When it is said...

Teeth Whitening

Why whiten your teeth?

The brighter, lighter and more radiant your smile, the more positive, healthy and appealing your overall appearance can seem. A beautiful smile can also boost self-confidence and make you more inclined to smile.

Teeth whitening is now a popular way to brighten and enhance your smile. When communicating with others, not only eye contact but also the condition and appearance of our teeth play an important role.

When is teeth whitening appropriate?

Teeth whitening is performed only on permanent teeth, never on primary teeth. Before whitening, teeth must be healthy, properly treated and free from signs of gum inflammation.

For certain types of dental damage, such as tetracycline staining or fluorosis, consultation with a dental professional is always necessary. The patient should also be in good overall health, and teeth whitening is not recommended during pregnancy.

Teeth Whitening Methods We Offer

1) At-Home Teeth Whitening

For at-home whitening, we first take precise impressions of both jaws at the dental practice. Based on these impressions, we then create custom whitening trays. During a follow-up appointment, we check the trays in the patient’s mouth to ensure that the whitening gel does not come into contact with the gums.

The patient then receives three tubes of whitening gel in two concentrations, which are applied to the trays overnight. Whitening can continue for up to 14 nights, but if the patient is satisfied with the shade after, for example, one week, they can stop earlier.

The main advantage of at-home whitening is the ability to control the final shade. The method is also suitable for patients who have fillings or crowns visible in their smile line, as whitening gels cannot lighten artificial materials.

Temporary tooth sensitivity may occur during whitening, but it usually subsides after treatment is completed.

2) In-Office Teeth Whitening

For in-office whitening, we first protect the gums and other soft tissues by isolating the teeth with a special light-curing resin. Whitening gel is then applied to the teeth in three layers, with each layer working for approximately 15 minutes.

During this time, the teeth absorb the maximum amount of whitening agent, and their shade may continue to lighten for up to 48 hours after the procedure.

The main advantage of in-office whitening is the fast result, achieved during a single visit. The disadvantage is that there is less control over the exact degree of whitening. This method may not always be ideal for patients with crowns or fillings visible in their smile line.

Short-term tooth sensitivity may also occur and usually subsides within a few days.

3) Combined Teeth Whitening

Combined whitening combines at-home whitening and in-office whitening. This approach can achieve a more pronounced result while still allowing greater control over the final shade.

4) PureWhitening

PureWhitening is a comprehensive teeth-whitening system combining at-home and in-office whitening as part of a structured programme.

First, impressions are taken to create custom whitening trays. Approximately 14 days later, the patient receives the trays and gels for 14 nights of at-home whitening, during which different gel concentrations are alternated.

This is followed by an in-office treatment, which brightens areas that have not responded sufficiently to the at-home gel. If the patient wishes to further refine the shade, they can use the highest-concentration gel at home for 60 minutes during the day.

These gels contain no preservatives, provide very good results and usually cause minimal tooth sensitivity.

Is a “white diet” necessary?

None of these methods requires following a so-called white diet, meaning avoiding coffee, tea or strongly coloured foods.

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste – Miracle or Illusion?

Whitening toothpastes can help maintain a bright smile, but generally only when the teeth have already been professionally whitened.

Toothpastes labelled “whitening” and commonly available in drugstores contain abrasive particles. These can help remove surface stains caused, for example, by coffee, tea or smoking, but they do not actually whiten the teeth – they simply remove surface deposits mechanically.

With frequent use, these abrasive substances can damage the tooth enamel, which gradually becomes thinner and is irreversibly lost. Teeth can then become more sensitive and fragile, while the risk of tooth decay may also increase because the dentin beneath the enamel is considerably softer.

When to Consult a Professional?

If you want a truly brighter and healthy smile, it is always best to consult a dentist or dental hygienist.

Professional teeth whitening can help achieve a safe and long-lasting result while minimising the risk of damage to the tooth enamel.