In addition to increased self-esteem, a well looked-after smile can also help improve your relationship with other people. You should be aware that some things can lead to teeth becoming dark and stained: Drinking coffee, tea, wine, soft drinks and fizzy drinks; Smoking; Eating some coloured foods; Accumulation of tartar; Advanced age. Fortunately, these days there are some relatively simple solutions to correct these changes in dental colour , in particular, tooth whitening treatments. What are the different types of tooth whitening? There are two types of tooth whitening: treatment that can be carried out at home (the most common) and whitening carried out by the dental practitioner. Home whitening The dentist will produce some moulds that are individually prepared to fit the shape of the person’s teeth. Every day, the whitening gel provided by the dentist is placed into the moulds, which are then worn for the recommended amount of time. The person is usually advised to sleep with the mould in place , as treatment is carried out at night for greater comfort. Treatment lasts for approximately two weeks , although the timescale can be adjusted if the dental practitioner monitoring the procedure feels it is appropriate. Whitening carried out by the dental practitioner In this case, treatment is carried out by the dentist in their surgery . It usually takes about 60 minutes and several sessions (usually 2 or 3) may be necessary to achieve the desired result. These two methods of treatment are simple and allow the desired results to be achieved without altering or damaging natural dental structures. Warning: over-the-counter tooth whitening products It should be pointed out that most over-the-counter tooth whitening products have a mode of action that can lead to irreversible changes in the dental structure. This is why tooth whitening should be overseen by a dentist , this being the safest option for returning the desired whiteness to the teeth. Are there any contraindications for tooth whitening? Possible contraindications for this type of treatment may be: Dental caries; Teeth that have undergone significant restoration; A high degree of dental sensitivity. The above contraindications occur because whitening products act only on natural teeth and may cause some temporary dental sensitivity . However, with careful evaluation , it is possible that even in such cases your dentist can establish a treatment plan that will resolve these obstacles and allow tooth whitening to take place. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, you can find dental specialists who will monitor your oral health. Author : Carolina Damião Ferreira Meet the Dentistry team of Hospital da Luz network The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
