Hello, Mr. Beaver! 🙂

Lately, there have been more and more patients interested in teeth whitening. This is mainly due to TV shows and commercials that promote various substances promising a flawless white dentition.

What should be known before undergoing chemical tooth whitening?

• Firstly, this method can only work when the teeth have been mechanically cleaned beforehand through tartar removal and brushing.
• Then, the effect is not permanent, and the treatment must be repeated to maintain the result.
• Finally, and perhaps the most challenging for patients to accept, is the fact that the effects of whitening can be very easily compromised by continuing harmful habits (and perhaps therefore so pleasant), such as smoking or consuming colored drinks like coffee or Coca-Cola.

When is whitening recommended?

Another issue is related to recommending such treatment. I know that everyone wants a Hollywood smile, but it should be known that there are no miracles! These substances that can whiten teeth can only act on the tooth surface, so any coloring due to genetic diseases affecting dentin structure, or canal filling substances that have diffused, or even tooth necrosis cannot be changed.

Should I visit the dentist?

Even though many tooth whitening substance producers also provide the necessary dental trays, it is preferable that before starting such treatment, the patient presents themselves to the dentist to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of the method as well as which method is most suitable for them.

How is it done?

Usually, the active substance is found in pre-dosed syringes with a quantity for one use. The patient brushes their teeth with a non-fluoride toothpaste, then applies the substance to the tray, and then the tray to the teeth, taking care to clean the excess substance that refluxes onto the gums with a piece of cotton. The trays are kept in the mouth for up to an hour but can be removed earlier if excessive tooth sensitivity occurs. After this interval, the patient removes the trays from the mouth and brushes again with fluoride toothpaste, which will reduce post-treatment tooth sensitivity. Also, the trays are washed and stored in a special container until the next use. Usually, results appear after the first 4-5 uses, but 8-10 sessions are done for the treatment to be complete.

It’s not magic, it’s just chemistry

Tooth whitening is done through a chemical reaction with the help of carbamide peroxide.

Whitening mechanism

The mechanism by which teeth are whitened is a chemical one. Enamel is structured from two components: one organic and one inorganic. The whitening substance releases active oxygen that destroys the organic material that gives color, leaving only the tooth’s mineralized part whiter. Thus, a lightening of color by up to 2 shades can be obtained.

Substances involved in the whitening process

Different whitening products with carbamide peroxide are available on the market: 10%, 15%, 35%. Those with concentrations of 10 and 15% can be used by patients at home by applying in prefabricated or lab-made trays and should not be kept in the mouth for more than 1 hour, the time can be adjusted depending on whether or not painful sensitivity occurs. Those with a concentration of 35% will be used in a single application in the dental office under the supervision of the doctor for 20 minutes.

Dangers of teeth whitening

Since this therapy acts chemically on the tooth, it can also have less pleasant effects on the teeth: the substance can act unevenly in different areas of the tooth resulting in a stained tooth appearance, it can cause painful sensitivity in contact with cold or sweet. Also, in contact with the gum, it can produce burns.

Whitening teeth without nerves

Usually, teeth without nerves change color and most often, to achieve a good aesthetic effect, doctors resort to treatments through dental crowns. However, there is also the possibility of restoring such an affected tooth to its initial color through whitening by applying the active substance inside the tooth and renewing it every 2-3 days until the desired result is obtained. There is also a possibility that this method may not be efficient and then crowns or veneers remain the chosen treatment.

Whitening in one session

For those who want a quick effect, the method of whitening in a single session with high-concentration substances 35% for 20 minutes has been described.