Teeth whitening in Bilbao
Lighten the colour of your teeth safely and under supervision, without damaging the enamel. We remove the dull tone from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco. Free first consultation.
What is teeth whitening?
It is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the natural colour of the teeth using peroxide gels (hydrogen or carbamide) that penetrate the enamel and break down the molecules that darken them.
Over the years and through habits like coffee, tea, wine or tobacco, teeth gradually lose their brightness. Whitening restores that lighter shade in a controlled way. The key is for a professional to supervise it: that way the right concentration is chosen, the gum is protected and sensitivity is avoided. It is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatments precisely because it is simple and conservative.
Benefits of teeth whitening in Bilbao
A whiter smile
Lightens the colour of your teeth by several shades and rejuvenates your smile.
Safe for the enamel
Supervised by professionals: whitening done properly does not damage the tooth.
Visible results
You will notice the change in a few days, with a natural rather than artificial finish.
At your pace
In-clinic (faster), at home with trays (more gradual) or combining both.
Goodbye to stains
Removes the dull tone from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco.
More confidence
A bright smile changes how you see yourself in the mirror and in photos.
What the treatment is like
Prior check-up
Before whitening, we make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. If needed, we first do a cleaning and treat any decay: whitening on a healthy mouth is safer and the result lasts longer.
We record the starting shade
We record your current shade with a colour guide so you can see, objectively, how much you have lightened by the end.
The whitening
In-clinic we apply a peroxide gel onto the teeth, sometimes activated with light, protecting the gum well. For home use, we make custom trays and give you the gel with the usage instructions.
Keeping the result
We explain how to look after the colour (which foods stain, occasional touch-ups at home) so the result lasts as long as possible.
In-clinic, at home or combined
| In-clinic | At home (trays) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Fast (1-2 sessions) | Gradual (a few days) |
| Control | We do it | You do it with our instructions |
| Gel concentration | Higher, protecting the gum | Lower, for daily use |
| Convenience | No tasks at home | At your pace, on your sofa |
| Maintenance | Ideal to combine with trays | Also good for touch-ups |
The combined option (one in-clinic session + maintenance with trays at home) usually gives the best and most lasting result. We decide it with you according to your case and your schedule.
Myths and facts about whitening
"It wears down and weakens the tooth"
False, when done professionally. The gel lightens the tooth without damaging its structure. The enamel is not "filed down" or weakened; the sensitivity that sometimes appears is temporary.
"The whiter the better"
It depends. We aim for a natural white that is harmonious with your face, not an artificial advert-style shade. Good whitening shows… without it being obvious that it is fake.
"Whitening toothpastes do the same"
False. They only remove some external stain by abrasion; they do not lighten the tooth's real colour. The change in shade is only achieved by peroxide applied correctly.
"It lasts forever"
False. It lasts between 1 and 3 years depending on your habits. It is easily kept up with small touch-ups at home, without repeating the whole process.
How to keep your smile white
- Cut down on what stains: coffee, tea, red wine, cola drinks and dark sauces.
- Tobacco is the worst enemy of the colour: quitting helps far more than any touch-up.
- Rinse or drink water after having something that stains.
- Keep up your hygiene and your professional cleanings.
- Do occasional touch-ups at home with your trays when you notice it losing brightness.
Want a brighter smile?
Free first consultation: we assess your case, tell you how much you can lighten and choose the best option together, with no commitment.
Everything about teeth whitening
Does teeth whitening damage the enamel?
No, if it is done professionally and under supervision. The gels we use are formulated to lighten the tooth without damaging its structure. Temporary sensitivity may appear during or after the treatment, which goes away on its own within a few days. What we do advise against are home kits without professional control.
How long does a whitening result last?
It usually lasts between 1 and 3 years, depending on your habits: coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco shorten it. The result can be kept up for a long time with small touch-ups at home using your trays, without repeating the whole process.
Is in-clinic or at-home whitening better?
Both work; the pace is what changes. In-clinic is faster and we control it ourselves in one or two sessions. At home, with custom trays, it is more gradual and you do it yourself over a few days. Often the best is to combine them: one in-clinic session and maintenance at home. We work it out according to your case.
Does whitening work on fillings, crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening only acts on the natural tooth; it does not change the colour of fillings, crowns, veneers or caps. If you have any of these in a visible area, we assess it beforehand, because after whitening they may not match the new shade and would have to be replaced.
Does whitening your teeth hurt?
It does not hurt. The most common thing is to feel some cold sensitivity during the treatment or in the following hours, especially if you were already sensitive. It is temporary and reversible, and we use products and routines to minimise it.
Does whitening work on all teeth?
On most, yes, but not all stains respond the same. Yellowish ones (from age, coffee, tobacco) whiten very well. Greyish stains or stains from certain medications (such as tetracyclines) or from fluorosis respond worse; in those cases, veneers are sometimes better. We tell you honestly before starting.
Do pharmacy whitening kits or whitening toothpastes work?
Very little and with risks. "Whitening" toothpastes only remove some external stain by abrasion; they do not lighten the tooth. Unsupervised kits can have inappropriate concentrations and damage the gum or cause sensitivity if used incorrectly. Effective and safe whitening is the professional kind.
Can I whiten if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
As a precaution, it is recommended to postpone whitening during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is not an emergency and can always be done later. If this is your case, we let you know at the consultation.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
It is best not to overdo it. The usual approach is one treatment and then keeping it up with occasional touch-ups. Repeating full whitening treatments too frequently can increase sensitivity. We set a sensible routine for your case.
