What is dental whitening and in what cases is it recommended?
It is a treatment that clarifies the color of the teeth, eliminating spots and pigmentations caused by food, drinks such as coffee or wine, tobacco, or by the passage of time. It is ideal for those who are looking for a more luminous smile without the need for invasive treatments. We always indicate it after an evaluation, to ensure that there are no caries, inflammations or previous restorations that must be treated.
Is it a safe procedure? Can you damage enamel or generate pain?
When the treatment is performed under professional supervision, it is completely safe. We use special gels that act on the molecules that pigment the tooth, without affecting its structure. In some cases a slight sensitivity may appear, but it is transient and is easily handled with specific products. The most important thing is to avoid homeless treatments without control, because there may be risks to oral health.
What differences are there between doing so in the office or with homemade kits?
In the office, we control the entire process: from the products we use, which are of quality, to the exposure time. This guarantees faster and faster results from the first session, in addition to minimizing side effects. Home kits can be tempting, but not being personalized or controlled, can cause irritation, burns or simply not work as expected.
How long do the results last? Can they be kept in time?
The results usually last between one and two years, depending on the patient’s habits. If pigmenting drinks are consumed, or if you smoke, the teeth can be stained faster. In those cases, we recommend a reinforcement session from time to time and adequate hygiene at home to prolong the effect.
What does this human treatment mean for you?
Many times bleaching is more than an aesthetic improvement. Seeing the patient rediscover his smile, encourage himself to smile safely, is very rewarding. There are people who avoided laughing or showing in photos and, after treatment, change their expression and attitude. That is why we always say that it is also an emotional transformation.
By CEDOC