolled periodontal disease.

Dental bleaching is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children, and people with serious diseases or reduced immunity.

Patients with dentures, such as veneers, crowns, or fillings on anterior teeth should be advised that these dentures may need to be replaced after whitening, as only natural teeth are susceptible to whitening.

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

Performing a dental bleaching brings numerous benefits. One of the main ones is the significant improvement in dental aesthetics, which boosts the patient’s self-esteem.

While it is not always possible to achieve a hollywood white, patients usually leave their whitening appointments with a smile on their face and more satisfied with their teeth.

Another advantage is that teeth whitening is a non-invasive procedure, with no intervention required. In addition, the treatment time is short, which is ideal for people with busy schedules who cannot spend much time at the dentist.