March 29, 2025
Teeth whitening – what should you know before the procedure?
Teeth whitening is an increasingly popular treatment in the field of aesthetic medicine. It improves the aesthetic qualities of the smile and has a positive effect on the mood of many people. More and more both women and men are coming to us to make an appointment for teeth whitening in our office. In the article below, we will discuss how to prepare properly for this visit, what is worth knowing before the procedure? We encourage you to read on.
Types of teeth whitening
Two methods of tooth whitening are available at our dental practice: overlay whitening and Beyond lamp whitening. Each of them proceeds in a different way and has its own specific features.
Tray whitening – trays are individually fitted to the patient’s teeth. They contain a whitening gel with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. They must be worn for several hours a day, usually for 10-14 days. The specific duration of the treatment is adjusted to the individual patient’s needs. The whitening effect appears gradually. The method gives the possibility to control the intensity of whitening.
Whitening with the Beyond lamp – the procedure takes place in the dentist’s office and lasts approximately one hour. A whitening gel is applied to the teeth, which is activated by the light of the Beyond lamp. The whitening effect is visible immediately after the treatment. The method is designed for people who expect quick results.
Preparation for the treatment
Before teeth whitening, make a necessary appointment at the Perfect Smile office for teeth hygienization. Scaling and sandblasting remove tartar and plaque which may limit the effect of whitening preparations. The treatment should also be preceded by a dental check-up. The dentist will assess the condition of the enamel and gums.
A few days before whitening, it is a good idea to avoid eating and drinking certain foods that can cause discolouration. These include coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices and coloured spices such as turmeric and curry. Limiting these foods reduces the risk of new deposits forming.
Does whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity. This manifests itself as short-term discomfort, particularly when consuming cold or hot drinks. Whitening with the Beyond lamp can cause sensitivity more quickly than overlay whitening, as the treatment uses an intense light-activated bleaching agent.
With overlay whitening, symptoms are usually milder. The patient can adjust the frequency and duration of overlay application.
To alleviate sensitivity, remineralising toothpastes and gels can be used. Products containing fluoride or hydroxyapatite thus promote enamel regeneration and reduce discomfort. It is also advisable to avoid acidic and very cold drinks in the first few days after the treatment.
Teeth whitening – what to eat after the procedure?
After the teeth whitening treatment, it is best to follow a so-called white diet. For the first 48 hours after the treatment, avoid products that may stain the enamel. Coffee, tea, red wine, beetroot and dark fruits can cause discolouration. Coloured fizzy drinks and intensely spiced foods should also be avoided.
During this time, it is recommended to eat light-coloured products. Milk, rice, white meat, natural yoghurts and cooked vegetables in light shades are allowed. It is advisable to drink water and clear herbal infusions.
Following the dietary recommendations helps maintain the whitening effect and reduces the risk of recurrence of discolouration.
Summary
Teeth whitening is now a common and frequently used treatment to improve your smile. It is most commonly used by women and men who are struggling with discolouration on their teeth caused, for example, by coffee, tea or cigarettes. Whitening is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Locally, it may cause slight hypersensitivity. In Perfect Smile we offer our patients overlay whitening, which is continued by the patient at home, as well as whitening with the Beyond lamp in the office.
