Dental Implants | Esthetic Dentistry
Periodontology | Dr. George Makris & Co.

What is teeth whitening and how is it achieved

Teeth whitening is the dental procedure through which the whiteness of the tooth is improved. It is a chemical process that essentially achieves the discoloration and removal of color stains from the enamel of the tooth. It is performed under the guidance of a dentist and is carried out in the following ways.

• In-office whitening It is mainly applied to patients who want immediate results (less than 24 hours). It is carried out by applying a high-concentration whitening agent to the dental surfaces, which is activated by a light beam of a specific wavelength. The duration of the office visit ranges from one to two hours.
• At-home whitening It is applied to patients who wish to control the pace of improvement in tooth whiteness. It is done using a low-concentration whitening material (10–20%) and custom-made trays. The average duration of treatment is ten to fourteen days. It is the safest and most conservative whitening method.
• Combination of the above methods

Does it hurt? Does it damage the teeth?

Whitening is a safe, conservative, and relatively painless procedure. Its action is limited to the discoloration of color stains on the enamel. The potential occurrence of sensitivity in some patients, especially to thermal stimuli (cold-heat), during whitening is a normal reaction of the tooth that can be minimized with the dentist’s guidance.

How long does the result last?

The duration of the whitening result typically ranges from one to five years and mainly depends on the patient’s eating habits. Consuming foods and drinks rich in pigments as well as smoking can alter the whitening result sooner. Repeat maintenance procedures can be performed yearly.

Can everyone do it?

Whitening is a treatment suitable for most patients who want to improve the aesthetics of their smile. Contraindications exist for specific categories of patients, such as those with cavities, extensive root exposure, problematic fillings, allergies to whitening materials, oral diseases, minors, and pregnant women.

Does it change the color of crowns and resin fillings?

The whitening material only works on enamel surfaces and does not affect any other artificial material (resin, porcelain, amalgam).

Whitening

A case with the main request of teeth whitening with no other dental issues. We can see, by comparing with the tooth color chart, the change that has been achieved. The technique is simple and can be done in the office or at home, but it should always be monitored for progress, as it may cause tooth sensitivity.