Teeth Whitening at the Dentist – Information for Radiantly White Teeth

Tooth discoloration can have various causes. External factors are often to blame. These include smoking as well as staining substances such as coffee, red wine, or tea. These pigments accumulate on the tooth surfaces and make the teeth appear darker.

In the case of tea, tannins can become embedded in the enamel and cause tooth discoloration there. Such stains can be partially removed through a professional dental cleaning. If this cleaning is not sufficient, professional teeth whitening may be considered.

Internal factors also play a role. Following root canal treatments, injuries, or in the case of dead teeth, the tooth structure can become discolored from the inside. With age, the enamel thins, allowing the dentin to show through more clearly.

Hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used for teeth whitening. The concentration and application vary depending on the method. It is important that the bleaching agent be pH-neutral to avoid damaging the tooth.

Dentistry distinguishes between these common methods:

• At-Home Bleaching
• Power Bleaching
• Walking Bleach Method

At-Home Whitening

As the name suggests, you can perform home bleaching in the comfort of your own home.

Patients receive a custom-fitted plastic tray. Bleaching gel or a special gel is applied to the tray. The tray is worn for several hours.

This method is suitable for entire rows of teeth. Depending on the degree of discoloration, multiple sessions may be necessary. 

Since the procedure is performed without medical supervision, the hydrogen peroxide concentration is lower than in other methods (such as power bleaching). Nevertheless, a consultation with a dentist should take place beforehand.

Power Bleaching / In-Office Bleaching at the Dentist

Power bleaching, also known as in-office bleaching at the dentist’s office, takes it a step further. 

The bleaching agent used in this method is more concentrated, so certain safety precautions are necessary. To protect the gums, they are covered with a rubber-like material.

Additionally, with this method, the whitening process is initiated through the use of UV light or cyan-blue light.

The dentist applies a concentrated whitening agent directly to the teeth to lighten them. The gums are protected, and UV light is often used as well.

This in-office treatment is particularly suitable for individual teeth. Often, one or two sessions are sufficient to make the teeth appear whiter.

Internal Bleaching / Walking Bleach Method

Internal bleaching is particularly suitable for teeth that are already dead or have darkened at the root or nerve due to previous treatments.

With this method, the dentist opens the tooth and applies a whitening agent directly inside it. The agent remains in the tooth for several days, and the dentist places a temporary crown over it.

Unlike when the agent is applied directly to the tooth, the whitening effect does not begin until after a few days.

Here, too, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired tooth shade.

Whether you should have your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office or at home depends on the condition of your teeth. Mild discoloration can be treated with at-home whitening. For more severe cases, a visit to the dentist’s office is recommended.

Before any treatment, it should be determined whether there is tooth decay, a defective filling, or other damage. Visits to the dentist are therefore essential before whitening.

One possible side effect is tooth sensitivity, especially to cold or heat. These symptoms often subside after a few days.

Bleaching can cause minerals to be leached from the teeth. This results in temporary spots that fade once the treatment is complete. Remineralizing agents can be used to support the healing process.

Internal teeth whitening can weaken the tooth structure. In rare cases, this can even affect the root.

You should not whiten your teeth if you have untreated cavities, inflamed gums, or leaky fillings. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Dental prosthetics cannot be whitened.

Teeth whitening is not strictly necessary. It is a purely cosmetic procedure. For this reason, health insurance does not cover the treatment.

Most people undergo teeth whitening for aesthetic reasons, to achieve a “bright white smile.” Less commonly, teeth whitening is requested because a dead tooth has noticeably darkened.

However, teeth whitening does have its limitations. It is essential for the patient to determine the cause of their discolored teeth beforehand. Before undergoing treatment, the patient should definitely consult with their dentist and discuss the risks.

The whitening effect can last for several years. This depends, among other things, on overall oral hygiene. Regular professional teeth cleanings can also help make the results last longer.

Of course, a touch-up treatment is possible after some time.

Teeth whitening can help visibly improve discolored teeth. The goal is beautiful teeth and a well-groomed appearance, not perfection. Prerequisites are healthy teeth and professional consultation with a dentist.