Teeth whitening in Küsnacht: professional bleaching

Bleaching gently lightens discoloured teeth with a whitening gel, either at the dental practice, at home with custom-made trays, or as a combination. At our practice in Küsnacht, we whiten teeth in the practice with the light-activated fläsh system by WHITEsmile and use Opalescence for whitening at home. We usually recommend a combination of both. How white your teeth become depends on your starting shade and the type of discolouration.

Every whitening treatment starts with an examination and professional teeth cleaning. On this page, you will find out which methods are available, what bleaching can achieve and where its limits lie.

Why teeth become darker

Teeth change colour over the course of a lifetime. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco leave pigments behind, and with age teeth often look more yellowish. Some of this discolouration sits on the surface as a deposit and can be removed with professional teeth cleaning. What remains afterwards lies within the tooth itself. This is where bleaching comes in: the gel penetrates the enamel and lightens the embedded pigments.

Bleaching at the practice, at home or combined

In the practice we work with fläsh by WHITEsmile, and for use at home with Opalescence. We discuss which option suits you after the examination.

At the practice (in-office bleaching)

We work with the fläsh system by WHITEsmile. First, we determine your starting shade with a shade guide and protect your gums with a light-cured protective layer. We then apply the whitening gel and activate it with the blue light of the fläsh lamp. Depending on your starting shade and the result you want, the treatment takes about 20 to 60 minutes. To finish, we care for your teeth with a fluoride mousse. Because everything is done under supervision, we can adapt the treatment to your teeth and your sensitivity. Teeth are often visibly lighter after just one session. Read more in our guide Power bleaching: 8 facts about professional teeth whitening.

At home (home bleaching)

For home bleaching with Opalescence, we make thin trays that fit your teeth precisely. You fill them with the gel yourself and wear the trays for the time we agree with you. Whitening is slower than in the practice, but you decide when to do it. We check your progress along the way.

Our recommendation: the combination

We often start with a session at the practice and then give you trays to use at home. This lets you deepen the result and refresh it later if needed, without having to come to the practice each time.

What bleaching can and cannot do

Bleaching is an effective method, but it has its limits. So that you can plan realistically, here are the key points:

• Fillings, crowns and veneers do not become lighter. The gel only works on natural tooth enamel. If such restorations are in a visible area, they may look darker after bleaching and may need to be adjusted.
• Not every discolouration responds in the same way. Yellowish discolouration often lightens well, greyish discolouration less so. A specific shade cannot be guaranteed.
• Sensitivity is possible. Some people are more sensitive to cold and heat for a few days after bleaching. This usually subsides on its own.
• The result does not last for ever. Over time, teeth darken again – faster or more slowly depending on your habits.

If whitening alone does not achieve the result you want, for example where the shape or position of teeth is concerned, ceramic veneers or other options in cosmetic dentistry may be worth considering. We will be happy to discuss this with you.

Who bleaching is not suitable for

Bleaching requires healthy teeth and healthy gums. In the following situations, we advise against it or treat the cause first:

• untreated tooth decay, leaking fillings or cracks in the enamel
• inflamed gums or very sensitive, exposed tooth necks
• known intolerance to ingredients of the bleaching gel
• pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as young people under 18

Whitening products from the chemist or supermarket are no substitute for this assessment. Nobody checks beforehand whether there is decay, fillings or sensitive areas, and the gums are not protected.

How we work at our practice

At your first appointment, we examine your teeth and gums, listen to your wishes and determine the starting shade together. We tell you openly what is realistic and whether existing fillings or crowns would need to be adjusted afterwards.

This is followed by a professional teeth cleaning. It removes plaque and tartar, reveals your true tooth colour and ensures that the gel can work evenly. We then whiten your teeth in the practice with fläsh and, if you wish, give you trays with Opalescence to use at home. At a follow-up appointment, we discuss the result and how to care for your teeth.

For the combination of cleaning and whitening, we offer the package “Cleaning & Bleaching – our combination package for your radiant smile” for CHF 399.–. For other options, we will prepare a cost estimate for you in advance on request.

Frequently asked questions

Is bleaching harmful to the teeth?

When used correctly under dental supervision, bleaching is considered gentle on healthy enamel. Bleaching too often should be avoided. That is why we plan any touch-ups together with you.

How long does the result last?

This varies from person to person. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking make teeth darken again more quickly. Regular professional teeth cleaning and occasional touch-ups with the trays help the result last longer.

What should I avoid after bleaching?

In the first few days, teeth absorb pigments more easily. If possible, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, strongly colouring foods and smoking.

Can I have a single dark tooth whitened?

That depends on the cause, for example in the case of a root-treated tooth. We will examine the tooth and discuss which option makes sense.

Would you like to know whether bleaching is suitable for your teeth? Book an appointment online at our practice on Seestrasse in Küsnacht.