9 modern types of teeth whitening: benefits and harms

Types of teeth whitening in dentistry

Professional teeth whitening involves performing procedures in a dental office and under the direct supervision of a specialist. In this case, mechanical or chemical effects may be exerted on the tooth enamel. The effectiveness of the latter can be enhanced by the penetrating ability of ultrasound, laser or light, which act as an activator and conductor for the reagent that penetrates deep into the enamel.

Today there are a number of popular whitening methods, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Their descriptions will help you give preference to one or another procedure.

Contraindications and recommendations

The enamel is subject to serious chemical exposure, so only those who do not have dental problems are allowed to undergo the procedure. Contraindications to bleaching are inflammation in soft tissues and foci of caries - all these pathological phenomena must first be eliminated. Excessive plaque and deposits can also become an obstacle to the procedure, so you should undergo a professional procedure about 2 weeks in advance. hygiene to prepare your smile for a radical transformation. Among other contraindications, experts highlight age under 16 years, pregnancy and breastfeeding, the presence of extensive fillings, crowns and bridges that fall into the smile zone, as well as pronounced dental anomalies that impede the quality of the procedure.

The procedure is not recommended for pregnant women

Only whitening carried out in the dentist’s office, that is, under his close supervision and control, is considered safe. When using home methods, less concentrated formulations are used, but they should be handled with extreme caution so as not to cause problems with the enamel or pulp injury. Before this, you must undergo an examination by a dentist and find out the current condition of the dental tissues.

So, the safest and most effective way is to use a laser as an activator of the active components of the lightening gel. In second place is photo bleaching, followed by chemical and home bleaching. Ultrasonic cleaning and Air Flow sandblasting are not whitening methods, but are much safer and healthier dental care procedures. As for the preservation of the achieved effect, much depends on the patient. It is better to give up coffee and strong tea, quit smoking, avoid coloring products and pay close attention to hygiene. Only such a comprehensive and responsible approach to oral care will allow you to enjoy a dazzling smile for as long as possible.

Photobleaching

One of the “youngest” whitening methods. During its use, a special whitening gel is applied to the visible surface of the teeth, with a minimum concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which, under the direct influence of light emitted by a halogen lamp, is activated and penetrates deep into the enamel, while breaking down its pigment plaque. This procedure is often called ZOOM whitening, since the ZOOM-4 series device can be used for it. You can sign up for a whitening procedure using the ZOOM-4 device on our website

Advantages

• Quick visible effect.
• Suitable for patients with sensitive tooth enamel.
• If you follow the dentist's recommendations, the effect lasts up to 2 years.

Flaws

• The duration of the procedure is 1.5 – 2 hours in the dentist’s chair.
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth after the procedure.
• There may be an effect of “unnatural whiteness” of teeth, with a blue tint.

The best products for teeth whitening by 7-10 shades

My Brilliant Smile ISMILE

Rating: 4.9

This product for a whiter smile attracts with its stylish design, high efficiency and ease of use! The complex in a feminine design is represented by 3 pencils with a brightening gel, a portable LED retractor that connects to a smartphone, and a shade scale. The active ingredient in the whitening gel is carbamide peroxide, which gently lightens the shade of teeth by 8 shades without increasing their sensitivity or irritating the gums. LED radiation from the retractor greatly increases the effectiveness of the composition, securing the achieved whiteness of the smile for a long time, and also providing an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and strengthening effect that is beneficial for the oral cavity!

Before the procedure, perform the usual hygienic brushing of your teeth, and then spread the brightening gel over their outer surface, fix the turned on LED emitter in your mouth, leaving it to act for 20 minutes. By repeating whitening sessions daily for 15 days, you will lighten your teeth by 8 shades, remove existing soft plaque, as well as age spots from coffee, tea and tobacco. Please note that the My Brilliant Smile ISMILE system is not suitable for brightening implants, fillings, veneers or dentures. Customer reviews of this product are very positive! According to them, it really restores the whiteness of the smile for a long time, is economical, comfortable to use and pleases with an affordable price!

Advantages

1. Stylish design;
2. Urea peroxide in the formula;
3. Lightens teeth by 8 shades;
4. Removes soft plaque and dark spots;
5. Safe for enamel;
6. Optimal price (about 4000 rubles).

