With the passing of time our teeth undergo color changes. These are modifications or alterations of the color that can be produced by different factors such as: age, eating habits (coffee, tobacco, etc.), tooth wear, dental treatments such as endodontics, diseases or different medications and antibiotics.
What is dental whitening?
To treat these color changes and achieve white teeth, we will perform a highly conservative and aesthetic treatment; in which, through a previous examination of the patient and then the application of different whitening products, will help to eliminate or clarify the different color changes, being able to return the tone and brightness that corresponds to the patient’s smile.
What products do we use and how do we apply them for teeth whitening?
At Mesena Dental Clinic we use two whitening products at different concentrations such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, both of which are harmless to the patient’s health when applied correctly.
The most common way to apply these products is:
- Home sessions: depending on each patient, we will deliver splints and a product called carbamide peroxide to prepare the treatment in the clinic.
- A clinical session: in which, after completely isolating the patient’s mucous membranes and soft tissues, we will apply 2-3 repetitions of hydrogen peroxide with the help of a cold LED light, which will enhance the effect of the hydrogen peroxide on our dental structure, thus completing the teeth whitening process.
Whitening protocol at Mesena Dental:
In the clinic we follow a rigorous diagnostic protocol before performing the whitening treatment:
- Clinical history: in which we can observe if the patient has any type of disease or takes any type of medication, which influences us in our whitening treatment.
- Intraoral exploration. Here we will check:
- Periodontal status of the patient: we should look closely to see if the patient has gingivitis or periodontitis (colloquially, bleeding gums or possible inflammation of the gums).
- Possible caries or old leaked fillings.
- Measurement of the patient’s degree of tooth sensitivity.
If any of these three points is not solved for the patient, the whitening treatment will not be started, since it is necessary to have a perfect state of oral health and prevent any discomfort for the patient.
- Shade: individualized shade measurements will be taken on each of the patient’s teeth using special shade guides or other tools such as a spectrophotometer.
- Photographic record: we will make photographic records before, during, at the end of the treatment and in the post-treatment follow-up in our photographic studio and in the office.
Frequently asked questions about the treatment
Below we will answer some of the questions that our patients usually ask.
- How long does teeth whitening last?
It will depend mainly on the dietary and hygienic habits of each patient and of course on their regular check-ups.
If the patient complies with our advice, the treatment will be completed or we can decide to repeat it in the future. It depends on the optimal color for each patient.
- Can everyone have teeth whitening?
Yes, as long as, as we said before, they meet a series of requirements such as: having their periodontal condition under control, good hygiene, not having caries or old filtered fillings and being of legal age.
- Does it damage the structure of the tooth?
Not at all. Using an appropriate technique for each patient by your dentist and with products approved by the EC.
- Does whitening cause sensitivity?
It is extremely important to test the degree of sensitivity in each patient because if there is an altered sensitivity it must always be treated before starting the whitening treatment. If tooth sensitivity does not disappear, we will not be able to perform the whitening treatment.
Tooth sensitivity will be treated with different toothpastes, gels and mouthwashes rich in fluoride, potassium nitrate and amorphous calcium phosphate that will alleviate it.
For more information on tooth whitening contact a specialist.