Teeth whitening is an increasingly popular treatment at dentists in Lausanne and Fribourg. It is the the solution for beautiful teeth and a radiant smile. In-office treatment, whitening kits, smile bars, home tooth whitening remedies... There are many techniques available. Some are reliable, others more risky. HELVIDENT presents the advantages and disadvantages of the different teeth whitening techniques.
In this article, we answer the following questions:
- What is tooth whitening?
- Who can have teeth whitening?
- What are the benefits of dental bleaching?
- How long does it take to see results?
- What are the risks and contraindications to bleaching?
- How much does tooth whitening cost?
- How do tooth whitening kits work?
Teeth whitening, an aesthetic treatment
In their natural state, teeth are not really white. They have an ivory hue that varies slightly from person to person. In addition, the canines generally appear a little lighter than the incisors. Nevertheless, various patterns can sometimes cause teeth to change color or appear stained.
Professionals have therefore developed solutions to whiten yellow or gray teeth and teeth with brown stains. In fact, having a white teeth In Switzerland, as elsewhere, there is a growing need for well-aligned teeth. However, eating habits, smoking, taking certain medications and hereditary factors all have a negative impact on the radiance of enamel and dentine.
The main active ingredient used in lightening products is carbamide or hydrogen peroxide.
Prevention is always the easiest way to achieve a radiant smile. Discover all our tips for keeping teeth white.
Contraindications
No matter how tempting it may be to achieve the perfect smile, always consult a dentist before taking the plunge. Indeed, this is the recommendation of the Swiss Society of Dentists. The professional will perform a thorough oral examination and effective scaling.
There are a number of contraindications to tooth whitening:
- untreated cavities
- devitalized teeth
- enamel weakness
- gum irritation
- gingivitis
- periodontitis
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- health problems
Bleaching is performed only on the natural enamel of mature, healthy permanent teeth. If you wear veneers or crowns, ask your dentist in Fribourg or Lausanne for advice.
Caution: smoking is contraindicated during treatment. In fact, the peroxide contained in whitening products increases their carcinogenic potential.
The different whitening treatments
Wondering which teeth whitening treatment is best? Are you looking for effective, natural solutions to whiten your teeth? There are many products available that promise to give you a bright smile. HELVIDENT takes stock to help you choose.
We remind you that whitening should never be carried out without the advice of an oral health professional. He or she will provide you with information on the benefits, risks and side effects of each whitening treatment, as well as appropriate hygiene advice.
Home tooth whitening kits
Many brands offer ready-to-use whitening kits that are freely available. Their use involves risks to your health. Avoid products sold on the Internet, as they are not under medical control. They can cause damage to teeth and soft tissues in the mouth.
We recommend that you use whitening products sold in pharmacies:
- Self-adhesive transparent strips
- Gel with brush
- Disposable gutters
Always follow the instructions for use. In any case, these kits are relatively more effective than whitening at the dentist.
Smile bars
Smile bars have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are undercutting the cost of teeth whitening. As a result, teeth whitening is becoming more accessible to the public, who are little aware of the real dangers. L'Federal Office of Public Health warns against risky practices that damage the health of teeth.
Here are the main risks of tooth whitening performed without the supervision of a specialist:
- hypersensitive teeth, manifested in particular by pain when eating cold foods
- enamel deterioration, which can lead to premature tooth wear and even brittleness
- irritation of gums and mucous membranes due to the product's acidity
- faster tooth recoloration
- risk of poisoning if product is ingested
Dental bleaching at the dentist
Second option: at-home tooth whitening. First, you make an appointment with one of the clinic's dentists to take impressions of your teeth. These are used to make two custom-made trays, which you take home along with a whitening gel. Your attending dentist will give you clear instructions on how to use the trays, and you'll receive follow-up care.
Bleaching in the dental office
It requires several successive applications of a carbamide peroxide-based gel to the teeth. Gums are protected throughout the procedure. The application time can vary from 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the initial condition of the tooth. Count on one or two sessions, depending on your needs.
Ambulatory bleaching
First, you make an appointment with one of the clinic's dentists to take impressions of your teeth. These are used to make two custom-made trays, which you take home along with a whitening gel. Your dentist clearly explains the instructions for use, and you benefit from follow-up care. You'll need to wear the trays at home for between 15 minutes and an hour a day, depending on your dentist's prescription.
Teeth whitening: prices and results
For home kits, the cost is low. It rises a little in a smile bar and obviously becomes more expensive when carried out by a dentist. Expect to pay several hundred Swiss francs, or even more than CHF 1,000, depending on the number of sessions, the number of teeth whitened and the method used.
Professional treatments are more effective and safer. Results are visible quickly and last for several years.
Would you like to have your teeth whitened in Lausanne, Fribourg or Aigle? HELVIDENT dental clinics offer competitive prices for safe, effective teeth whitening. All treatments are pain-free. Contact us to get a quote for teeth whitening in French-speaking Switzerland and book an appointment with one of our dentists.
