Tooth Whitening

More and more people are paying for whiter, brighter teeth. But does teeth whitening work and is it safe? Here are the answers to the most common questions about the treatment.

1.

What is tooth whitening?

Teeth whitening consists of bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can’t make your teeth bright white, but it can lighten the existing color by several shades.

Who can perform tooth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be performed by a dentist or other regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, when prescribed by a dentist.

Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this practice is illegal if no dental professional is present, and it can put your oral health at risk.

You can also buy at-home teeth whitening kits, but these can also carry risks.

2.

What happens during tooth whitening?

If you are having your teeth whitened, you will need to make several visits to the dental office over a two-month period.

The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and tell you how to use it with a whitening gel. Then, when using your mouthguard at home, you apply the gel regularly over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for up to 8 hours at a time, reducing the treatment time to one week.

Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A whitening product is applied to the teeth and then a light or laser is projected onto them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.

Can any dentist whiten teeth?

Any dentist can whiten teeth as long as they are registered with the General Dental Council. Dental therapists and registered dental hygienists can also perform teeth whitening when prescribed by a dentist.

3.

What about home kits and beauty salons for teeth whitening?

Only go to a licensed dental professional for teeth whitening, as whitening by unqualified persons, for example in beauty salons, is illegal. Home kits also carry risks.

What are the risks of home kits and salon teeth whitening?

Some home kits do not contain enough bleach to be effective. In addition, if a dental professional does not perform the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly, so some of the whitening gel may leak onto the gums and into the mouth, causing blisters and sensitivity.

Tooth whitening performed in beauty salons by untrained or unqualified dental staff puts your oral health at risk and is also illegal.

Is tooth whitening available on the ONATEST website?
You can only have your teeth whitened on the ONATEST if there is a medical reason for it. For example, it may be necessary to lighten teeth that have become discoloured because the nerve has died.

Otherwise, teeth whitening by a dentist or other dental professional can only be done privately, as it is considered a cosmetic treatment. Costs vary and laser bleaching is more expensive than professional bleaching.

To find out what dental treatments are available, visit https://onatest.ch/test-et-avis-des-kit-de-blanchiment-dentaire

How can I find out about teeth whitening?

Your dentist will tell you if bleaching is right for you. Tooth whitening may not be suitable, for example, if you have gum disease or crowns.

Find the dentist nearest you.

What should I ask the dentist before I start?

Don’t be afraid to ask simple questions about the types of whitening treatments available, the results you can expect, and whether the work is guaranteed for a certain period of time.

You can also ask if there are any risks, such as increased sensitivity of your teeth.

Try talking to other people who have had the same treatment or see another dentist for a second opinion until you feel confident. Always ask for a written treatment plan and estimate before you begin.

Is tooth whitening permanent?

Tooth whitening is not permanent. It can last from a few months to 3 years – it varies from person to person.

The whitening effect will not last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, all of which can stain your teeth.

Will tooth whitening be effective on false teeth?

Tooth whitening is not effective on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.

What are the risks of tooth whitening?

Regardless of the treatment you use, your gums may be sensitive to the chemicals used to whiten your teeth, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. There is also a risk of gum burns and some home bleaching kits can damage tooth enamel.