In the age of social media, having sparkling white teeth has become very popular. According to a survey conducted by the dental research site DentaVox, 86% of respondents expressed a desire for a “Hollywood smile.” The wish for a smile that will boost your confidence and let you grin widely in real life and on selfies is most easily fulfilled through the most popular cosmetic dentistry method today – teeth whitening.
Globally, and at our Nova Dental Clinic, teeth whitening is a commonly requested procedure. Whether in-office, at home, using gels, or strips… There are many methods, but their availability in the market does not mean they are safe or justified for use.
In this blog post, we’ll address some of the most common questions about teeth whitening and share all the information you need for a safe and straightforward journey to a radiant smile.
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
Professional teeth whitening usually takes about an hour and is typically done in two to three 20-minute sessions. However, before starting the treatment, a thorough dental check-up is essential to determine whether the necessary conditions for whitening are met. Issues such as cavities, gum diseases and diseases of the surrounding structures, exposed tooth roots, and other contraindications must be addressed before whitening. The first step to a beautiful smile is impeccable oral health.
At Nova Dental Clinic, we perform teeth whitening using a gel containing hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. This gel is chemically activated, so there’s no need for a lamp during the whitening process. A few days before the treatment, we recommend an ultrasonic cleaning to remove calculus and sandblasting to eliminate the stains caused by coffee, cigarettes, and other colored foods and beverages. This ensures the gums are calm and the teeth are ready for the application of the gel.
The in-office whitening process involves four steps:
- Determining the initial shade of the teeth
- Applying a protective barrier to the gums to prevent irritation from the whitening gel
- Applying the gel in two to three 20-minute sessions
- Removing the gel and comparing the initial and final tooth shades
Can teeth be whitened at home?
Absolutely, teeth whitening can also be done in the comfort of your home! At Nova Dental Clinic, the at-home whitening process includes the following steps:
- We conduct a thorough examination of the oral cavity to ensure that the conditions are suitable for whitening
- We take impressions of your teeth to create custom whitening trays
- When delivering the trays, we check for any discomfort during their use and provide the patient with detailed instructions to follow, ensuring that the at-home whitening process is successful
- The patient takes the trays and whitening gel home and proceeds with the whitening process according to the instructions
At-home whitening delivers excellent results, enabling patients to achieve their desired tooth shade. However, it’s worth noting that this method requires patience, as the trays need to be worn for four hours a day over the course of several days!
Is teeth whitening safe?
Studies conducted by the University of Rochester have shown that daily consumption of orange juice is more damaging to tooth enamel than teeth whitening. The process of mineral loss from the surface of the tooth caused by the acids in juice is reversible, meaning the enamel can remineralize over time when the consumption stops. The same applies to whitening agents.
Teeth whitening is a safe treatment when done under the supervision of a dentist and with appropriate intervals between treatments. Professional in-office whitening is recommended no more than once a year, while at-home whitening can be repeated every few months. The difference in recommended intervals between these two methods of teeth whitening stems from the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the gel used in-office compared to that in at-home whitening kits.
The whitening gel works by penetrating the enamel and dentin structures, thus eliminating pigmentation without causing harm to the teeth. It also contains fluoride and potassium nitrate, which help remineralize and regenerate the teeth.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost of teeth whitening depends on various factors, including the condition of the oral cavity and desired results. As mentioned earlier, a thorough dental examination is necessary before the procedure to ensure the treatment is suitable for the teeth. At Nova Dental Clinic, we provide a detailed assessment, advise you on preparatory steps, and give you an estimate of the total treatment cost.
Therefore, the best way to get an answer to this question is to contact us and schedule an appointment!
Teeth whitening treatment
There are a few things to keep in mind before undergoing teeth whitening. Oral health always comes first, and aesthetics are the next step. All dental and gum conditions must be treated completely before starting the whitening process. Certain conditions, such as advanced periodontitis, make whitening unsuitable. Whitening is also not recommended for minors, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
It’s important to note that whitening results are not permanent. The effects usually fade after about a year, depending on dietary and lifestyle habits of the patient, such as smoking and consuming coffee or wine, as well as maintaining proper oral hygiene. After the treatment, maintaining impeccable oral hygiene is crucial to keeping the whitening effect for as long as possible. This includes regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
Additionally, prosthetic works like crowns and old fillings do not respond to whitening. Patients should know that if they have crowns in the visible part of the dental arch, these will not be whitened. Patients with visible crowns may need to replace them to match the new tooth shade after whitening, about two weeks post-treatment, once the new shade stabilizes.
There are also other teeth whitening methods that can be done at home, such as using whitening products available over the counter. However, they often don’t deliver results as effective as professional whitening. Some can even be harmful due to improper composition or use, potentially damaging teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
At Nova Dental Clinic, we aim to achieve the best possible results with minimally invasive methods. In some cases, the condition of the teeth may indicate that whitening won’t provide the desired results. After a thorough examination, X-ray analysis, and discussing your preferences, we develop an individualized treatment plan, which may involve composite veneers or more extensive prosthetic work.
To summarize…
Teeth whitening can give you a radiant smile and boost your confidence. At Nova Dental Clinic, we offer safe and effective professional teeth whitening treatments. Our dentists will guide you on how to achieve the best results and avoid potential side effects.
Contact us today, so we can help you achieve the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted!
