Safe teeth whitening

Our life is unthinkable without smiles. Smile is an integral element of communication, expression of emotions, a tool in achieving mutual understanding, a sign of approval, greeting. It is more eloquent than words and clearer than gestures.

Of course, we want our smile to be beautiful and healthy. The trends of recent years are increasingly inclining us towards a healthy lifestyle and self-care. In the modern world, the requirements for aesthetics have increased significantly. Dentistry is no longer just functional. With the development of new technologies, dentists are becoming jewelers, whose job is not just to treat, but to create unique smiles.

The first step to high aesthetics – teeth whitening. A dazzling, snow-white smile – an important element without which the picture of perfection would not be complete. We are pleased to be able to offer a variety of teeth whitening options at our clinic, the effects of each of them helping our patients smile more often.

Effect of teeth whitening

First of all, when starting a conversation about whitening let's understand what effect you can expect from whitening.

What what the whitening system gets rid of – is the internal staining of the teeth.

• enamel staining;
• superficial staining of the dentin;
• deep dentin staining.

Changes can range from small stains to changes in tooth tissue structure.

What shouldn't you expect from teeth whitening?

If the stains are easily enough treated with whitening systems, there are cases when we see a change in the structure of the tooth or its volume, a change in the anatomical shape of the tooth, then additional methods of restoration are required – filling or orthopedic restoration (prosthetics).

Bleaching – it's safe!

The history of whitening goes back over 100 years, and so all the trial and error has been left behind, and now in modern dentistry the whitening procedure is completely safe!

At all times people have resorted to various tricks to achieve the standards of beauty. The practice of whitening began long ago, since the 19th century, when bleaching agents based on bleach, oxalic acid, peroxide esters were used.

Gradually, physical methods were added, in particular, heat exposure, which allowed to speed up the procedure. Then they experimented with the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. They were looking for methods to improve the whitening effect, so cold light and laser appeared in the practice of whitening.

The technology of both systems is similar, and the gel is quite easy to apply in both Beyond and ZOOM 4. But in terms of individualization, ZOOM 4 is probably better. In addition, both lamps allow the light intensity to be customized for the patient thanks to three power modes.

Contraindications to the whitening procedure

Of the contraindications to whitening, the following should be highlighted:

• Presence of tooth decay and plaque.
• The presence of non-carious lesions, structural changes not in the stage of stain, but with disruption of the structure, because in this case the risk of deeper penetration of the gel and whitening agents is quite high, which can lead to complications.
• Gum diseases that require special periodontal preparation. In such cases, professional hygiene is not sufficient, because, due to swelling and bleeding of the gingival margin, it will not be possible to achieve a thorough isolation of the gingiva during the whitening procedure.

General contraindications are pregnancy and breastfeeding, and also relative contraindications are thyroid diseases and diabetes mellitus, since the disturbance of the general metabolism in the body in such cases can affect the mineral metabolism of each tooth.  Although in the remission stage, whitening is still permissible.

Is whitening possible with fillings, braces or orthotics?

The presence of a large amount of filling material on the anterior surface, much less orthopedic designs that completely cover the teeth, whitening is a relative contraindication. Artificial material (fillings, ceramics) are not subject to whitening, and will require replacement after the course is completed.

The presence of orthodontic structures – is a contraindication. However, office whitening with internal lingual braces is possible if the patient is very willing.

General recommendations for whitening

• The main recommendations before and after the whitening procedure – are recommendations for desensitization. Two weeks before and the first few days after the procedure, the use of a gel containing calcium amorphophosphate is required.

• It is not recommended to smoke after the whitening procedure. Tobacco smoke can provoke darkening of the teeth.

• Immediately after whitening, do not use brightly colored lipstick.

• Other than that, one of the most important recommendations – limiting coloring substances in food or a colorless diet for two weeks after the procedure. Foods like beets, carrots, and plums, which can lead to staining, are excluded. Prohibited products also include coca-cola, tea, coffee, red wine, tomatoes, soy sauce, chocolate. This is due to the fact that the first time after the whitening procedure, the structure of the enamel remains porous. Anti-sensitivity gel fills the enamel, but will not completely save from the absorption of coloring substances by the enamel.

• Don't eat something very cold and very hot together (avoid large temperature differences).

• Recommendations for oral hygiene is that you should use floss, a quality toothbrush of medium hardness, paste with minerals, fluoride rinse. Brush your teeth preferably after each meal, at least – twice a day. Regularly, at least 2 times a year, visit the dentist for a preventive examination.

• It is not recommended to perform home whitening within 1 year after office whitening – it may cause hypersensitivity.

Duration of effect after whitening

According to the manufacturer's recommendation, an interval of two years is ideal for maintaining the whitening effect. The full effect does diminish over time, depending on the patient's lifestyle, dietary habits, and how often he or she visits the hygienist.

If the patient creates conditions for himself where pigmentation and internal coloration return more quickly, the repeat procedure will be needed sooner. If he or she adheres to a diet, however, the effect is more likely to last two years.