TEETH WHITENING

There are various factors involved in the discolouration of teeth. They may be hereditary (natural tooth discolouration or ageing), pathological (tetracycline use during the period of tooth formation) or due to lifestyle factors (drinking coffee, tea, smoking, wine and antidepressants). In some instances it can mean that de-scaling and stain removal are not effective options and is thus an indication for whitening of the teeth.

In aesthetic dentistry, whitening helps to brighten the enamel and dentine. A hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water) based gel is used. However no whitening treatment can take place without a prior assessment of the mouth and teeth by your dentist, who will ensure that there are no contra-indications (untreated caries, devitalised teeth, weakness of the enamel, infection of the gums, etc.) to the procedure.

The whitening can be performed "on the chair" at Laclinic by your dentist, or by "outpatient" treatment at home.

The former is carried out at the dentist’s surgery and takes one or two sessions lasting between 20 to 90 minutes each. It is also possible to activate the lightening process using a high energy lamp or a laser. These treatments are totally painless and the results are long lasting.

The outpatient treatment starts at the surgery with the production of caps made from a dental arch print and continues at the patient’s home using a hydrogen peroxide gel at a lower dose than the one used during the surgery. Your dentist will prescribe the length of the treatment depending on your own personal circumstances and the severity of the discolouration. If you feel any pain or sensitivity during the treatment, it is vital that you halt the treatment and consult your dentist to avoid damaging the tooth nerve.