Flaws

1. Not suitable for lightening fillings, veneers, implants.

My White Studio with LED lamp

Rating: 4.8

Don't want to spend a fortune on whitening at the dentist? By purchasing the My White Studio home whitening complex, you will become the owner of a Hollywood smile without harming your wallet! The brightening activity of this system is achieved due to the high concentration of carbamide peroxide in its composition and LED radiation. This combined effect provides safe but effective lightening of the smile line by up to 10 tones, as well as removing dark stains from coffee, tea and tobacco without increasing the sensitivity of the enamel!

The set includes an LED tray, 3 syringes with brightening and 1 with remineralizing gel, 10 napkins in individual sachets, a shade scale, and an adapter device for a smartphone. Before performing home whitening with My White Studio, thoroughly clean your mouth, apply the gel to the outside of your teeth, connect the tray to your phone, insert it into your mouth and leave it on for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, rinse your mouth with water and apply remineralizing gel to your teeth to strengthen the enamel and consolidate the brightening effect. The duration of the course is 10 sessions, after which you will be able to enjoy a dazzling white smile for 6 months or more.

Reviews about this product from My White Studio are mixed! Thus, most buyers claim that it really provides a strong whitening effect without causing thinning of the enamel. Dissatisfied consumers say that this product did not live up to their expectations. Which camp will you join?

Advantages

1. Whitens teeth by 10 shades;
2. Ease of use;
3. It is analogous to professional whitening;
4. Affordable price (about 4000 rubles);
5. Availability of remineralizing gel included;
6. Economical consumption of gel.

Flaws

1. Does not work in all cases.

Yotuel 7 Hours

Rating: 4.7

The Spanish Yotuel 7 Hours system is universally suitable for amateur enamel lightening or maintaining the results of whitening at the dentist! The kit includes 2 tubes of whitening gel, 2 tray blanks, a color indicator scale and remineralizing toothpaste. This will be enough to carry out 7 whitening procedures, lasting 1 hour each, the passage of which will lighten the enamel by 8 tones!

The visible whitening effect resulting from the use of this product is achieved due to the presence of 10% carbamide peroxide in its composition. This substance is much more effective and safer in comparison with outdated hydrogen peroxide. Another advantage of the complex is the presence of a blank for the trays, and not its standard shape. This allows you to quickly create an impression that matches the individual characteristics of your dentition. The home teeth whitening procedure using this kit includes the following steps:

1. Cleaning the oral cavity with a brush and paste.
2. Softening the mouthguard blank in hot water. After that, apply it to your teeth and, using pressing movements of your fingers, form a kind of cast of your dentition.
3. Cool the tray and apply the whitening gel to it.
4. Fix the mouthguard, leaving it to act for 1 hour.
5. At the end of the procedure, rinse your mouth with water.

Repeat whitening sessions daily for 1 week, using the remineralizing paste from the kit during this period to clean your mouth. This approach will provide visible lightening of teeth by 8 tones without the risk of increasing their sensitivity! Please note that Yotuel 7 Hours is not suitable for whitening implants, veneers or restorative procedures. People who smoke should also stop using it, because this bad habit will not only neutralize the whitening effect, but will also contribute to an even greater darkening of the enamel!

Advantages

1. Lightens teeth by 4-8 tones;
2. The package includes a blank for the tray;
3. Availability of remineralizing paste included;
4. Does not thin the enamel;
5. Reasonable cost (about 3300 rubles);
6. Brief whitening course.

Flaws

1. Duration of each whitening procedure;
2. Not suitable for whitening implants, veneers, restored teeth.

Air Flow

This is a mechanical cleaning of enamel that effectively removes plaque and hard deposits (tartar) from the surface of teeth. To carry it out, Air flow sandblasting equipment is used, which supplies the enamel surface with a high-pressure stream consisting of water, an abrasive substance and air. Common soda crystals are used as an abrasive, destroying dental plaque and polishing enamel. Learn more about Air Flow teeth brushing.

Advantages

• During the procedure, tartar is removed, a common cause of caries.
• Ability to clean hard-to-reach places.

Flaws

• Lightening by only 2 - 3 tones.
• During the procedure, patients with sensitive enamel experience pain.

Contraindications

Office, home or self-lighting is strictly prohibited in the following cases:

● the patient has deep caries - in this case, the active substance quickly penetrates into the dentin, which causes burns;

● increased sensitivity – the procedure will aggravate the problem;

● dental plaque, tartar - in this case, you will first need to do hygienic cleaning to remove soft plaque, otherwise the effect will not be noticeable;

● taking medications that affect sensitivity to ultraviolet light - for example, ibuprofen;

● patient's age is less than 18 years;

● pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Main contraindications

Chemical bleaching

The name of the method speaks for itself and involves applying a special chemical based on hydrogen peroxide to the visible surface of the teeth. Penetrating deep into the enamel, it destroys pigment molecules, and teeth become 4 to 10 shades lighter.

