General information

 

A tooth whitening treatment aims to lighten the tooth color. When done properly, bleaching does not damage the teeth or gums. However, results may vary since bleaching is produced by a chemical reaction inside the tooth and not by a "dye" applied on the surface. As with any treatment, tooth whitening involves certain risks and limitations.

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Am I a good candidate for a bleaching treatment?

 

Overall, anyone could be a good candidate for teeth whitening but the following points should be considered:

• Teeth with a yellowish or brownish tint respond better and more rapidly to bleaching than those with a greyish tint, as in the case of tetracycline stains where more intensive treatment is required.

• White and chalky patches on the surface of the enamel will not disappear, but will become less apparent as the rest of the enamel clears.

• The restorations and / or prostheses present will not change color. All materials other than the natural enamel of the teeth will not respond to treatment (composite resin restorations, porcelain facets, porcelain crowns, acrylic prostheses etc.). Sometime after bleaching it is possible to replace them to ensure a better aesthetic fit.

 

• Bleaching is not effective against stains or tartar. Successful scaling and polishing are highly recommended before starting the bleaching process.

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• Where gingival recessions are present and the roots are exposed, they can remain darker than the enamel-covered parts after the whitening. It is possible that the roots become temporarily sensitive to cold and heat.

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• As a preventive measure, we do not recommend bleaching treatments for pregnant or nursing women. The same applies to patients with severe health problems and whose immune system is affected.

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Most frequently reported problems

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• Teeth sensitivity:

Some patients report sensitivity to cold or heat during treatment. This sensitivity is transient and gradually fades after completion of treatment. If your teeth are not particularly sensitive to cold or heat, the sensitivity caused by bleaching should be minimal.  If, on the other hand, you experience increased sensitivity when your teeth are exposed to temperature changes, bleaching may increase sensitivity. In these cases, it is recommended to alternate treatment with a few days of interruption.  In addition, application of a desensitizing agent may be useful before, during and even after bleaching.

 

•  Gingival irritation :

If the gums become irritated, it is likely that it is caused by excessive bleaching gel in the trays or by excessive wear of the trays. It will then be necessary either to reduce the amount of gel deposited in the tray, or to reduce the exposure time or even to interrupt the treatment temporarily

 

 

Once treatment has been completed

 

•  Final color obtained:

Whitening can vary, this depends on the color of the tasks present at the outset, the anatomy of the teeth, the general condition of the teeth, the patient's cooperation and the duration of the treatment.

 

• Relapse :

Teeth whitening is not permanent. With time and pigments contained in food and drink, the teeth will gradually resume their original hue. One can maintain an optimal state by making periodical "retouching"  a few times a year.  It is then important to properly maintain the bleach trays and to use an unused bleach. Gel syringes can be sold individually.

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User guide

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1. Brush and floss BEFORE treatment

2. Place a small drop of gel for each tooth in the trays :

   • If you use the day product (Poladay), you must wear the trays for 30 minutes to 1 hours for a period of 7 to 14 days.

   • If you use the night product (Polanight), you must wear the trays during your sleep or for a period of 3 hours.

3. Do not brush immediately after treatment, rinse only with water.

4. Do not drink or eat during treatment.

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Maintaining trays and preserving the product

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1. Keep syringes in the fridge.

2. Clean the trays after each treatment with cold water and a toothbrush (without toothpaste).

3. Do not rinse the trays with hot water as this may cause distortion.

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Tips for good results

1. Use the gel at room temperature.

2. Avoid food that can stain for at least 48h after treatment: Coffee, tea red wine Beetroot Etc.

3. Do not smoke immediately after treatment: wait at least 2 hours.

4. To get your whitening more uniform, you can do a specific treatment for your darker teeth (eg canines)

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In case of sensitivity

1. Make sure you do not put too much gel into the trays

2. It is possible to take a one or two-day break between treatments.

3.  If the sensitivity persists: stop treatment and consult your dentist 

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Enjoy your white smile!