Teeth whitening

Start by identifying what stains your teeth

Make an appointment explaining what you want to change: an overall yellow tone, coffee stains or a tooth that is darker than the others. The dentist checks the teeth, gums and restorations before choosing the method. A cavity, a crack or a single tooth that has turned gray cannot be treated by simply applying the same gel everywhere.

If the colorings are deposited on the surface, professional cleaning can already improve the smile. Look at the result before deciding on further lightening. Also note visible crowns and composites: their color may become darker in contrast as neighboring teeth lighten, which should be discussed before you begin.

Choose a framed formula rather than a random kit

Whitening rules differ by country, including allowed peroxide concentrations, age restrictions and professional supervision. Ask a locally registered dentist to check your teeth and gums and explain which options are appropriate and legally supplied where you live. Children and teenagers should seek dental advice rather than use cosmetic whitening kits on their own. A product sold online is not proof of local authorization or suitability.

A freely available kit is therefore not necessarily comparable to the treatment offered in the office, even if its box shows a very white smile. Ask what the active agent is, what result is expected and what the price includes: assessment, trays, gel and follow-up. The presence of a lamp or the word “professional” are not enough to judge the service.

Use gutters as intended

With at-home treatment followed by the dentist, the trays hold the gel against the teeth. Be shown how much to deposit and how to remove any excess: filling more does not give better whitening, but promotes contact with the gums. Check their fit before starting the series of applications.

Respect the application time and frequency indicated for your product. Some protocols take place over several weeks; others use in-office sessions. Do not transpose the schedules from one gel to another, do not double a forgotten session and do not sleep with the aligners if this has not been planned. Clean them according to the instructions received.

Adapt treatment if teeth become sensitive

Cold discomfort may occur during treatment. Inform the dentist: he can advise a break, change the pace or suggest a suitable toothpaste. If the pain is strong, persists or particularly affects a tooth, stop the applications and take stock before resuming. The treatment should not become an ordeal to endure to gain a shade.

Compare the result under the same conditions

A photo taken before the treatment, then another with the same light and without filter, will help you more than a memory comparison. Don't just judge the whiteness right after a session: temporary dehydration can accentuate the effect. The dentist will tell you when to appreciate the stabilized shade and decide if the result is sufficient.

Then keep brushing regularly with fluoridated toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth. Tobacco and coloring drinks can encourage new stains; laundering does not protect against their return. Touch-ups are discussed according to progress, without automatically chaining treatments as soon as a small difference appears in the mirror.