Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Have whiter teeth, more brightness, elegance, and youthfulness in your smile. Teeth whitening enhances your smile, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Over time, due to the natural aging process of teeth and the consumption of tobacco, red wine, tea, etc., teeth tend to darken.

Teeth whitening involves applying a bleaching agent to the surface of the teeth, which acts internally to change the color to several shades lighter. Before beginning a teeth whitening treatment, a dentist should examine you to assess the color of your teeth based on a predefined scale and determine whether this treatment is suitable for your specific case. Not all types of stains or discolorations are reversible, and in such cases, other aesthetic solutions may be considered.

Types of Teeth Whitening

At-Home

At-home whitening is performed by the patient, using trays and a gel provided by the dentist. The gel is applied for a period of 2 to 3 hours daily over two weeks, though this can be adjusted according to the patient and treatment goals.

In-Office

Performed by the dentist, this procedure lasts approximately 60 minutes. A protective barrier is applied to the gums, and the gel on the teeth is activated by a light that accelerates the gel’s chemical reaction, speeding up the whitening process. A follow-up treatment at home is recommended.

Duration of the Effect

The duration varies and is influenced by daily oral hygiene, dietary habits, tobacco use, among other factors. In some cases, the color remains for several years, while in others, an annual touch-up is necessary.

Does the procedure damage the teeth?

Teeth whitening does not damage the teeth. Side effects are related to the concentration of the products, the application method, and the specific conditions of each patient. The most common effects are tooth sensitivity and some gum discomfort, which usually disappear once the treatment is stopped.

For safety, it should be performed exclusively by dentists, as not all cases are suitable for whitening. It should always be preceded by radiographic screening to check for cavities.

Why do teeth become darker?

Tooth crowns consist of an inner layer called dentin and an outer layer, enamel. The tooth color, or intrinsic coloration, is determined by light reflection on the enamel combined with the color of the dentin. The causes of tooth darkening are varied and can lead to surface (extrinsic) or internal (intrinsic) changes:

Tobacco
Coffee, Tea, or Red Wine
Foods like blackberries and cherries
Condiments like curry
Aging process (age)
Trauma

Principais motivos dos dentes escurecerem

Over the years, tooth darkening is normal, as the dentin darkens and the enamel wears down, becoming thinner, allowing the color of the dentin to show through.

Extrinsic stains are easily removed with a scaling procedure performed at the dental office. They can be prevented with proper brushing techniques and by avoiding foods that cause them. Intrinsic coloration can only be altered through teeth whitening, either at home or in-office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before undergoing teeth whitening, a consultation with a dentist is necessary to assess the presence of cavities, tooth sensitivity, or uncontrolled periodontal disease.

Teeth whitening is also contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals undergoing treatment for serious illnesses or with compromised immunity.

Patients with veneers, crowns, or restorations on anterior teeth should be warned about the need for replacement after whitening, as only natural teeth are susceptible to whitening.

During the treatment, you should avoid anything that may stain your teeth, such as foods and beverages with high pigment concentrations (tea, coffee, red wine, condiments like curry, etc.) and tobacco.

In the case of at-home whitening with trays and gel provided by the dentist, do not apply excessive product to avoid harming the gums.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, you should stop the treatment for one or two days.

When a tooth is devitalized, internal whitening is used, applying the whitening gel inside the tooth through a small access cavity.

Professionals in the field

Dr. Patrícia Flores

Oral Hygiene | Teeth Whitening

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