Advantages

• Quickly achieve the desired effect.
• A long-term result, which, if the recommendations are followed, can last for 1.5 years.

Flaws

• Tooth enamel becomes more sensitive.
• If the gums are poorly insulated during the procedure, they can get burned.

Whitening methods

Teeth whitening methods are divided into chemical and mechanical, although many of them combine both elements. Chemical whitening involves the use of pastes, gels and other substances that remove years and lighten the enamel. But such procedures have a noticeable negative effect on teeth, unlike laser or sonic methods. The best whitening for each person is a method that in his case has no contraindications and does not cause pain, so in each specific case the patient himself chooses what is right for him.

Laser whitening

With this method, the main bleaching component is hydrogen peroxide, and a laser is used to enhance the properties of this composition, while under the influence of the light flux, the peroxide penetrates faster into the surface of the enamel without destroying its outer layer.

Laser teeth whitening

Frequent laser whitening damages enamel, and although such whitening occurs within half an hour, and the results last up to five years, people with a lot of fillings and poor dental health are advised to choose other alternative whitening methods.

Ultrasonic whitening

The essence of ultrasonic whitening is the effect of ultrasound on the enamel, during which dirt particles are peeled off, and then such particles are removed using a water jet. Unlike most other methods, ultrasound allows you to reach hard-to-reach areas.

Ultrasonic teeth whitening

But patients may experience pain when treating carious teeth and inflamed gums. Another disadvantage of the method is that the end result is hardly noticeable in people with teeth darkening several shades. This is due to the fact that technically this method is not so much bleaching as a thorough cleaning, in which the effect on the color of the enamel is minimal.

Whitening gels and strips

Such products can be used for whitening at home, but it is better to entrust these procedures to specialists. Most gels are made with hydrogen peroxide, which lightens the enamel. In the composition of such products, the negative destructive effect of peroxide is neutralized due to the activity of other components, so the use of gels for sensitive teeth is allowed.

Whitening strips

There are three ways to use such compositions:

• use in mouthguards that are pre-made individually (such devices must be worn at night or worn for several hours during the day);
• application to the surface of the teeth with a brush;
• Use after toothpaste when brushing your teeth.

But this method has more disadvantages than advantages, and among them is the possibility of developing allergic reactions to the components of the gel, having a destructive effect on unclosed carious areas and microcracks, burns of the mucous membranes of the esophagus and larynx if the product is accidentally swallowed, and possible irritation of the mucous membranes themselves.

Special strips for teeth whitening are safer in this regard: these are small plates coated on the inside with a whitening compound. The “range” of action of the strips is relatively low: whitening is possible within four tones.

Instructions for applying whitening strips

The main active whitening component of the strips is urea or hydrogen peroxide, covered with a protective layer. After its removal, the layer begins to actively produce bleaching substances during contact with oxygen. You can use this product 1-2 times a day, depending on the product model. The duration of use also depends on the type of strips: the procedure can last from several minutes to half an hour, and during this time you cannot talk, eat, drink or smoke. After removing the strips, you should brush your teeth and rinse your mouth well.

The duration of use of such strips usually does not exceed one month; if the product is used correctly, the destructive effect on the enamel is minimal, and the procedure itself is completely painless. But if the strips are applied incorrectly to the teeth or possible displacement will lead to uneven whitening in different areas, in addition, with increased sensitivity of the teeth and gums and the active component of the strips, as well as in the presence of dental diseases, painful sensations may occur. Depending on the reasons for the darkening or yellowing of the enamel, different effects can be achieved, and in most cases people are not very happy with the result.

In general, such strips can only be recommended for those who have darkening - not too much and occurs due to drinking a lot of coffee and smoking.

Air Flow technique

In fact, the Air Flow method is not whitening, but a method of cleaning teeth with a stream of high-pressure air. During this treatment, plaque and stones are removed and the enamel surface is moderately polished.

Air Flow technique

It is impossible to achieve noticeable lightening (by more than one tone) using this method, and it is not advisable to use this method to lighten enamel, although an air stream is a good way to clean tartar and deposits on teeth.

