We recommend our patients a safe tray whitening method.
This is one of the most effective methods, and the whitening effect lasts up to 2 years.
Let’s remember that there are many causes of tooth discoloration. Whitening teeth with DIY methods can lead to tooth damage. It is worth consulting a dentist to choose the best method to change the color of the teeth. In the dental office, tray methods or whitening with a special LED lamp are used.
The stages of the tray whitening process
01
Removal of Tartar and Plaque and Filling Cavities
Before the teeth whitening procedure, it is necessary to clean the teeth from deposits, remove tartar, and treat cavities. Sandblasting of the teeth is also recommended, which will make the teeth smoother, brighter, and prepared for effective and even action of whitening agents.
02
Making Custom Teeth Trays
The next step is to prepare custom soft trays that fit closely to the teeth. Only a small space on the labial side is left in the trays for the whitening gel. The trays are made in the laboratory based on the impressions taken by the dentist.
03
Teeth Whitening
The patient receives trays and whitening gel from the dentist – 10 or 16% carbamide peroxide. The patient puts the gel inside the trays (only on the labial side) in the amount of a mustard seed and puts the trays on the teeth. They leave them on the teeth for 7-8 hours, preferably during sleep, hence another name – night teeth whitening. The whitening process lasts for a period of 10 to 14 days. In the case of exceptionally dark teeth, the whitening period may be extended. This stage of the procedure takes place at home.
04
After Whitening
Directly after the whitening procedure, for 2 hours, you may only drink non-carbonated mineral water. Avoid brushing your teeth or chewing gum during this time because the whitening process continues, even without gel on the teeth.
For 48 hours after the whitening procedure, it’s crucial to strictly follow the “white diet” – avoid intensely colored foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, cocoa, juices, colored drinks, alcohol, and colorful foods. During this time, the tooth enamel is dehydrated and readily absorbs water with dissolved pigments. Use only white-colored toothpaste for brushing. To maintain the effect, it’s best to adhere to the white diet for two weeks after completing the whitening.
05
Replacing Dental Fillings
It’s important to remember that during whitening, dental fillings and prosthetic restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers) do not change their color. Therefore, after the whitening process, there may be a need to replace fillings, especially in the anterior teeth. After stabilizing the color, approximately 2 weeks after completing the treatment, the dentist can finally restore the teeth to match the new, brighter shade.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening performed under the care of a dentist is completely safe for the teeth and gums. The whitening gel does not damage the enamel structure; it only penetrates, causing oxidation (bleaching) of discolorations. Therefore, there is no need to worry about any damage to the teeth.
Before whitening, the dentist will assess whether there are any contraindications to teeth whitening. Teeth whitening should not be performed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Contraindications include certain dental conditions: untreated cavities, enamel hypoplasia, and discoloration from antibiotics like tetracycline.
What is Important to Know?
During and a few days after teeth whitening, there may be transient sensitivity of the teeth to cold. Using desensitizing products can be a good solution in such cases.
The effect of whiter teeth can last up to two years. It depends on oral hygiene, diet, and personal habits. To maintain the bright color of the teeth, the dentist may recommend repeating the tray-based whitening method for one or two nights every six months. In this case, you can purchase one or two gel syringes and, using the same trays, refresh the whitening effect. This is a significant advantage of the tray-based method.
Another popular teeth whitening method is LED light-based whitening.
Whitening using a lamp can only be performed by a dentist. LED light teeth whitening is a method for those who value speed and quick results. The procedure takes about one hour. Whitening is carried out in the dental office using a concentrated teeth whitening gel activated by an LED light source. The dentist professionally removes deposits from the teeth, protects the gums with a special preparation, and applies the whitening gel to the teeth. The active substances are activated by blue light – the gel is illuminated for 20 minutes with the lamp. To achieve the best effect, this cycle is repeated three or four times.
