Bleaching – lightening the teeth gently

Teeth discolour over time. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco settle on the surface; on top of that the enamel grows thinner with the years, so the darker dentine beneath shows through more strongly.

How lightening works

In bleaching, an agent penetrates the enamel and breaks down the pigments. Nothing is removed in the process. It is applied in the practice or at home with a tray made in the laboratory – in both cases under dental supervision.

What has to be settled beforehand

Caries and gum inflammation belong treated before any lightening. Where tooth necks are exposed, as is often the case after periodontitis, the agent can cause painful irritation – particular caution is needed there. Crowns, bridges and fillings do not lighten along with the teeth; they may have to be matched afterwards.