With external whitening, the effect works not in the core of the tooth but on its surface. It can be done at the clinic in one day (about 1.5 hours) or at home with custom-made trays, and the desired result is usually reached around day 10–12.
How does every external whitening start?
Whichever type of whitening is chosen, it always starts with a preliminary examination that assesses the condition of the teeth. A decision is made on the type of whitening system and all teeth are cleaned to remove tartar and plaque.
How does in-office whitening work?
With in-office whitening, the cleaning and whitening of the teeth are done in a single day. The whitening procedure itself takes about 1.5 hours.
- Once the patient is prepared and the teeth are cleaned, a mouth retractor is placed.
- A special gel is applied to the gums to protect them from the whitening agent.
- The whitening agent is applied to the tooth surfaces.
- Using light from the whitening lamp or a laser beam, the agent is activated and begins to work. 2–3 successive applications and activations are needed to reach the desired colour.
- Desensitising therapy is carried out with special medications to protect against sensitivity of the teeth afterwards.
The advantage of this method is that whitening is done in just one day and all manipulations are under the dentist’s control.
The disadvantages are the high price and greater tooth sensitivity after whitening.
In-office whitening is extremely popular because it has the so-called Wow effect and is quick, and we recommend it. Its effect, however, is shorter-lived than home whitening with trays — the more aggressive action of high peroxide concentrations on the enamel makes it easier for the teeth to discolour again afterwards as stains penetrate.
There is also a second variant of in-office whitening — without trays, with gel only, applied three times at 20-minute intervals. Its effectiveness may be even lower.
How does home whitening work?
Home whitening requires several visits to the dental clinic.
- First visit. The starting colour of the teeth and the desired shade are determined using a shade guide. Impressions of the upper and lower jaw are taken and used to make custom-fitted trays.
- Second visit. The trays are adjusted in the patient’s mouth and the whitening agent is placed. The dentist shows how much gel to apply and to which surfaces.
- Follow-up check-ups. After the patient has mastered the whitening technique with the custom trays, follow-up check-ups are done every 3–4 days to assess the effect. The desired result is usually reached around day 10–12.
The time the whitening gel needs to act varies – from 30 minutes to 5–6 hours, depending on the type of system (day or night).
If the effect is achieved even earlier, the course is stopped and the remaining gel can be used later for repeat whitening without making new trays. If the effect is not enough in 10–12 days, additional syringes can be added and the course continued until the desired whiteness is reached.
Custom-made tray.
Why are ready-made trays not recommended?
Home whitening systems with ready-made trays have recently appeared, but they are not recommended. The shape of everyone’s teeth is unique and a ready-made tray cannot fit tightly everywhere on the teeth. This may cause the whitening agent to leak into the mouth and burn the gums.
Advantages and disadvantages of home whitening
Advantages:
- the trays can be used for future whitening;
- the effect lasts longer;
- the lower concentration of the whitening agent makes it gentler on the enamel;
- the price is considerably lower.
The disadvantages are minor:
- it is slower than in-office whitening;
- there is a small risk of burning the gum if the tray is poorly made or too much whitening gel is applied.
What happens to crowns and fillings?
A very important feature of external whitening is that crowns and fillings in the mouth do not change colour during whitening. They therefore have to be replaced with new ones in a suitable shade.
What to do after whitening?
After whitening is complete, you are given instructions on maintaining perfect oral hygiene (so the effect lasts longer) and on using special fluoride toothpastes to strengthen the structure of the enamel.
Professional whitening gives a bright, attractive smile, which is essential for everyone’s self-confidence.
How much does it cost?
- In-office whitening: 200 €
- At-home whitening with trays: 200 €
All prices are in the price list.
Frequently asked questions
How long does in-office whitening take?
The procedure itself takes about 1.5 hours, and the cleaning and whitening are done in a single day.
How many visits does home whitening need?
Several. At the first visit the colour and the desired result are determined and impressions are taken for the custom trays; at the second visit the trays are adjusted and the whitening agent is placed. After that, follow-up check-ups are done every 3–4 days.
How soon is the result visible with home whitening?
The desired result is usually reached around day 10–12.
Are ready-made trays recommended for home whitening?
No. The shape of everyone’s teeth is unique and a ready-made tray cannot fit tightly everywhere, which may cause the whitening agent to leak into the mouth and burn the gums.
Do crowns and fillings change colour during whitening?
No. Crowns and fillings in the mouth do not change colour during external whitening, so they have to be replaced with new ones in a suitable shade.