Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic treatments at our Gavà clinic, and also one of the ones that raises the most questions. There's a lot of contradictory information online, so we go through the most common myths and what's true in each.
Myth 1: «Whitening damages enamel»
False. Professional whitening, done or supervised by a dentist, is safe. The products act on the pigments inside the tooth without eroding the enamel. What can damage it is using products without supervision or overusing them.
Myth 2: «Home remedies work» (baking soda, lemon, charcoal)
Careful. Baking soda and charcoal are abrasive: they may remove some surface stains, but at the cost of wearing the enamel irreversibly. Lemon is acidic and demineralises it. The medium-term result is the opposite of what you want: thinner enamel lets the yellower dentin show through, and the tooth looks darker and more sensitive.
Myth 3: «Whitening toothpastes whiten teeth»
Only partly. «Whitening» toothpastes help remove external stains (coffee, tea, tobacco), but they don't change the tooth's natural colour. To lighten the shade you need a whitening gel applied professionally.
Myth 4: «It also whitens fillings, crowns and veneers»
False. Restoration materials don't change colour with whitening. If you have fillings or crowns in the visible area, we assess it first: sometimes it's best to replace them afterwards to match the new shade.
Myth 5: «The result lasts forever»
Not exactly. The result lasts a good while, but it depends on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco bring the colour back sooner. With good care and the odd maintenance session, the result lasts a long time.
Myth 6: «Whitening hurts»
It doesn't hurt, although it's normal to feel some sensitivity during treatment or in the following days. It's temporary and can be eased with specific toothpastes and gels that we recommend.
Myth 7: «Anyone can have whitening»
Almost everyone, but not without a check-up first. If there is decay, inflamed gums or exposed roots, they need treating first. It's also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That's why we always start with a check-up.
Types of whitening at our Gavà clinic
In clinic with LED light
We apply the whitening gel, protecting the gums first, and activate it with LED light over several sessions. It's the quickest option: results are noticeable from the first session.
At home with custom trays
We make trays that fit your mouth so you can apply the gel at home, following our instructions. It's more gradual and also helps maintain the result.
Internal whitening
For a single tooth that has darkened after a root canal or a knock. The gel is applied inside the tooth itself.
What the process involves
- Check-up to rule out decay or gum problems.
- Dental cleaning, so the gel works on a clean tooth.
- Recording the starting shade, to compare the result.
- Whitening sessions in clinic or at home.
- Maintenance tips so the colour lasts.
How to look after the result
- For the first few days, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, cola and highly coloured sauces.
- If you smoke, this is a good time to stop: tobacco is what darkens teeth most.
- Keep up good hygiene and have regular cleanings.
Many of our whitening patients come from Viladecans and Castelldefels. If you'd like to know what result you can expect, come to the free first visit. More about teeth whitening in Gavà.
