Teeth whitening
Whiter teeth after one treatment! At KotiHammas, you can restore a beautiful white tone and a brighter smile to your teeth. You will get visible results after one treatment. Depending on your starting situation and your wishes, you can choose either a light whitening or a stronger whitening treatment. By booking a consultation, we will find the method that is best for you.
Teeth whitening for a fresh smile easily and safely
Removing superficial discoloration of the teeth brightens the smile, but teeth whitening is needed in order to achieve a more visible change. The color of the teeth gets more yellow with age, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, consuming staining foods, and some medications also darken the teeth. With whitening, it is possible to change the color of the teeth to a natural light color. When done with whitening products available at the clinic, whitening is safe and does not damage the teeth.
We offer both reception and home whitening treatments for teeth whitening. The substances used in reception whitening are stronger, resulting in faster visible results. Home whitening products are milder, but they are more gentle and the results more permanent. Bleaching is done by treating the teeth with a whitening gel that is left to react for a certain amount of time. In home whitening, the gel is applied to either disposable whitening molds or laboratory-made whitening molds. Molds are used in home bleaching every day for about two weeks.
Whitening is suitable for most people, but before whitening, the teeth should be cleaned and any teeth with cavities filled. However, teeth whitening is not recommended for those under 18 years of age or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The results are individual, and the result and its duration depends on the initial situation.
Teeth whitening affects the color of dentin and enamel by lightening them
The reflection of light on the surface of the tooth and enamel creates the impression of light teeth. The dentin is naturally slightly yellowish and the canine teeth are slightly yellower than the rest of the dentition.
The best results are obtained when whitening is done to a healthy and clean mouth. Before whitening, it is a good idea to have an oral health check-up to check the condition of your mucous membranes, gums and teeth.
Active caries, i.e. cavities, must be filled and accumulated tartar removed before teeth are whitened. Tartar removal should be done within 6-10 months before teeth whitening. Tartar accumulation is very individual, so an oral health care professional will assess the need for tartar removal on an individual basis. Gum diseases such as gingivitis must also be treated before whitening.
Teeth whitening as a procedure
Teeth whitening starts by precise cleaning of the tooth surfaces. Cleaning can be done as soda cleaning or with a pumice powder and a small brush. By cleaning the surfaces of the teeth, the goal is to remove roughness and discoloration for the best possible whitening result.
Next, a mouth opener is placed, which allows the treatable area to be properly exposed and visible. If necessary, the gums are protected with a photocurable gel. After protecting the gums, a whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth. The most commonly used teeth whitening agent contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
The whitening gel is activated with a laser. Once the gel has reacted on the tooth surface, the substance is rinsed off. This is repeated 1-3 times depending on whether the treatment is a light whitening or strong whitening procedure. In light whitening, the teeth are treated with the gel once, in strong whitening three times. The teeth whitening procedure takes about 20-60 minutes.
After teeth whitening
Teeth can be stender after whitening. Cold as well as hot foods may cause hypersensitivity, but this is normal. The tenderness of the teeth disappears after a few days of whitening.
Care instructions after bleaching:
• try not to eat or drink for 2 hours (you can drink water)
• It is a recommended to avoid staining or acidic foods during the same day
• Avoid using snus and smoking for the same and next day
Coloring and acidic drinks include coffee, tea, cola drinks, red wine, soda and mineral waters and soft drinks.
Coloring and acidic foods include salmiakki, licorice, chocolate, soy, ketchup, beets, carrots, peppers, berries, apples, oranges, and other staining fruits.
Whitening can be maintained with regular visits to an oral hygienist and repeating the treatment if necessary.
The bleaching result is always individual. Strong whitening whitens teeth about 4-6 degrees, while light whitening 1-2 degrees. The end result is unique and also depends on diet and lifestyle. Teeth whitening may bring up light patches visible in the enamel on the tooth surface, but these will normally dissappear within two weeks of whitening.
The result can be maintained by re-bleaching, tartar removal and soda cleaning. The oral hygienist will evaluate the treatment interval that is right for you.
Who to contact about teeth whitening?
Tell your dentist or oral hygienist if you want to whiten your teeth. The nursing staff will help you find the right method. You can also book an appointment online or call our appointment number 09 838 7030.
Teeth whitening is performed at KotiHammas at the following clinics: Tikkurila, Turku, Tampere.