8 questions about teeth whitening

Over the years, the teeth naturally darken. Drinks such as tea, coffee or red wine, as well as habits such as smoking can cause your teeth to suffer from discoloration. Also, cavities, fillings, and tartar are factors that also contribute to this color change. Due to all these factors, teeth whitening is one of the most performed treatments in a dental clinic in the months leading up to summer.

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Is it painful to have teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a painless treatment. However, during the first 48 hours, discomfort may appear in people with sensitive teeth. Also, hot or cold foods and drinks should be avoided.

Is the enamel damaged?

In the treatments performed with cold light teeth whitening in our clinic, we guarantee that the enamel does not suffer any damage, except for certain post-treatment sensitivity.

Can anyone do it or is there some kind of contraindication?

Anyone who has good dental health, that is, absence of inflammation in the gums, without cavities and without previous dental sensitivity, since treatment can increase them.

Is teeth whitening effective on all types of stains?

No. The best results are obtained on teeth that, with age, yellow or lose their natural tone. In more intense discolorations, the tooth can be lightened a lot, although it depends on the tone and has to be evaluated by the specialist, because in the most severe cases other treatments may be needed. Stains caused by tetracyclines, a medicine, give a grayish or beta-shaped shade to the tooth that cannot be whitened. In that case, it would be necessary to resort to other options, such as veneers or covers.

How long can the whitening treatment last?

The duration of this treatment will depend on each patient, their oral hygiene and eating habits. Teeth whitening is usually less durable in smokers or people who drink beverages such as tea, coffee or red wine, who stain their teeth on a regular basis.

What are the foods and drinks that can influence the coloration of our teeth?

Drinks like red wine, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks and foods like tomato, curry, strawberry, raspberry (among others). Smoking is one of the habits that most discolors teeth.

Once the teeth whitening treatment is done, what care should we take?

We must take special care with our hygiene and avoid foods that cause staining and not smoke. Nicotine leaves a series of deposits on the teeth that cause them to darken. We can use maintenance pastes to prolong its effect.

Is teeth whitening a substitute for a dental cleaning?

No. Teeth whitening is an aesthetic technique and in no way replaces cleaning. Dental cleaning is a treatment that is recommended to be carried out at least once a year, to eliminate bacteria, tartar and thus protect the teeth.