Teeth Whitening: Whether through laser procedures, LED light therapy, the use of strips, or traditional methods, teeth whitening is the most sought-after option for those who wish to achieve a white and healthy smile.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of your smile, this treatment can also help detect oral problems, promote better oral hygiene habits, and offer several other benefits.
However, to guarantee a satisfactory result, it is crucial that you are properly informed about all aspects related to teeth whitening, including care before, during, and after the procedure.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening can be done in three ways: at the dental office, at home using trays, or by combining both methods. This procedure has gained many followers since it became available on the market; after all, who doesn't want a radiant, stain-free smile? Teeth whitening is a low-impact intervention that may be exactly what you're looking for to boost your self-confidence.
WHO IS IT INTENDED FOR?
There are few obstacles that prevent a patient from undergoing teeth whitening, provided their oral health is in good condition; the treatment can be performed without difficulty.
Who cannot undergo teeth whitening?
Generally, teeth whitening is not recommended in situations involving patients with active cavities, gingivitis, broken teeth with exposed dentin, and gingival recession. Additionally, it may be more prudent to avoid the procedure during the first three months and the last three months of pregnancy.
What results can be expected from teeth whitening?
The vast majority of patients experience great satisfaction with the results, as the feeling of exceptionally clean, stain-free teeth is truly invaluable. However, in some situations, a patient may not achieve the desired result due to small details in their routine. Consuming products like cigarettes and foods with high concentrations of dyes, such as coffee and wine, can eventually stain teeth and compromise the whitening process. Therefore, it is crucial to strictly adhere to medical instructions after the procedure to ensure everything goes as planned.
What are the aftercare instructions for teeth whitening?
- Avoid foods and drinks with a lot of pigment, such as coffee or wine.
- Don't smoke
- Continue brushing your teeth regularly.
- Do not use mouthwashes that are brightly colored or contain alcohol in their formula.
- Have regular cleanings with your dentist.
What are the types of teeth whitening?
Depending on the needs of the case, we have two main approaches:
Professionals generally recommend internal bleaching for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. In this procedure, the professional introduces the bleaching substance inside the tooth, which can usually be quick, requiring three to five appointments when the darkening is caused by internal bleeding or pulp necrosis. If the cause is iodine impregnation, which some older root canal filling cements contained in their composition, the process can be more time-consuming, taking more than 10 appointments.
As for external whitening, it is performed outside the tooth and can be done in the dentist's office by a professional or at home with the aid of trays in which the whitening product is applied.
Are you considering achieving a whiter smile? It's essential to pay attention to every detail. The treatment result is directly influenced by the technique used and, above all, by its proper execution. Many people believe that whitening is a quick process, however, it requires time to provide efficient and long-lasting whitening.
Is at-home teeth whitening safe?
Many people resort to methods found on the internet without proper professional guidance, but it is essential to exercise great caution. Products such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, besides being ineffective, can cause significant damage to teeth and gums. Currently, specialists recommend a variety of approved products so that patients can perform this type of procedure at home.
A common method involves the use of a tray and whitening gel. The tray is a custom-made silicone device designed to perfectly fit each patient's dental arch. The whitening gel is applied to the tray and remains in contact with the teeth for a period ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. Treatment typically lasts approximately three weeks.
Tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening
The sensation of discomfort when ingesting foods or liquids that are very hot or cold is one of the typical symptoms of tooth sensitivity, a fairly common condition that can arise as a result of the teeth whitening process. Since the teeth whitening process involves a chemical oxidation reaction, this reaction can lead to superficial demineralization of the tooth enamel, being one of the underlying causes of sensitivity.
Is there a way to combat discomfort after teeth whitening?
When sensitivity is caused by whitening, adjusting the concentration of the whitening gel is the most effective solution. Simply finding the appropriate concentration of whitening gel for each case can eliminate or significantly reduce tooth sensitivity.
The potassium-based ingredients in the regenerating cream have the ability to attenuate the pain response transmitted to the brain. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of using the cream daily, as otherwise, sensitivity may return.
Which teeth whitening treatment is cheaper?
The most convenient and economical option for teeth whitening involves using a tray and whitening gel at home, although the result takes longer compared to laser treatment performed in the dentist's office. Therefore, in addition to financial considerations, the patient should also take into account the time required to achieve the desired whitening.
The convenience of at-home teeth whitening is well-known, making it a popular choice in recent years, especially for those who have difficulty visiting the dentist frequently. Although laser whitening is more instantaneous, with strict adherence to professional guidelines, the results obtained at home will be just as good as whitening performed in the dentist's office.
So, can pregnant women do at-home teeth whitening?
Don't rush, wait. This type of cosmetic treatment is still very new and there isn't enough scientific documentation to prove and guarantee its safety, either absolute or relative, for the baby during the procedure. The correct thing to do is wait for some time, even after giving birth. And even after the baby is weaned, around 1 to 1.5 years old. There's no need to take risks.
Are there risks associated with this procedure during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is no unanimous agreement on the use of teeth whitening gel by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the possible influence of this product on teeth. This leads to a preventive approach that advises against this type of treatment due to the potential risks involved.
According to dental professionals, the contraindication of using whitening gel during breastfeeding is based on two considerations:
- The whitening gel contains peroxide, a substance with carcinogenic potential. Therefore, the possibility of accidental ingestion of residues of this peroxide could pose risks to both the mother and the baby.
- Prolonged contact of the whitening gel with the soft tissues of the oral mucosa or gums may cause chemical irritation, leading to discomfort, redness, and possible sensitivity.
Another way to whiten teeth is with porcelain veneers. If you want to read more about this, see the... our article.
Ana Cássia Johanson, Dental Technician.
Reference: MONDELLI, Rafael Francisco Lia. Tooth whitening. Revista de Dentística Restauradora, v. 1, n. 4, p. 163-215,