Whitening at home

Whitening at home can be done using the following products:

• tea tree oil;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• soda;
• Activated carbon;
• special whitening toothpastes containing polishing abrasives and an increased amount of soda;
• whitening pencils equipped with small LED lamps.

Whitening at home

When bleaching at home, you can never guarantee a positive result; in addition, the person himself may not calculate the dosage of the drug, and if it is reduced, the effect will be completely absent, and if it is exceeded, the bleaching agents can have a destructive effect on the enamel.

This is the most dangerous method of restoring the color of teeth, which is not recommended to be used regularly.

Photo whitening Zoom

The best way to whiten teeth from a dentist's point of view is photo whitening using Zoom technology. The method involves the use of a gel containing hydrogen peroxide, and an ultraviolet lamp is used to activate the processes. In practice, this method is similar to conventional chemical whitening, but thanks to the use of a special composition, teeth can be lightened by 10-12 tones (other methods do not guarantee this range).

Before and after Zoom whitening

The benefits of Zoom whitening include:

• duration of effect;
• the ability to perform complete whitening in just one procedure;
• no pain;
• working with hard-to-reach areas;
• no negative impact on the oral mucosa.

Before using this cleaning method, the specialist removes tartar and plaque using the “Air Flow” method, after which the gums and mucous membranes are protected by applying special solutions and installing a cofferdam. The lower part of the face, which may be exposed to ultraviolet radiation, is covered with medical napkins, and protective glasses are put on the patient's eyes.

Protective glasses for Zoom whitening

Next, a whitening gel is applied to the teeth using a special brush, which is activated by exposure to ultraviolet light. During such exposure, the bleaching composition releases active oxygen, which penetrates the enamel and has a whitening effect.

This procedure takes no more than fifteen minutes, and if the change in the shade of the teeth is not very strong, you can get by with one visit to a specialist. But on average, to achieve maximum results, the procedure should be repeated up to four times.

After bleaching, the insulating and protective materials are removed, and the patient is required to rinse his mouth and brush his teeth.

This type of whitening has no restrictions on subsequent food intake: you can eat immediately after leaving the dentist’s office.

Ultrasonic whitening

The use of ultrasound in combination with special pastes and gels based on oxidizing agents, which are pre-applied to the visible surface of the teeth, gives a fairly good result and will lighten the enamel by 2 - 3 tones.

Advantages

• The method is suitable for patients with sensitive tooth enamel.
• No pain.

Flaws

• To achieve maximum effect, several procedures will be required.

Whitening with a discount of 5000 rubles!

Moscow

How to keep your teeth white longer

Depending on the technique used, the effect of professional whitening can last for more than one year. However, some patients return to the clinic after a few months for a repeat procedure. To ensure that your smile remains dazzling for a long time, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:

• do not eat for 3 hours after teeth whitening, you can only drink clean water, then you must adhere to a special diet;
• Do not use a brush with hard bristles, as this will only increase sensitivity;
• purchase a paste without abrasive particles;
• rinse your mouth, use dental floss, and irrigator after each meal;
• Mouth rinses should not contain chlorhexidine (it stains teeth);
• follow a schedule of visits to the dentist for preventive examinations (at least once every six months);
• complete smoking cessation for 2-3 days, preferably for several weeks.

Special diet

To maintain the effect for a long time immediately after the procedure, you must adhere to a special diet. It is important to minimize the consumption of foods with bright colors. It is advisable to eat:

• porridge;
• dairy (but not fermented milk) products;
• fish and seafood;
• chicken, rabbit;
• egg white;
• white fruits and vegetables (such as bananas).

Along with eliminating food containing dyes from the diet, it is recommended to avoid coloring spices. This is turmeric, paprika. Dentists also do not advise eating smoked meats, citrus fruits, any berries, drinking coffee, black tea and alcoholic beverages.

Endobleaching

Endodontic lightening of tooth enamel (or as it is often called intracanal whitening) is a labor-intensive procedure that allows you to lighten pulpless teeth and teeth with cracks on the enamel surface. The problem is that, being damaged, they darken from the inside over time and a superficial effect on the enamel in this case does not have a positive effect. Therefore, to lighten them, a special whitening gel is introduced into the tooth cavity, followed by a filling.

Advantages

• The method allows you to lighten damaged teeth and enamel.
• Painless procedure.
• It is possible to lighten the enamel by 8 – 10 tones.
• You can lighten only one or two affected teeth.

Flaws

• Tooth tissues become more fragile.
• To achieve maximum effect, 2–4 procedures will be required.

