Home, professional and American-style teeth whitening

When used correctly, with products that comply with European regulations and are applied within legal limits, the ‘teeth whitening’ does not significantly damage the enamel. A slight, temporary increase in surface porosity may occur during treatment, but this resolves within 48 hours. It is the use of non-compliant products, with excessively high peroxide concentrations, that poses the real risk. All WHITECARE products strictly comply with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and are analysed by an independent laboratory for every batch.

Mild tooth sensitivity may occur during or after treatment, particularly in teeth that are already fragile or where the gums are irritated. This is temporary and usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours. The WHITECARE formulas include potassium citrate in the PAP+ range (the formulation designed for sensitive teeth), which works by limiting the activity of the intra-dental nerves. A remineralising gel is provided in all kits to strengthen the enamel after treatment.

The results of a teeth whitening vary depending on the method used, the initial shade of your teeth, and your lifestyle. With WHITECARE products, the first results are visible after just one 15-minute session. How long the results last then depends on your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco, and your daily oral hygiene routine. Good oral hygiene significantly prolongs the whitening effect. Occasional touch-ups with the whitening pen or whitening toothpaste help maintain the brightness achieved between full treatments.

No, and this is a fundamental distinction. Over-the-counter whitening products target extrinsic stains – those formed on the surface of the enamel by coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco. Intrinsic stains, which originate within the enamel or dentine as a result of ageing, certain medications or genetic factors, require concentrations of peroxide that are restricted to dental practitioners. If you are unsure about the nature of your stains, consult your dentist before starting any treatment.

No. The French National Health Service (Assurance maladie) classifies teeth whitening (teeth whitening) as a cosmetic procedure with no therapeutic medical indication. It is therefore not covered by the National Health Service. Some mid-tier or higher-tier private health insurers offer a partial annual allowance, generally between €100 and €400, subject to certain conditions and sometimes only for whitening carried out at a dental practice. Check directly with your private health insurance provider before incurring any costs.

Yes, provided that you use products that comply with European regulations, with concentrations of active ingredients within the limits permitted for consumer products (a maximum of 0.1% of released hydrogen peroxide for over-the-counter cosmetics). WHITECARE kits are formulated in accordance with these limits, developed in collaboration with specialist laboratories and clinically tested. A prior dental check-up and scaling are still recommended to optimise results.

No. Whitening agents have no effect on prosthetic materials such as ceramic, composite or resin. If your visible front teeth have crowns or veneers, they will retain their original colour during the treatment, whilst your natural teeth will become lighter. This may result in a contrast. It is advisable to inform your dentist of any dental restorations before undergoing a whitening treatment.

teeth whitenings are not recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. As there is insufficient data on the effects of whitening agents in these specific circumstances, the precautionary principle applies. This advice applies to all methods, including low-concentration products available over the counter. Wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding before considering any treatment.

No reputable scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of lemon, bicarbonate of soda, activated charcoal or coconut oil as whitening agents per se. Lemon, in particular, is acidic: repeated use can irreversibly erode the enamel. Bicarbonate of soda may have a mild abrasive effect on surface stains, but has no effect on the pigments embedded in the enamel. These methods are not reliable alternatives to professional teeth whitening (teeth whitening), and some may cause long-term damage to your teeth.

This is strongly recommended. Tartar and plaque form a physical barrier that reduces contact between the whitening agent and the surface of the enamel. Having your teeth scaled beforehand ensures the gel is applied evenly and helps to optimise the results. This treatment is covered by the National Health Service as part of the annual dental check-up: it is therefore an investment at no extra cost that determines the effectiveness of your whitening treatment.