Teeth whitening

It is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens the color of the teeth and improves their appearance.

Because of external and internal factors that can act alone or together:

• Staining foods and drinks: coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries or beetroot.
• Smoking: tar and nicotine stain the enamel.
• Aging: enamel wears down and reveals the yellower dentin underneath.
• Trauma: a blow can affect the nerve and change the tooth's color.
• Medication: some antibiotics (tetracycline) taken in childhood, or chlorhexidine mouthwashes.
• Fluorosis: too much fluoride while the teeth are developing.
• Genetics, enamel conditions, amalgam fillings and poor hygiene.

• Adults whose teeth have darkened with age, food, drinks or tobacco.
• People with healthy gums and no untreated cavities, severe gum disease or extensive restorations.
• Patients with realistic expectations: effectiveness varies with the type of stain.

Generally from age 15 to 18, once dental development is complete. Young teeth have a larger nerve and may be more sensitive. Any exception is assessed case by case with a dentist.

In the clinic: assessment and cleaning; gum protection with a barrier or gel; application of a peroxide-based agent (hydrogen or carbamide peroxide); light activation in many cases; 30 to 60 minutes of treatment; rinsing and assessment of the result.

At home (recommended with a kit prescribed by the dentist): gels applied with custom trays for several hours or overnight, over days or weeks, with professional follow-up.

No. Its effects are temporary, and how long they last depends on habits (coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco), oral hygiene, natural aging and the type of treatment. It requires maintenance and possibly touch-up treatments.

The most common effects are tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, usually mild and temporary.

Precautions: restorations (fillings, crowns, veneers) do not whiten; internal stains respond less well; it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, on developing teeth, in case of allergy to the products, or with untreated cavities or gum disease.