What is whitening

Today, there is no consensus among dentists whether teeth whitening is harmful or beneficial. Some experts claim that it does not cause any harm to the human body, whitening methods are effective, and a beautiful smile only gives confidence and improves mood. Other dentists are skeptical about the whitening process.

In modern dentistry, there are both clinical methods of teeth whitening and “at-home” techniques. In general, whitening is understood as the process of lightening tooth enamel by a certain number of tones - some people prefer to simply remove yellowness, while others want to achieve an unnatural white shade.

Laser whitening

One of the most popular methods of enamel lightening. During his procedures, a whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and exposed to a laser, which activates the formula.

Advantages

• Quick visible effect.
• Lightening of enamel by 6 – 10 tones.
• Bactericidal properties of the procedure.
• If you follow the dentist’s recommendations, the effect lasts for 1.5 – 2 years.

Flaws

• During the first day after the procedure, the sensitivity of tooth enamel increases.

Absolutely all professional teeth whitening procedures have contraindications. Therefore, before carrying out them, you need to consult with your attending physician and dentist.

Whitening systems

Today doctors can offer several whitening options:

1. Air Flow – processes tooth enamel using the principle of sandblasting. Bleaching is carried out using soda and water. The jet of the composition is supplied under high pressure, thereby effectively cleaning and whitening tooth enamel. After the first half-hour procedure, your teeth will become whiter. However, this method is not suitable for those whose teeth are hypersensitive.
2. With mouthguards - available both with and without hydrogen peroxide. This is a chemical effect on the teeth, which has a tangible and visible effect, and the harm from such an effect is much less than from soda.
3. Zoom is the most popular type, which is actively offered in many dental clinics today. A special gel is applied to the tooth enamel, which is activated (fixed) by a lamp.
4. Photobleaching – the principle of this system is similar to the Zoom system. Here, too, a gel is applied to the tooth enamel, but it is fixed with another lamp – an ultraviolet one.
5. Laser system - its principle is similar to the previous two, but here the gel is activated more efficiently due to a denser beam of light. In addition, if in other systems the tooth surface heats up during the whitening process, this is not the case here. This allows you to avoid damaging your nerves and keep your teeth healthy.

Whitening Pencil

The active ingredient in whitening pencils is still hydrogen peroxide. To lighten the enamel, a light gel is applied to the visible surface of the teeth using a special pencil applicator and left for the time specified in the instructions, after which the mouth must be rinsed thoroughly.

Whitening strips

The principle of operation of the strips is very similar to the mechanism of a pencil. These are special soluble or insoluble strips that are fixed on the visible surface of the teeth in the smile area and left for the recommended time, during which the active substance based on hydrogen peroxide penetrates the top layer of tooth enamel and brightens it.

Special toothpastes

This is the most affordable way to whiten teeth at home. As a rule, these pastes contain abrasive particles that remove plaque and polish the enamel, making it lighter.

The main advantage of all home whitening methods is that they are affordable. But with their help, it will be possible to lighten the enamel by no more than 2–3 tones, and to maintain this effect, the procedures will have to be repeated with enviable regularity.

Important to remember!

Uncontrolled use of home teeth whitening methods can damage the enamel and cause its thinning. In addition, all of them, like professional methods, have their contraindications and require prior consultation with a dentist.

Top 7 Teeth Whiteners

Now we will look at the best teeth whitening products: pencils, trays and strips.

Best Teeth Whitening Pencils

Yamaguchi Teeth Whitening Gel

A pencil for cosmetic teeth whitening costs about 2,000 rubles. The whitening gel contains 6% of the active substance - carbamide peroxide. The manufacturer assures that using the pencil is not only safe for teeth and gums, but can also lighten the enamel by 5-10 tones in one use. The procedure of applying the gel to the teeth takes only a few minutes, after which you should not drink or eat for half an hour. Some users complain of a lack of effect or increased tooth sensitivity, so use the gel in full accordance with the instructions.

Price: ₽ 2,000

Ivismile

These lipstick shaped whitening pens are tested in Switzerland. The product is cheaper than the previous one: its price is 679 rubles. Designed for sensitive teeth, does not contain hydrogen peroxides and urea. According to the manufacturer, after 5 days of using the gel, your teeth will become 4-6 shades whiter. The total course of use is 7 days. It not only whitens enamel, but also removes stains from coffee, red wine and cigarettes. The effect should last for several months.

