Why do our teeth turn yellow?
Over time, tooth enamel naturally becomes stained. Several factors speed up this process: coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, certain medications and ageing. Teeth whitening makes it possible to regain a lighter shade and a radiant smile.
The different whitening techniques
There are mainly two professional approaches. In-practice whitening is carried out by your dentist with a concentrated gel sometimes activated by an LED lamp. The results are visible immediately after a single session of about an hour. Take-home whitening involves wearing, at home, custom-made trays filled with a lower-concentration gel, for one to two weeks.
Is it safe?
When carried out by a professional, teeth whitening is safe and respects the enamel. Temporary tooth sensitivity is possible during the treatment, but it quickly goes away. We strongly advise against kits bought on the internet or in supermarkets, which can permanently damage your teeth and gums.
What results can you expect?
Results vary depending on the initial shade of your teeth, the cause of the staining and the technique chosen. On average, you can hope for a lightening of 4 to 8 shades. How long the result lasts depends on your hygiene and your consumption habits: generally between one and three years before a possible touch-up.
Before whitening
A prior examination is essential. Cavities, sensitive gums or crowns do not respond to whitening. At Cabinet Dentaire Bussigny, we assess your situation and offer you the most suitable solution for a radiant smile, in complete safety.
