Contents
Aesthetic dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Over time, teeth can become stained or discoloured, mainly from dark foods (such as soy sauce and curry), dark drinks (tea, coffee and red wine) and tobacco products.
What is teeth whitening?
Whitening lightens the colour of the teeth with a bleaching gel. The active ingredient is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As it breaks down, oxygen gets into the enamel and the tooth colour becomes lighter.
Who is it for?
People with stained or discoloured teeth. Before whitening starts, your dentist makes sure there are no open cavities, defective fillings or other reasons for unnecessary sensitivity. A professional cleaning before whitening also helps.
How does the process work?
Home whitening
Your dentist makes clear plastic trays that fit your teeth, into which the whitening gel is placed. Custom trays allow the gel to work with the smallest amount needed. The gel is kept on the teeth for 90-120 minutes a day, for up to a week. The trays can be used later for touch-ups.
In-office whitening
Done in a single appointment with a higher concentration gel. The gel is placed on your teeth and activated with an intense light.
How many sessions?
In-office whitening is done in one appointment. Home whitening is used daily for up to a week. Touch-ups are often needed later, because most of us continue to consume foods and drinks that stain teeth.
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