Price: ₽ 679

The best trays for teeth whitening

ON WHITE

Far from the cheapest, but an effective and pleasant to use teeth whitening kit. Includes an LED tray with gel and special strips: for maximum effectiveness, the products from the set must be alternated. Made in Russia and even patented, which for some may be an additional incentive to purchase.

In order for the mouthguard to glow and the gel to work, the device must be connected to a power source via a USB port - unfortunately, the gadget does not have its own battery, but any smartphone looks great in this capacity. In addition to whitening, the set reduces tooth sensitivity.

A very interesting and, most importantly, effective product that is suitable even for people with thin enamel. The asking price is less than 3,000 rubles. When the strips and gel run out, consumables can be ordered separately without purchasing a new mouth guard.

Price: ₽ 2,090

My Brilliant Smile

Inexpensive teeth whitening trays based on activated carbon and coconut oil. A set of 7 pieces will cost you only 500 rubles. They do not contain hydrogen peroxide, but they do contain components that strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity, prevent gum inflammation and the development of caries, so you can use Amazing White without fear for your oral health.

Despite the modest price, the mouthguards are made of high quality and fit comfortably in the mouth, without discomfort. The whitening effect should be noticeable after seven days of use. An economical and healthy alternative to professional whitening.

Price: ₽ 500

Zoom Nite White ACP

A more complex and expensive system compared to its competitors, developed by Philips. A whitening kit costs more than 6,500 rubles. The concentration of carbamide peroxide in this case is 16%; kits with 22% and 9.5% of the active substance can also be found on sale. The kit includes 6 syringes with gel, each of which is enough for 3 procedures, 6 tips for applying the gel, a container for storing aligners, two plates for making aligners in a dental clinic, a tooth shade card and instructions for use. The mouth guards themselves are not included in the kit: they must be made by a dentist or purchased separately. A session of using the gel lasts from 5 to 7 hours. Upon completion of the course, the enamel should become 6-8 shades lighter, a very good result.

Price: ₽ 6,690

Best Teeth Whitening Strips

Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects

A set of 40 strips - 20 for the upper teeth and 20 for the lower teeth - costs around 4,000 rubles. The whitening course lasts 20 days, and the first results of using the product can be seen already on the third day. Upon completion of the course, the teeth will become 4-5 shades lighter, and this result will last for 12-18 months. Gel strips effectively remove coffee, cigarette or wine stains. The whitening procedure is carried out once a day, takes only 30 minutes, and during this time you can not only talk, but even drink water. The strips are securely glued to the teeth, do not slip and do not cause discomfort when worn.

Price: ₽ 3,600

Global White

A set of 14 teeth whitening strips with active oxygen, designed for a week of daily use. Someone writes that the effect is noticeable after the first use, but it is better to still be prepared for the fact that serious results will appear only after completing the course.

Some users complain of unpleasant dry mouth after whitening sessions. Therefore, you should be careful with strips and use My Brilliant Smile only in accordance with the instructions.

Otherwise, the strips are conveniently packaged, work effectively, and cost only 1,370 rubles - what more could you want from a teeth whitening product at home?

Price: ₽ 1370

Is teeth whitening harmful?

The peculiarity of all whitening methods is their relative safety. On the one hand, if the patient has absolutely healthy, strong teeth, then the enamel lightening procedure, carried out once every 2-3 years, will not cause much harm. On the other hand, regular use of chemical reagents that whiten teeth causes a gradual thinning of tooth enamel and makes it sensitive. Home lightening is especially dangerous when patients use available and advertised whitening products without taking into account their specificity and the individual characteristics of their enamel.

Before you sign up for a whitening procedure, you must consult a dentist and choose a real professional to perform it. A correctly calculated concentration of the active substance applied to the enamel, the depth and time of its exposure will minimize the risk of complications after bleaching and its negative impact on the enamel.

Who can benefit from teeth whitening?

Unfortunately, some patients cannot undergo whitening for individual reasons. For example, the procedure is contraindicated during pregnancy and under the age of 18 years. There are other reasons why a dentist will refuse you a procedure.

Who can benefit from teeth whitening? Patients with the following symptoms are at risk of experiencing discomfort or pain during whitening and experiencing increased tooth sensitivity:

• deep caries;
• already existing hypersensitivity;
• tartar and plaque on enamel;
• treatment with medications that increase sensitivity to UV.

In the first two cases, the patient runs the risk of getting a burn and severe sensitivity of the enamel after the procedure. If there is tartar or plaque, the whitening gel will not fulfill its purpose and whitening will not occur.