What whitening is
Whitening is a chemical lightening of the teeth via hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. It does not remove deposits like a cleaning does; it changes the color of the tooth substance itself. Every serious whitening is therefore preceded by a dental hygiene session, because the bleaching agent works reliably on cleaned enamel.
A detailed background on whitening, active substances and indications is in our whitening guide. This page describes the treatment in Winterthur.
Three procedures
In-office whitening. In one session of one to two hours the active substance is applied to the tooth surfaces in high concentration. The gums are covered with a protective gel barrier. Fastest result, useful with a tight time window or upcoming occasion.
Home whitening. We take impressions and fabricate individually thermoformed trays that fit your teeth precisely. You wear the trays at home overnight or for one hour during the day, filled with active gel. Treatment duration ten to fourteen days. Equivalent end result to in-office whitening, lower cost, more effort on your side.
Internal whitening. For a single dark-discolored tooth after a previous root canal treatment, surface whitening is not sufficient. The active substance is placed in the pulp chamber of the root-treated tooth and renewed across several sessions.
Before whitening
Whitening is preceded by an assessment. We check clinically whether the teeth and gums are whitening-ready. With active caries, exposed tooth necks or acute gum inflammation, treatment is postponed until the dental prerequisites are resolved.
If you have crowns, veneers or large composite fillings in the front area, we discuss that whitening only brightens natural teeth, not restorations. A visible color difference could result, which we make clear in advance.
After whitening
After treatment a temporary sensitivity to cold and warm stimuli can occur, fading completely within 24 to 48 hours. We give recommendations for care in the first few days.
For long-term maintenance of the result we recommend regular dental hygiene check-ups and, if needed, refresher whitening with home trays every twelve to eighteen months.
Insurance and cost estimate
Health insurance does not cover whitening, as it is classified as a purely aesthetic treatment. Some supplementary insurances with an aesthetic clause may cover part, but that is rare. You receive a written cost estimate from us before treatment begins.
Getting to the Winterthur practice
Resident Winterthur, Bahnhofplatz 5b, 8400 Winterthur. Directly at the main station, three minutes’ walk from the station exit. Tram, bus and train stops in front of the building. Station parking garage with direct staircase access to the practice building.