How long does a whitening last?

The result of a dental whitening is measurable in years. Clinically, it was proven that a difference is notorious, even ten years after a dental bleaching. However, we forget the initial color of our teeth very fast and psychologically, we tend to bleach our teeth more often. Of course, there is also a hygienic component that can exploit the longevity of the treatment. Certain habits, such as smoking, will decrease the longevity of the results.

How does it work?

Bleaching is a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide applied to the tooth and proteins of enamel. The peroxide alters the conformity of the proteins, thus changes the index of reflection of the light. Like tanning, the proteins will have to be renewed in time. With the renewal of proteins of enamel, the effect of bleaching will decrease gradually.

Who can benefit from a bleaching?

There is no age to have whiten teeth. If there is a need and the enamel is healthy, bleaching is possible. Only the smokers will have to commit themselves to some particular instructions.

For a smoker, is bleaching possible?

Yes, but during the treatment period, the patient will have to cease smoking. The carcinogenic potential of nicotine is substantially increased in the presence of peroxide. It takes 24 hours after the treatment for the harmful effect of peroxide to disappear.

I don’t want to stop smoking, what are my alternatives?

For the smokers, clinical bleaching (with the laser) is faster. Since the whole procedure takes place within two hours, the patient will only have to avoid smoking for the 24 hours following the treatment, as opposed to the two weeks involved in the bleaching at home.

Does it hurt?

On healthy enamel, the peroxide causes some temporary sensitivity. This sensitivity is transitory and will disappear a few days after the end of the the treatment. The gum can also be irritated if it was in contact with the peroxide.

Do the insurance cover the fees of a bleaching?

In general, the insurance companies do not cover the dental bleaching, as they consider them a cosmetic treatment. At Mdex, the student members of the ASEQ benefit a 20% rebate according to privileges of the agreement between Mdex and their insurer.

Does it bleach my fillings and crowns too?

No, since there are no proteins in fillings or porcelain. Only the enamel on the natural teeth can be bleached.

What is necessary to do then?

In the case of fillings, they will have to be replaced after the bleaching. For the bridges and crowns, it is possible to change them or alter permanently their shade with LUMINEERS. This last option reduces the work preparation on the teeth.