Teeth Whitening in Essen
Professional teeth whitening involves brightening natural teeth using a gel containing hydrogen peroxide. We review the initial tooth shade, existing dental restorations, and the desired outcome together beforehand.
The first step for new patients is a free telephone consultation. During this call, we discuss your whitening goals and the next steps. Whether whitening is suitable for you is assessed during an in-person examination.
Why tooth shades can change
Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can contribute to external discoloration. The color of an individual tooth can also change following a dental injury.
Therefore, we assess your specific starting situation before planning the treatment.
Before whitening: Checking teeth and gums
Before teeth whitening, we assess the health of your teeth and gums as well as the cause of the discoloration. Please mention any existing issues or tooth sensitivity beforehand. Not all discoloration responds to whitening in the same way; the achievable results are discussed on an individual basis.
In-office whitening
During the treatment, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied directly to the natural teeth. We do not make blanket promises regarding the extent of the color change that can be achieved.
We also check beforehand whether a professional dental cleaning is planned.
Please allow approximately 2.5 hours for the whitening procedure in our practice. During the treatment time, you can watch a movie or listen to music if you wish.
At-home whitening with custom trays
At diadentis, we also offer dentist-supervised at-home whitening. Custom trays are created for this purpose, allowing you to whiten your teeth at home. You will receive instructions on how to use them. We will discuss which method is suitable and how to plan the treatment based on your specific dental findings and preferences.
Factoring in crowns, bridges, and fillings
Existing crowns, bridges, and fillings do not change color during the whitening of natural teeth. Therefore, any desire for whitening should be taken into account when planning dental restorations and selecting shades.
You can find further information on aesthetic planning options under Aesthetic Dentistry and Veneers.
Sensitive teeth and potential side effects
Temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation may occur after teeth whitening. If you experience discomfort that bothers you or does not subside, please contact the practice. Any further application or repeat treatment should be discussed with us first.
Your personalized aftercare instructions
At diadentis, you will receive a personalized information sheet regarding your whitening treatment. Please follow the aftercare instructions provided here. If anything is unclear or if you experience any issues, please speak to us.
Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.
Will crowns, bridges, and fillings also become lighter?
No. Existing crowns, bridges, and fillings are not lightened by the whitening process.
Can the result be predicted exactly?
We do not guarantee a specific shade of lightness or a uniform color result. The degree of change that can be achieved is discussed based on your starting situation.
What is the difference between professional teeth cleaning and teeth whitening?
Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and surface stains. Teeth whitening lightens the color of natural teeth. We will assess whether a professional cleaning is advisable prior to whitening based on your specific situation.
How long do the whitening results last?
The whitening result does not remain unchanged indefinitely. Habits such as drinking coffee or tea, or using tobacco, can contribute to new staining. Whether and when further whitening is appropriate is assessed individually; no fixed duration of the result is promised.
This information does not replace a personal examination or individual medical advice.
Responsible for clinical content: Dr. Stefan Schmid, dentist.
