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"Teeth Whitening, Does it work?\" Everything You Want to Know About Teeth Whitening
From Cheonan teeth whitening results, side effects, cost, and how long it lasts to the difference between at-home and in-office whitening, 20 frequently asked questions are answered by Seoul BD Dental's esthetic dentistry specialist.
Answered by our esthetic dentistry specialist
1~2 sessionsNumber of sessions
2~8 shadesShade improvement
30~60 minutesTreatment time
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Top 3 Questions Patients Ask Most
1
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening uses hydrogen peroxide-based agents to break down stains on and within teeth, making them lighter.
2
How long do whitening results last?
It varies with diet and care, but typically lasts about 6 months~2 years.
3
Will I have tooth sensitivity during whitening?
Temporary sensitivity can occur during whitening; this is a normal response.
Teeth Whitening FAQs 20
Teeth whitening uses hydrogen peroxide-based agents to break down stains on and within teeth, making them lighter. There are two methods: in-office (professional) and at-home (home) whitening.
It varies with diet and care, but typically lasts about 6 months~2 years. Frequently consuming strongly pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, wine, or curry can shorten the results.
Temporary sensitivity can occur during the whitening process, and this is a normal reaction. It usually subsides within 24-48 hours after treatment. If sensitivity is severe, the specialist will adjust the gel concentration and application time.
For 48 hours after whitening, we recommend a "white diet." Avoid strongly colored foods (coffee, curry, kimchi, wine, cola, etc.) and choose white or clear foods. Refrain from smoking as well.
When performed under a specialist's supervision, whitening does not damage tooth structure. The whitening agent breaks down only organic pigments, andenamel,itself is not dissolved. However, excessive whitening or non-professional treatment should be avoided.
After we make a custom tray at the clinic, you place the whitening gel in it and wear it 1-2 hours per day. Continue for about 2-4 weeks; it can also be used after in-office whitening to maintain results.
In most cases yes, but pregnant or breastfeeding patients, minors, and those with severe cavities or gum (periodontal) disease should be treated first. Restorations (Crown, Laminate Veneer) do not respond to whitening, so it's best to match the restoration color after whitening.
At Seoul BD Dental, we provide safe, effective whitening using the latest LED equipment with specialist-tailored concentration control. We compare your shade before and after so you can see the results.
In-office whitening uses a high-concentration gel + LED activation at the clinic for about 1 hour per visit with immediate results. At-home whitening uses a custom tray with a lower-concentration gel worn 1-2 hours daily at home for 2-4 weeks. For the best outcome, we recommend dual whitening that combines both.
Results vary, but one in-office session typically lightens by 3-8 shades. Dual whitening (in-office + at-home) can achieve even brighter results. We verify results precisely with a shade guide before and after treatment.
Most cases resolve within 24-48 hours. For sensitive teeth, it can last 3-5 days, andTooth sensitivity: dedicated toothpaste (NovaMin, Sensodyne, etc.) can help. If sensitivity is severe, we will adjust the whitening gel concentration and application time.
Whitening toothpastes can remove some surface stains, but they differ from professional whitening that breaks down internal tooth pigments. They are best used as maintenance after professional whitening.
No. Whitening agents work only on natural teeth; artificial restorations (Crown, Laminate Veneer, Composite Resin) do not whiten. If you have restorations, it's best to readjust their color after whitening, or do whitening first and then make the restoration.
Because there isn't enough research on the safety of whitening during pregnancy or breastfeeding, we do not recommend whitening during these periods. Please consider whitening after delivery and after you have finished breastfeeding.
Most store-bought at-home kits use low-concentration agents (hydrogen peroxide 3% or less), so the effect is limited. Dental whitening uses higher-concentration agents (hydrogen peroxide 15-40%) under specialist supervision for much better results, along with safety measures such as gum protection.
Whitening isn't permanent. Depending on your diet (coffee, wine, curry, etc.), smoking, and oral hygiene, restaining occurs after 6 months-2 years. Periodic touch-ups and following a white diet help maintain results longer.
If the whitening agent touches your gums, they may briefly turn white or feel a slight sting. This is a mild chemical burn that typically heals on its own within 1~2 days. During professional teeth whitening, we apply a gum barrier (dam) in advance to prevent this.
Avoid eating for 2~4 hours immediately after whitening, and for at least 48 hours avoid strongly colored foods and drinks (coffee, wine, curry, jjajang/black-bean sauce, tomato sauce, etc.) and smoking. During this time, microscopic pores on the tooth surface are open, so staining occurs more easily.
Extrinsic (surface) staining is caused by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco; intrinsic discoloration can be due to tetracycline antibiotics, fluorosis), pulp (nerve) necrosis, and aging. For extrinsic stains, Scaling (Dental Cleaning)and teeth whitening can improve them, while intrinsic discoloration responds less to whitening and may require a Laminate Veneer.
In-office whitening usually achieves the desired result in 1~3 sessions. In more severe cases, 3~5 sessions may be needed. After the first session, we review the result and decide whether to continue.
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*This information the Medical Service Act) and the standards for review of medical advertising. Results may vary by individual. Please consult a specialist before making a decision.