Teeth whitening — bring back your smile’s natural brightness

Yes, professional teeth whitening is completely safe. We use quality products and techniques that protect the enamel and gums throughout the procedure.

Results can last from 1 to 3 years, depending on eating habits and oral hygiene. Avoiding staining foods and drinks helps prolong results.

Temporary sensitivity may occur during or after treatment, but it usually disappears within a few days. We use products with desensitizing agents to minimize this effect.

Generally, one to two in-office sessions are sufficient to achieve visible results. Some cases may benefit from complementary home treatment.

Whitening only works on natural teeth. Restorations, crowns, and veneers do not change color. It may be necessary to replace old restorations to even out the color after whitening.

In-office whitening uses higher concentration products with faster results. Home whitening uses custom trays with lower concentration gel, being more gradual but equally effective.

When performed correctly by professionals, whitening does not damage enamel. Modern products are formulated to be safe and effective without compromising dental structure.

Whitening is contraindicated for people under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with untreated cavities, active periodontal disease, or severe tooth sensitivity. Patients with extensive restorations should be evaluated as these do not change color with treatment. A prior evaluation by the dentist is always mandatory.

In the first 48 hours, avoid foods and drinks with intense colorants such as coffee, red wine, tea, beetroot, and dark sauces. Also avoid smoking during this period.

Whitening is most effective on extrinsic stains caused by food and drinks. Intrinsic stains, such as those caused by tetracycline or fluorosis, may require alternative treatments like veneers.

Over-the-counter products contain a maximum of 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, with questionable effectiveness. Professional whitening uses higher concentrations (hydrogen peroxide up to 6% or carbamide peroxide 10-16%) under dentist supervision, ensuring significantly better and safer results.

Teeth whitening is a medical procedure that requires prior evaluation of oral health, identification of contraindications, and monitoring of possible side effects. Incorrect applications can cause serious and lasting damage to gums and teeth. Professional supervision ensures safety, effectiveness, and predictable results.

Hydrogen peroxide acts quickly, releasing most of its whitening power in the first 30-60 minutes — ideal for in-office treatments. Carbamide peroxide releases the whitening agent gradually over 6-8 hours, making it perfect for at-home tray treatment. For every 30% carbamide peroxide, there is approximately 10% hydrogen peroxide.

The "white diet" consists of consuming only light-colored foods and drinks in the first 48-72 hours after whitening. During this period, enamel pores are still open and can absorb pigments. Opt for white fish, chicken, rice, banana, cauliflower, water, and milk. Avoid coffee, wine, tea, beetroot, dark sauces, and tobacco.

To prolong results: brush teeth after consuming pigmented foods; use a straw for drinks like coffee or tea; have professional cleanings every 6 months; consider annual maintenance treatments with at-home trays; avoid smoking; maintain excellent daily oral hygiene. With this care, results can last up to 3 years.

Tooth darkening with age is due to several factors: enamel naturally wears down, revealing yellowish dentin beneath; years of exposure to pigmented foods and drinks accumulate stains; certain medications can cause discoloration; and changes in tooth structure affect how light is reflected. Professional whitening can reverse much of this discoloration.

LED or laser light can accelerate the chemical reaction of the whitening gel, but scientific studies show that the active ingredient (peroxide) is mainly responsible for results. Light helps activate the gel more quickly, reducing treatment time, but does not replace product quality and professional supervision. Most important is using adequate concentrations under dentist supervision.

Yes, it is possible, but requires special precautions. We use products with desensitizing agents like potassium nitrate and fluoride; we opt for lower concentrations with shorter sessions; and may recommend desensitizing toothpaste before treatment. At-home whitening with trays is usually more comfortable for sensitive people, as it allows better control of exposure.

Professional whitening can lighten teeth between 2 to 8 shades on the VITA scale, depending on initial color, type of stains, and individual response. Extrinsic stains (coffee, wine, tobacco) respond better to treatment. Combining in-office whitening with at-home maintenance treatment can achieve up to 11 shades in specific cases.