13 Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

1. What is teeth whitening?

El teeth whitening It is a dental treatment that achieves improve the tone of the teeth. Over time and due to certain habits such as smoking or regular consumption of tea, wine or coffee, our teeth can take on a very unattractive yellowish hue.

2. How does the whitening process work?

First, the dentist check the health status of the mouth, teeth and gums. A prior oral cleaning will normally be advised to remove tartar and dental plaque. This cleaning will also remove part of the stains that discolor the surface of the enamel, beginning to see a whiter tone of the teeth. Then, we decide how many shades we want to lower the color, and we apply the treatment. Then we provide the patient tips to preserve and lengthen the effect of tooth whitening to the maximum.

Regarding treatment, there are different methods. At the Ahoa Clinic we use hydrogen peroxide at different concentrations for our teeth whitening. This product abrades the first microlayers of enamel in a controlled way. During treatment we protect the oral mucosa and gums to avoid irritation. To minimize dental sensitivity, after treatment we apply local fluoride in the form of an adhesive gel for 3 minutes to remineralize the enamel. In this way, we strengthen it and greatly decrease subsequent sensitivity.

3. Is whitening effective on any type of stain?

This treatment is effective in most cases of loss of the natural color of the teeth, but not in all. For example, it is effective in cases of darkening due to the passage of time, due to the consumption of substances such as tea, coffee, wine, spices..., or due to poor oral hygiene habits.

However, if during the development of the teeth we have taken some medication such as tetracyclines that have darkened them, the color is already intrinsic to the tooth, it cannot be changed with dental whitening —although there are other treatments, such as porcelain veneers or microveneers, which are effective in these cases—.

Also keep in mind that whitening will not be effective on implants, dental crowns or veneers.

4. How long does the effect of teeth whitening last?

Whitening is reversible, that is, after approximately six to nine months we will have a tone similar to the initial one. If we want to reduce it again, after this time we will have to carry out the treatment again. However, the more times we perform whitening over the years, the easier it will be to maintain and perpetuate the tone achieved over time. In this case, the treatment can be carried out at home. The positioners are made to measure in the clinic and the whitening product is provided to the patient to apply it at home 4 hours a day for 14 days.

There are some recommendations to take care of the result and make it last as long as possible, such as not smoking and following a white diet for two weeks, and avoiding foods with dyes that can stain or darken teeth, such as coffee, red wine or Coca Cola.

5. Can whitening damage my teeth?

This treatment is safe, as long as it is done by a professional. During whitening, substances are used that abrade the first microlayers of enamel in a controlled way, so care must be taken with the concentrations. In addition, the oral mucosa and gums must be protected to avoid irritation and reduce dental sensitivity.

However, if we go to a professional, this treatment is safe and will not affect the general health of our mouth.

6. How can I make the whitening effect last longer?

  • For two weeks after whitening, do a white diet: water, white yogurt, white cheeses, vegetable drinks, milk, chicken, white fish, endives, white cabbage, rice, bananas, colorless pasta... The dentist will give you a complete list of recommended foods in a white diet.
  • As a general rule, avoid consuming foods that can stain or darken teeth: coffee, red wine, Coca-Cola, tea, soy sauce, blueberries, spices such as curry, saffron or paprika...
  • avoid smoking. Not only does tobacco negatively affect the color of your teeth, it has detrimental effects on your entire health.
  • Consult your dentist about the most suitable toothbrush and toothpaste for your particular mouth. Proper oral hygiene is essential to keep your mouth healthy and in perfect condition.

7. Can I do teeth whitening at home?

Home treatments that promise “miraculous” whitening they are not recommended at all, and they can also put your dental health at risk. Many of these products, natural or not, contain agents that damage tooth enamel, as happens with lemon acid, and cause stains that are difficult to remove. On other occasions, they have no effect, so the investment of time and money comes to nothing.

However, your dentist can provide you with controlled whitening treatments to complement your in-office treatment. But they must always be carried out by optional indication and following the instructions they give us.

8. Is teeth whitening painful?

Absolutely. You don't have to assume no pain or discomfort. The treatment is carried out on the outer microlayers of the dental enamel, and during this the mucous membranes and gums are protected. In some cases it can cause dental sensitivity, which must be controlled and will disappear in a few days if professional advice is followed. 

9. Can I whiten if I have gum problems?

Before treatment, the dentist must evaluate the general health of your mouth, to see if it is advisable to perform it. If you have gum problems, surely you will have to solve or check the problem before to be able to do a whitening, to avoid complications.

10. Can I have whitening if I have cavities?

As we have already indicated, before whitening, the dentist must evaluate the general health of your mouth, to see if it is advisable to do so. This treatment is not recommended if there is caries. First we must treat these, and then, if there is no other contraindication, we can perform the whitening.

11. Can I have whitening if I smoke?

Smoking is not recommended at all for our oral health, nor for our health in general. First of all, tobacco it makes our teeth take on a yellowish color, which will reduce the effect and duration of whitening. But, in addition, it harms the gums and can cause or aggravate gum problems, among other consequences. Therefore, we recommend avoiding smoking, in any case.

12. Can I have whitening if I have tooth sensitivity?

The whitening itself can increase the tooth sensitivity, although in most cases they are minor discomfort that improves with the use of desensitizing toothpastes or gels, and disappears in a few days.

However, there are people who suffer from continuous and/or more intense dental sensitivity. In the first place, the dentist must find out the origin of this sensitivity, and from there see if the treatment is recommended or not for the person.

13. Does whitening replace dental hygiene?

No, in no case. Dental hygiene not only helps preserve the natural color of our teeth, but also prevents the accumulation of food remains and tartar, which also prevents cavities, gum problems, etc. Proper dental hygiene is essential in any person, regardless of whether they have undergone or want to undergo a dental whitening treatment.

If you have any questions or queries, contact the Ahoa Clinic and our team of specialists will gladly resolve it.

Our services

Financing
customized

Parking and
free wifi

3-D glasses
stress

Technology
advanced

Card of
Loyalty

German
with companies

Do you want to make an appointment?

Call to 93 343 66 41, or fill in your information in the form and we will call you.

Leave this field blank

Responsible: Icercaib, SL Purpose: Respond to queries and manage appointments or other requests for information. Legitimation: Consent of the interested party. Rights: No data will be transferred to third parties, except legal obligation. You have the right to access, rectify and delete the data, as well as other rights, as explained in the additional information.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 620, attic 1º
08007 Barcelona
Phone: 933 43 66 41
Email: clinica@ahoa.es
BOOK APPOINTMENT