Beautiful white teeth are noticeable! That's undoubtedly why teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment and one that our patients often talk to us about. So we've decided to put together some information you need to know about teeth whitening, and the importance of choosing professional care offered in a dental clinic.
Thinking about whitening? Consult your dentist!
A multitude of over-the-counter products are available for teeth whitening: toothpaste, mouthwash, strips... Nevertheless, before undertaking any treatment, always consult a dentist. The dentist must first determine the patient's condition to determine whether whitening is feasible. The presence of problems such as untreated cavities or gingivitis could lead to complications when using whitening products, including pain or irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
What's more, a consultation with a dentist ensures that it's possible to whiten your smile with a treatment. It's worth noting that teeth whitening treatments are effective for whitening teeth when they are yellowed due to the presence of stains. These can be caused by coffee, tea, red wine, dark foods (berries, tomato-based foods, etc.) or smoking. Tooth yellowing can also be caused by the thinning of tooth enamel. In such cases, whitening treatments cannot restore the whiteness of the smile.
For the reasons outlined above, it's important to consult your dentist if you wish to undertake a teeth whitening treatment. He or she will be able to ensure that it's safe for your oral health to do so, as well as direct you to the professional treatment best suited to you.
Dental whitening options available at our clinic
- Opalescence Boost whitening: performed in-clinic, this is the fastest option for whiter teeth. Performed under the full supervision of the dentist, the treatment is carried out by applying a gel with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Two 20-minute applications are generally required, enabling the entire treatment to be completed in around 60 minutes.
- Whitening with customized trays: this treatment is based on the use of customized trays, worn once a day or overnight (two product concentrations are available). The patient receives full instructions to ensure risk-free treatment. It's a safe, tailor-made treatment that delivers results in just a few days.
- Blanchiment Opalescence Go: these are preformed trays pre-filled with whitening gel. It is suitable for patients with fairly straight teeth. It's an easy, quick and more economical whitening option.
The benefits of professional treatments
To avoid the risks associated with whitening treatments performed without a dentist's supervision, as we mentioned above, we always advise our patients to opt for professional care. Here's why:
- Results are more effective, since the dentist selects the option best suited to your dentition and its level of yellowing. What's more, the products used by the dentist are much more concentrated in whitening agents than those available in stores.
- Results are more harmonious, thanks to a fairer and more even application over the entire dentition.
- The dentist ensures that the treatment will not aggravate a problem that is already present in the teeth or gums.
- The treatment option is chosen that best suits the patient's lifestyle, but also their expectations.
- Touch-ups are possible, for long-lasting results.
The Prisma Dentistes team is here to answer any other questions you may have about teeth whitening. Come and meet us, and we'll suggest a treatment option that's perfectly suited to your needs and safe for your smile!
