Types of teeth whitening, procedure - The secret to a bright smile
Teeth whitening in Hungary
Nowadays, teeth whitening is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures in dental practices. It effectively treats discolorations caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and certain food dyes, and can also whiten teeth that have a grayish-yellow hue due to tetracycline staining.
Types of teeth whitening
There are essentially two types of teeth whitening, categorized by where the treatment is performed: at-home and chairside whitening. Both methods use similar active ingredients (oxidizing agents), but in at-home whitening, the concentration is lower. This is why the treatment duration at home is significantly longer, typically around two weeks, whereas in-office whitening takes just 1-2 hours. A disadvantage of at-home whitening is that the process cannot be monitored by a dentist. A specialized form of chairside whitening is internal bleaching, which targets discoloration within the tooth.
Internal whitening
During internal teeth whitening, the whitening agent is placed inside the tooth. This is necessary when a tooth becomes discolored after a root canal treatment. A small hole is drilled towards the inner chamber of the tooth, and part of the root filling is removed to create space for the whitening agent. After placing the agent, the cavity is temporarily sealed. Once the desired shade is achieved, the cavity is permanently closed with a filling. If needed, the internal whitening process can be repeated.
The procedure for chairside teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening is always preceded by tartar removal by dental hygienic treatment. During this process, plaque, tartar, and surface stains are thoroughly removed from the teeth to ensure optimal whitening results.
Teeth whitening consists of three segments, each lasting a maximum of 15 minutes. During each segment, a whitening gel is applied to the tooth surface and activated with a UV light-emitting lamp (Beyond Polus). The light catalyzes the oxidation of discolorations within the tooth using the peroxide content of the gel. After each 15-minute cycle, a fresh application of the whitening gel is made.
After the second 15-minute cycle, we will show you the results achieved thus far, and you can decide whether to continue the treatment. If you are satisfied with the results after the second cycle, we will conclude the treatment.
Important information regarding the teeth whitening process
The results and longevity of the treatment cannot be predicted or guaranteed, as they largely depend on the condition and anatomy of the initial tooth structure, as well as the cause of discoloration; therefore, this can vary significantly from patient to patient. Immediately after the treatment, the achieved tooth color should not be considered final, as the whitened teeth may darken and change somewhat within the first few days. The procedure is performed using peroxide-containing compounds. After whitening, a whitish discoloration at the gum line may occur, which will fade within a few days. Post-treatment sensitivity may also arise; in this case, a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste can be used. Proper oral care is extremely important in the first two days following the whitening treatment to ensure lasting results. During the 48 hours after the treatment, please avoid consuming dark, intensely colored foods and beverages that can cause staining, such as:
- Tea/coffee
- Berry-based dishes, pastries
- Smoking
- Mustard or ketchup
- Coke -Red vine
- Soy sauce
- Tomato(sauce)
It is important to mention that the color of fillings and dental restorations does not change as a result of whitening; therefore, a color difference may be noticeable between artificial surfaces and the natural tooth structure at the end of the treatment. If the color discrepancy is bothersome, replacing the specific filling or restoration may be necessary.
Cost of professional teeth whitening
The term "professional teeth whitening" commonly used in everyday language does not refer to the dentist performing the procedure, but simply indicates that the treatment takes place in a dental clinic. This is important regarding the cost of whitening, as chairside whitening is significantly more expensive compared to at-home whitening. Another factor affecting the price is whether the treatment is performed on a single jaw or both. The prices for teeth whitening can be found at the bottom of the page or on the dental pricelist page.
If you want your teeth whitening to be in expert hands and desire a radiant smile, book an appointment at 053 930 1323!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
What can you eat after teeth whitening?
Avoid highly colored, intensely pigmented foods and drinks during the 48 hours following teeth whitening!
My teeth are sensitive after whitening, what should I do?
Sensitivity after teeth whitening can be reduced by using special toothpastes. The sensitivity will subside within a few days.
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