About the procedure
In in-office whitening, a whitening gel is applied to the teeth with the gums protected and activated with light. A single session usually lightens the teeth by 2–4 shades.
It is also used before crown and veneer treatment to even out the shade of the natural teeth.
Before whitening, scaling is done and any fillings, crowns, and cracks in the teeth are noted; the whitening gel lightens only natural tooth structure, and the color of fillings and crowns does not change. Because the risk of sensitivity is high in patients with gum recession and exposed root surfaces, the gel concentration and duration are adjusted accordingly. If needed, the in-office session is supported with a take-home tray that the patient uses at home.
- ✓Single session
- ✓Gum protection
- ✓Take-home maintenance kit
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Patients with healthy teeth and gums whose yellowing is due to tea, coffee, smoking, or age.
- ✓Those who want to even out the shade of their natural teeth before crowns or veneers.
- ✓Those who want fast, controlled lightening before a special occasion.
- ✓Patients with mild shade differences on their teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Pregnancy and breastfeeding; whitening is postponed during these periods.
- —Untreated decay, open filling margins, or enamel cracks; the gel seeps in through these areas and causes pain.
- —Patients with advanced gum recession and pronounced sensitivity; sensitivity treatment is done first.
- —Those with large fillings or crowns on their front teeth; as the natural teeth lighten, the fillings stay the same and a shade difference results.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Examination and cleaning
Decay, cracks, and gums are evaluated; tartar and surface stains are cleaned, and the starting shade is recorded.
- 02
Gum protection
The lips and gums are covered with a protective barrier; contact between the gel and soft tissue is prevented.
- 03
Gel application
The whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated with light in several cycles; the whole session usually takes 45–60 minutes.
- 04
Evaluation
The shade achieved is compared with the starting shade; if there is sensitivity, fluoride or a desensitizing agent is applied.
- 05
Home support and follow-up
If needed, a custom tray and low-concentration gel are provided; the diet list for the first 48 hours is explained.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Brief twinges in the teeth and slight whitening of the gums are possible; both pass within hours.
Day 2
Colored drinks, sauces, and smoking are avoided; the enamel is more prone to staining during this period.
Week 1
The shade settles and rebounds slightly from the tone at the end of the session; this is an expected stabilization.
Month 1
If a take-home tray was planned, it is completed during this period; shade selection for crowns or veneers is done after this month.
Month 6
Check-up and cleaning; how long the shade holds is evaluated based on smoking and dark drink consumption.
Year 1
A single touch-up session if needed; because frequent repetition increases sensitivity, the interval is set with the dentist.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Whitening are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Temporary tooth sensitivity during and after the session; it usually lasts 24–48 hours and rarely longer.
- Temporary whitening and a burning sensation if the gel touches the gums; this is reduced with a protective barrier.
- Because the color of fillings, crowns, and veneers does not change, a shade difference from the natural teeth may result; fillings may need to be replaced.
- Results vary from person to person; gray tones and tetracycline stains lighten only to a limited extent, and veneers may be recommended in these cases.
- Roughening of the enamel surface with overly frequent or high-concentration applications; applications outside a dentist's supervision are not recommended.