You may be one of those who think that dazzling white smiles are only for celebrities on the big screen, but teeth whitening is currently the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world.
Many people feel uncomfortable with their teeth, and more than half of them consider that their main disadvantage is the color.
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Teeth whitening is not permanent, it can last from a few months to two or three years. This varies from person to person. The whitening effect will not last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee.
If done correctly, teeth whitening does not cause any pain during or after treatment. However, there is a chance that your gums are sensitive to the chemicals used, especially if you already have sensitive teeth.
At Wiser Smiles we can recommend products with substances such as potassium nitrate, fluoride, calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite, among others, to alleviate dental sensitivity after whitening. These elements can be found in toothpastes for sensitivity, and some whitening products even include them to reduce the possible negative effects of the whitening substance.
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The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen has a limited effect on dental sensitivity, since it can only alleviate it during the first hour after whitening.
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Types of professional teeth whitening
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These are the types of teeth whitening that are performed in a dentist's office or provided by a dental health specialist. The professional performs an oral examination to determine if teeth whitening is right for you and what is the best course of treatment.
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Laser whitening
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In laser teeth whitening, a whitening product is applied directly to the teeth and a laser is used to activate the whitening agent.
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Photoactivation whitening
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Photoactivation whitening, also known as LED whitening, works in much the same way as laser whitening, but in this case a cold light lamp is used to activate the whitening gel. The light allows the peroxide to penetrate the enamel to whiten the teeth. Currently, this procedure has replaced laser whitening as it is less aggressive and produces less dental sensitivity.
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Whitening with trays at home
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This type of whitening is supervised by a professional but is done at home. In the consultation, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth to have some trays made and will teach you how to use them with a whitening gel. Then, using the splints at home, you will regularly apply the gel for a few minutes or hours over two to three weeks.
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Make your appointment today to find out which procedure is best for you.