What you need to know before teeth whitening –

Dental whitening is a technique that consists of whitening yellow teeth and removing stains for aesthetic purposes. It can be done in different ways: homemade, in the office and mixed.

“The treatment consists of using products based on hydrogen peroxide, we put the gel in contact with the tooth enamel for a certain time (depending on the chosen technique). This gel has the ability to break down pigmented molecules, making teeth whiter,” explains the dentist. Henry Lanat, from the clinic Dr. André Braz.

professional whitening

Second Camillo Anauate NettoCounselor of the Regional Council of Dentistry of São Paulo, the treatment is fIt is performed by doctors and in the office, and can be performed in up to three sessions. “A more powerful whitener is used, hydrogen peroxide at 35 to 37%”

Whitening can be retouched every two years

Before, an LED light was used to “enhance” the result, but Camillo warns that “we no longer use light or laser in this process, because in addition to being ineffective for whiteningmay cause adverse reactions.

home whitening

Camillo explains that this procedure involves a less concentrated product (with carbamide peroxide from 10 to 22%) “A mold of the patient’s mouth is made, then a plastic form is made in which the patient inserts the product and remains two hours daily in the mouth”.

Mixed whitening (professional + at-home)

Also known as “jump start”, after the professional whitening session, carried out in the office, the treatment is complemented with the home technique, where the patient uses the product with the lowest concentration of hydrogen peroxide for two hours, daily, at home. , enhancing the whitening effect.

internal whitening

“There is still internal whitening, which consists of whitening teeth that have undergone some trauma, pulp necrosis, root canal treatment. This must be done by the professional in the office”, Henrique completes.

What about activated charcoal? Can I use?

Despite having become popular as a “natural” technique for teeth whitening, it no Is indicated!

Activated charcoal has a high level of abrasion, which can harm the health of your teeth. “We have to be very careful because there is the sale, mainly over the internet, of products based on grated ‘barbecue’ charcoal powder. These products are extremely rudimentary and abrasive and wear down tooth enamel, therefore removing stains but also healthy tooth enamel”, says Camillo.

In addition, sodium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide and whitening pastes also have a high level of abrasion and should not be used.

On the other hand, toothpastes that have activated charcoal in their composition are released, because it is nano-particulate and has fluorine and hydroxyapatite, which help in the process of remineralization of tooth enamel. “These dentifrices do not bleach, but they help to maintain teeth whitening for longer!”

Brushing care

It is important to maintain impeccable hygiene with ultra soft brushes and high density bristles during treatment (and in general). Dental floss and interdental brushes are reconciled according to the appropriate technique and frequency indicated by the professional.

Can everyone do?

Teeth whitening is an invasive process.

The product that is placed on the enamel has the potential, according to Camillo, to overcome it and promote a whitening action on the dentin where the pigments are housed in greater quantity. “Dentin is extremely organic and innervated, that is, it is a sensitive tissue because it receives nerve endings from the pulp (dental nerve)”.

Therefore, it should be avoided in patients who already have previous tooth sensitivity, periodontal problems, as well as pregnant and lactating women. “The professional must pay attention to the restored teeth, because the resins do not whiten and must be changed at the end of the treatment”, concludes Henrique.