Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Stained or yellowed teeth can significantly affect your self-confidence, prompting more and more people to seek professional solutions to improve their smile. Modern whitening techniques offer safe and effective results when performed by qualified professionals.

The professional whitening process can be achieved through different methodologies, from laser techniques to systems with customized trays. Each method requires a preliminary evaluation of the dental health and considers different factors such as the type of stains, tooth sensitivity and the condition of the enamel. This guide will explore in detail the various options available, the procedures to follow and the results that can be achieved with professional teeth whitening.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

In the field of professional teeth whitening, there are different treatment methodologies, each with specific characteristics and indications. The main approaches include:

• In-office whitening: Uses hydrogen peroxide in concentrations from 20% to 40%, applied directly by the professional. The treatment can be enhanced with light sources or laser for faster results.
• Professional home whitening: It involves the use of customized masks with carbamide peroxide gel in concentrations from 10% to 16%, to be used for 4-8 hours as directed by the dentist.
• Combination Treatment: Combines both techniques for optimal results.

Professional home whitening has shown longer lasting results and fewer side effects, requiring an application period of 2 to 8 weeks. The chair treatment, on the other hand, offers immediate results with sessions of 15-60 minutes.

For root canal treated teeth, there is a specific technique called “walking bleach”, which involves applying whitening agents directly inside the tooth. This treatment requires 2-4 visits to obtain satisfactory results..

It is essential to emphasize that all these treatments must be performed under professional supervision, with a preliminary evaluation of the oral health status to ensure optimal and safe results.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure

The professional teeth whitening procedure always begins with a preliminary visit to assess the patient's suitability for treatment. The dentist performs a thorough assessment of the oral health status and documents the initial color of the teeth through photographs and specific color scales.

The treatment is divided into several precise phases:

1. Initial preparation: A professional scaling is performed to remove any residues and superficial pigmentations..
2. Soft Tissue Protection: A mouth guard and protective barrier are placed over the gums to isolate them from the whitening gel..
3. Gel Application: Hydrogen peroxide gel is distributed on the tooth surfaces..
4. Activation: The gel is activated by a LED or laser lamp for approximately 1 minute per cycle.
5. Treatment cycles: The procedure is repeated 3 to 6 times in the same session.

During the process, hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel and, through a chemical reaction, breaks down the molecules responsible for pigmentation.. The results are visible immediately after the treatment, but the maximum whitening effect occurs in the following days.

The entire session lasts less than an hour. and can be repeated over time to maintain the results. It is important to underline that the treatment can only be performed on adult patients and in the absence of oral cavity pathologies.

Teeth Care After Whitening

To maintain optimal results after a professional whitening treatment, it is essential to follow precise instructions in the first 72 hours following the procedure.. During this critical period, the teeth are particularly sensitive and have a high degree of pigment absorption.

Immediate dietary restrictions:

• Avoid pigmented drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine
• Do not consume colored fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, beets, blackberries)
• Limit acidic foods like lemon
• Abstain from chocolate and licorice
• Avoid smoking completely

To protect sensitive teeth, it is recommended to use specific toothpastes containing fluoride, potassium nitrate and calcium carbonate. It is important to wait 30 minutes after meals before proceeding with cleaning your teeth..

The duration of the results depends mainly on the patient's personal habits. With proper maintenance, the whitening effect can last up to a year.. To prolong the results, it is advisable to carry out periodic checks every 4-6 months and use specific products for daily oral hygiene.

In case of accidental ingestion of pigmented foods, it is important to brush your teeth immediately to remove the residues.. For colored drinks, it is recommended to use a straw to minimize contact with the tooth surface..

Risks and Contraindications

Before undergoing professional teeth whitening, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and contraindications of the treatment. Dental hypersensitivity during whitening is the most common adverse reaction, with an incidence ranging from 18% to 78% depending on the methodology used.

Another common side effect is gum irritation, caused by the caustic action of hydrogen peroxide. In-office treatments, where concentrations can reach 40%, the risk of soft tissue burns is higher..

Treatment is contraindicated for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients under 12 years of age
• Subjects with peroxide allergies
• People with untreated cavities
• Patients with severe dentin hypersensitivity

It is important to note that whitening does not affect dentures and fillings.. If there are deep stains or internal discolorations, the treatment may not produce the desired results. In addition, too frequent whitening may cause the teeth to appear gray or translucent, rather than the desired creamy white..

To minimize risks, a preliminary evaluation by the dentist and proper protection of the soft tissues during treatment are essential, especially when using highly concentrated products..

Conclusion

Professional teeth whitening is an effective and scientifically proven solution for a brighter, more natural smile. The variety of methodologies available, from laser techniques to customized aligners, allows you to customize the treatment according to the specific needs of each patient. Clinical studies confirm significant results when the process is performed under careful professional supervision, respecting precise protocols and established guidelines.

Patient safety and treatment effectiveness depend on the choice of qualified professionals and adherence to post-treatment instructions. Long-lasting results require a combination of professional care and daily attention to oral health. To begin your journey to a brighter smile, book a consultation at Go Health Albania Clinic, where qualified experts will evaluate the solution best suited to your specific needs.