Balla-dent blog

What should you know about teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is generally considered an aesthetic or cosmetic procedure rather than a traditional dental treatment. Because of this, there are many different methods, products, and also quite a few misconceptions on the market. Our goal here is not to go into scientific detail, but to give you a clear and easy-to-understand overview of what really matters. This is the same information we typically share with our patients when they ask about teeth whitening in our clinic.

How is teeth whitening performed in our clinic?

In our clinic, you can choose between two options, depending on which method suits you best.

Home teeth whitening

For home whitening, we first take an impression of your teeth. Based on this, custom-made trays are prepared within one working day. You will then receive the trays along with a professional whitening gel.

The treatment is carried out at home, at your convenience. To achieve the desired result, the trays should be worn for 4–6 hours a day over the course of approximately one week.

In-office teeth whitening

The other option is in-office whitening, which is completed in a single session lasting about 1.5–2 hours. This method provides a fast and often very noticeable result, making it ideal if you are short on time.

What results can you expect?

It’s important to highlight that, despite what advertisements may suggest, the results of teeth whitening vary from person to person. The exact level of whitening and how long it lasts cannot be predicted in advance.

Most patients do experience visible lightening, but the degree depends on several factors. Many people hope for a “Hollywood smile,” but in reality, the outcome is strongly influenced by the natural color of the teeth. For example, teeth with a yellowish tone tend to respond better to whitening than those with a greyish shade.

How long do the results last?

The longevity of the results largely depends on lifestyle habits. Smoking, as well as regular consumption of coffee, red wine, or other strongly pigmented foods and drinks, can cause teeth to darken more quickly. On the other hand, being mindful of these habits can help you maintain the results for a much longer time.

Personal experience with in-office whitening

I would also like to share my personal experience with professional, in-office teeth whitening. The first and most important step was ensuring that my teeth and gums were in a healthy condition. A thorough scaling (tartar removal) was carried out a few months before the treatment, and my gums were completely healthy and inflammation-free. Before the procedure, our dental hygienist carefully prepared my teeth, paid special attention to protecting the gums, and explained the entire process in detail.

During the treatment, a special light is used to activate the whitening agent. The process typically takes place in several cycles, in my case, around four sessions of 15 minutes each. Between cycles, we took short breaks to check the condition of my teeth and adjust the process if necessary.

Overall, the treatment was very comfortable and not painful. At times, I felt a slightly unusual, mild tingling sensation, but only briefly. It’s important to note that sensitivity varies from person to person. Some people feel almost nothing, while others may experience stronger sensations.

I did notice some mild sensitivity on the first day after treatment, with occasional short, sharp sensations, especially when exposed to cold or air. This is completely normal after whitening and can be easily managed. In my case, the sensitivity disappeared by the next day and did not cause any significant discomfort.

The “white diet”

After teeth whitening, following a so-called “white diet” is extremely important to preserve the achieved result for as long as possible. During this period, the teeth are more sensitive to staining, so being mindful of what you eat and drink can make a significant difference:

Recommended foods
  • chicken breast, turkey (plain)
  • fish (light meat)
  • rice
  • boiled or baked potatoes
  • light-colored pasta
  • plain yogurt, kefir
  • milk, light cheeses
  • eggs
  • white bread
  • bananas
  • peeled apples
  • water
  • coconut water
  • light pastries (cheese sticks, mild cheese snacks)
  • turnips, cauliflower, kohlrabi
Foods and drinks to avoid
  • coffee
  • black tea, green tea
  • red wine
  • cola and soft drinks
  • energy drinks
  • tomato-based dishes
  • strongly seasoned sauces
  • berries
  • beetroot
  • soy sauce
  • chocolate
  • cocoa
  • colored sweets
  • smoking
  • curry, paprika, strong spices
The white diet should be followed for at least 3–5 days, but for the best and longest-lasting results, ideally up to one week. This period is especially important, as the teeth are more prone to discoloration during this time.

Thinking about teeth whitening?

If you are considering teeth whitening, feel free to contact our clinic. We are happy to answer your questions and help you choose the solution that suits you best.