Teeth whitening: understanding the options

How to whiten your teeth?

If you've asked yourself how to remove tartar from your teethYou've probably already noticed that rough texture in your mouth or the dark spots that overshadow your smile.

What is tooth whitening?

The Teeth whitening is a very popular dental aesthetic treatment, designed to lighten the color of teeth and eliminate stains or stains accumulated over time. It is the most effective solution to fight the feared yellow teeth and get a brighter and more attractive smile.

Unlike home remedies or over-the-counter products, professional dental whitening uses a dental whitening gel With hydrogen peroxide or carbamide at controlled concentrations, this product penetrates the enamel and dentin, releasing oxygen molecules that break down the pigments that cause the darkening. The result is a whiter and more natural tooth color.

How much does a tooth whitening cost?

The price of tooth whitening The cost of professional treatment may vary considerably depending on:

1. The type of bleaching: A combination treatment (clinic + home) is usually more complete and can therefore cost more than one done only at home.
2. Gel concentration: The Professional dental whitener used and the brand influence the price.
3. Previous diagnosis: It is essential to carry out a professional cleaning and a thorough review before bleaching, the costs of which can go separately.
4. The dental clinic: The prices vary according to the location and technology of the clinic. In our clinic, the average price of a professional dental whitening treatment is in a medium-high range due to the quality of the techniques employed.

To obtain an accurate and personalized budget, a first assessment is essential in our dental clinic in Getxo or Bilbao.

How is a tooth whitening done?

The professional process ensures safety and efficiency. Although the protocol varies slightly depending on the type of bleaching, the key steps are:

1. Diagnosis and Cleaning: The dentist examines the state of your teeth and gums. A dental cleaning (tartrectomy) is essential to ensure that the whitening agent acts directly on the tooth and not on the plaque.
2. Insulation: Gums, lips, and mucous membranes are protected with a protective barrier (very important in clinical treatments).
3. Application of the Gel: The tooth whitening gel on the surface of the teeth.
4. Activation (In Clinic): In light whitening, the gel is activated by a high-power LED lamp or laser to enhance its effect.
5. Completion: After exposure time, the gel and protection are removed. The new color is evaluated.

Types of tooth whitening

There are several professional techniques to achieve whiter teeth, adapting to the needs of each patient:

Combined tooth whitening (cynical + home)

It is the most recommended technique for its high efficiency and durability. It combines one or several intensive sessions in the clinic with a maintenance at home. The patient uses custom splints with a low concentration gel for several nights.

Dental whitening in clinic

Purely whitening in the clinic is the fastest treatment to correct yellow teeth. It is known as whitening by photoactivation and is done completely in consultation, under strict professional supervision. In this type of whitening is used gel application that is later activated with LED light.

Internal bleaching

This treatment is reserved for specific teeth that have darkened after endodontics ( duct treatment). The whitening gel is inserted into the tooth and not on the outside, clarifying the part from the inside.

Teeth whitening pros and cons

Dental Whitening Advantages

-Immediate aesthetic: drastically improves appearance and combats the yellow teeth.

-Increased self-esteem: A white smile gives security.

-Sure treatment: Made by professionals, it is totally safe for enamel.

- Non-invasive: No tooth carving or anesthesia required.

-Customized results: The tone adapts to the natural color of your dentine.

Teeth whitening disadvantages

-Temporary sensitivity: It is the most common side effect. It usually lasts 24-48 hours and is controlled with desensitizing products.

- It doesn't work in restorations: The treatment does not alter the color of fillings, crowns or dental veneers.

- Need for retouching: The effect is not permanent and requires maintenance.

Am I a good candidate for bleaching?

Before embarking on treatment, it is essential for a professional to evaluate your case. Generally, you are a good candidate if:

• You have good dental health (no active caries or periodontal disease).
• You're looking to improve the color of your vital teeth.

You are unfit, or treatment is not ideal, if:

• You have very large fillings on your front teeth (the color of your filling will show more).
• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You have extreme, uncontrolled dental sensitivity.

Maintenance of dental whitening

Once you have achieved the white smile you want, long-term success depends on care.

Post whitening dental care

To prolong the effect of your Professional dental whitenerYou should follow the “white diet” for the first 48-72 hours. This means avoiding any food or drink with intense dyes:

• Coffee, tea, red wine.
• Dark sauces (soja, tomato, balsamic vinegar).
• Very pigmented fruits (dairy, cherries).
• Tobacco (strictly prohibited).

Maintain strict hygiene and use the memory splints that your clinic provides for small tweaks.

How long does a tooth whitening last?

The duration of your tooth whitening effect is variable, but on average, usually lasts between 1 and 3 years. The key to this longevity lies in your habits:

• Longer duration: If you maintain impeccable hygiene, you avoid tobacco and moderate the consumption of colored beverages.
• Shorter duration: If you smoke, drink a lot of coffee or tea, or ignore the advice of post whitening dental care.

Periodic retouching (a short use of home splints) is the best way to keep your teeth perfectly white over time.

Why choose a professional dental whitening in our clinic?

Choosing a professional from our Getxo or Bilbao clinic for your whitening treatment has the following advantages:

- Comfort and Follow-up: You have your clinic nearby for consultation, retouching and review.

- Technology of Vanguard: Dental clinics in Getxo (both in Las Arenas and Algorta) are equipped with the most advanced and safe LED and laser technology.

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