Since the beginning of time, human beings have sought common patterns of beauty and teeth have been an important part of some cultures throughout history.
In the Paleolithic, for instance, men wished to have large and showy canines because in their view they were a symbol of strength and health. In ancient Imperial China, women dyed their teeth black, this tradition was called ‘ohaguro’. The Mayans made inlays of jade on their teeth and carefully filed the edges to demonstrate good social standing.
In Western culture teeth have also been the main protagonists of special care. In pre-Roman Spain, for example, rinsing with aged urine in cisterns was used to achieve whiter teeth. And for more than 100 years, oxygenated water and bleach have been used for the same purpose, together or separately, for teeth whitening.
In short, white teeth and a symmetrical and balanced smile have long been and are symbols of youth, beauty and health.
Fortunately, dentistry has been evolving for many years and one of the branches in which this evolution is most evident is in dental aesthetics. Thanks to it, we can obtain white and healthy teeth without having to drink strange concoctions and without putting our health at risk.
A dental whitening is a treatment that belongs to the branch of cosmetic dentistry and aims to clarify the shade of the natural tooth. To perform any type of whitening is necessary to make a prior general review of the oral cavity to confirm that everything is healthy and good prophylaxis.
Absolutely all types of whitening must be supervised by your dentist, it is irresponsible to do so without medical supervision. The above-mentioned whitening agents are indicated for vital teeth.
Normally, the procedure is performed in a single clinic session.
Difficult question. The results of a whitening can last for years but it always depends on one’s habits, also on the porosity of the tooth. We always recommend a white diet for the first few days and a lot of hygiene.
No, the tooth whitening we perform is painless. In some cases it can produce some sensitivity for a few hours. However, to prevent this from happening, the days before we recommend using special toothpastes to prepare the tooth for treatment.
These are some of the foods and drinks we should avoid during the days following the bleaching: coffee, tea, coca-cola, red wine and carbonated drinks, black chocolates, citrus and colored fruits, vegetables such as spinach, beets and spinach, bottled sauces (ketchup, soy, fried tomato), some spices such as curry and paprika, and food coloring.
It is advisable to keep what we call a white diet as long as possible, that is, meat, fish, fruit without color (banana, apple, pear…), vegetables or salads, except spinach and artichokes, and pasta without sauces. Likewise, liquids must be white, such as water, white wine or beer.
Of course it is not advisable to smoke after a tooth whitening since the results will be less durable but neither is it a contraindication in itself.
It will depend on the type of whitening that is done. What we always recommend is a first visit that is totally informative and without any kind of commitment, in which a complete revision will be carried out and the most appropriate whitening for each case will be recommended. In this same act we will provide an exact budget of the treatment to be carried out.
One of the most popular treatments for patients today is tooth whitening. It is a non-invasive, fast, painless treatment that offers spectacular results. What else can you ask for?
If you have doubts about whether or not to have your teeth whitened, the first thing you have to do is come to Alvarado Dental Clinic. Our specialists, after studying your case will recommend the type of treatment best suited to you. We always say that each patient is a world and not all whitening treatments are suitable for all cases.
The doctor’s expertise, the application of the most advanced technology in whitening treatments and the diagnosis of the appropriate amounts of whitening agent will ultimately determine truly extraordinary results.
At Alvarado Dental Clinic we only use technology specifically designed for this purpose and safe, effective, scientifically endorsed products that meet all the standards and requirements demanded by European and national legislation.