Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening: restore your smile's natural brightness
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that safely and effectively lightens the shade of teeth by removing stains and pigmentation that have accumulated over time.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, teeth whitening is always preceded by a full clinical assessment and carried out using professional protocols that deliver visible, comfortable, and long-lasting results.
If you feel that your teeth have lost their natural brightness or have stains that are affecting your confidence when smiling, the first step is an assessment appointment to determine the most appropriate type of whitening for your case.
Advanced Technology in Your Teeth Whitening
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, teeth whitening is planned on the basis of a rigorous clinical assessment and supported by imaging technology and digital workflow for a predictable and safe result.
Customised mouth guards with intraoral scan
The 3D intraoral scanner allows the creation of whitening trays perfectly adapted to each patient's dental arch. This precision ensures an even distribution of the whitening gel and greater comfort throughout the home treatment.
Pre-treatment Assessment with Panoramic X-ray
Before beginning teeth whitening, a panoramic X-ray provides a comprehensive overview of oral health. This examination is essential for ruling out tooth decay, lesions, or other conditions that should be addressed prior to the cosmetic procedure.
Monitoring with periapical radiograph
The digital periapical radiograph is used to assess the condition of specific teeth, particularly devitalised teeth that have changed colour. It is a fundamental examination for safely planning internal whitening.
“Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after treatments at our clinic. What sets a good result apart is the planning: assessing oral health, choosing the appropriate protocol, and supporting the patient at every stage. That is how we achieve a brighter smile safely and with lasting results.”
What is teeth whitening and how does it work?
Teeth whitening is an aesthetic procedure that uses a peroxide-based gel to lighten the tone of the teeth in a controlled way.
It removes stains and pigmentation caused by ageing, diet, coffee, tea, wine or tobacco.
The goal is not to create an artificial smile, but rather to restore brightness and harmony to your smile, while respecting the natural shade of your teeth.
There are three main approaches, chosen according to your case, the speed you are looking for and the degree of pigmentation:
- In-office whitening is performed by the dentist in a single session, using a high-concentration gel and, in many cases, LED light activation — ideal for those looking for fast results.
- At-home whitening is carried out at home, with custom-made trays moulded to your dental arch and gel supplied by the clinic, over a period of around two weeks.
- Combined whitening brings both techniques together, enhancing the effect and prolonging the duration of the result.
Before any treatment, a clinical assessment is essential to confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy, to check for sensitivity and to rule out situations in which whitening is not the most suitable option (such as old restorations, internal stains or untreated cavities).
When carried out in a professional setting, whitening is safe, predictable and does not wear down the enamel.
What our patients say
I always wanted whiter teeth but was worried about sensitivity. The teeth whitening was very comfortable and the results exceeded my expectations.
Marta Sampaio
Coffee and tea had darkened my teeth over the years. With the at-home whitening treatment, I regained a natural, bright smile in just a few weeks.
Ricardo Loureiro
I had the combined teeth whitening treatment and was delighted with the result. The team explained everything clearly and supported me from the very first appointment to the last.
Ana Teixeira
4 Steps to Your Teeth Whitening
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, teeth whitening follows a clinical protocol that ensures safety and predictable results, from the initial assessment through to monitoring of the final outcome.
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Clinical assessment and colour recording
At the first appointment, the dentist assesses the patient's oral health and records the current colour of the teeth. It is essential to confirm that there are no cavities, gum inflammation or other conditions that should be treated before teeth whitening.
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Choosing the appropriate protocol
Based on the assessment, the dentist determines the most appropriate type of teeth whitening: in-surgery, at-home with custom trays, or a combined approach. The choice depends on the degree of discolouration, the patient's expectations and the clinical characteristics of each case.
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Treatment application
In in-surgery teeth whitening, the gel is applied directly to the teeth under the supervision of the dentist. In take-home whitening, the patient uses custom-made trays with a lower-concentration gel at home, for the recommended period. The combined approach brings both techniques together for more comprehensive results.
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Result Assessment and Maintenance
After treatment, a comparison with the initial tooth shade is made to assess the result achieved. The dentist provides guidance on post-whitening care and habits that help to prolong the effect of the treatment over time.
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Clinical assessment and colour recording
At the first appointment, the dentist assesses the patient's oral health and records the current colour of the teeth. It is essential to confirm that there are no cavities, gum inflammation or other conditions that should be treated before teeth whitening.
0
Choosing the appropriate protocol
Based on the assessment, the dentist determines the most appropriate type of teeth whitening: in-surgery, at-home with custom trays, or a combined approach. The choice depends on the degree of discolouration, the patient's expectations and the clinical characteristics of each case.
0
Treatment application
In in-surgery teeth whitening, the gel is applied directly to the teeth under the supervision of the dentist. In take-home whitening, the patient uses custom-made trays with a lower-concentration gel at home, for the recommended period. The combined approach brings both techniques together for more comprehensive results.
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Result Assessment and Maintenance
After treatment, a comparison with the initial tooth shade is made to assess the result achieved. The dentist provides guidance on post-whitening care and habits that help to prolong the effect of the treatment over time.
Everything you need to know about teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is an aesthetic treatment that uses agents based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten the shade of the teeth.
These compounds release oxygen that penetrates the enamel and breaks down the pigments responsible for discolouration, in a controlled manner and without damaging the tooth structure.
There are three main types of professional teeth whitening. In-surgery whitening uses a higher-concentration gel applied by the dentist, with visible results in a single session.
Take-home whitening is carried out at home using custom-made trays and a lower-concentration gel over several weeks. Combined whitening brings together both techniques to optimise the final result.
The natural colour of teeth varies from person to person and can darken over time due to various factors. Frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco causes extrinsic staining on the enamel surface. Natural ageing, certain medications, and root canal treatment can cause deeper intrinsic changes.
Before any whitening treatment, a comprehensive clinical assessment is essential. Active cavities, gum inflammation, old restorations, or tooth sensitivity should be treated beforehand to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Teeth whitening is not recommended for children, adolescents under the age of 18, or during pregnancy.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, teeth whitening is a clinical procedure carried out with professional protocols and individualised supervision. If you would like a brighter smile, book your assessment appointment.
Main Problems Treated with Teeth Whitening
There are various situations that can benefit from professional teeth whitening. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually to choose the most effective and safe protocol. Find out about the most common situations.
Teeth yellowed by ageing
Over the years, tooth enamel becomes thinner and the underlying dentine, which is naturally more yellowish, becomes more visible. This is a natural and progressive process, but it can affect the brightness of the smile and the patient's confidence.
Professional teeth whitening allows the shade of the teeth to be lightened safely and in a controlled manner, restoring a younger, more radiant appearance to the smile. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the protocol is adapted to the characteristics of each patient to achieve a natural and harmonious result.
Staining from Coffee, Tea, Tobacco, or Food
Frequent consumption of drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as smoking, causes pigments to accumulate on the surface of the tooth enamel. These extrinsic stains can visibly darken the shade of the teeth over time.
Following a professional scale and polish to remove tartar and surface deposits, teeth whitening targets the deeper pigments that oral hygiene alone cannot eliminate. The result is a noticeably brighter, more even smile.
Tooth Discolouration Following Devitalisation
Following root canal treatment, a tooth may gradually darken due to changes in the internal tissues. This colour change is intrinsic and does not respond to conventional external whitening, and it becomes noticeable when it affects front teeth.
In these cases, internal whitening is the indicated procedure. The whitening gel is placed inside the tooth by the dentist and renewed over several sessions until the desired shade is achieved, without the need for a prosthetic restoration.
Colour Change Due to Medication or Fluorosis
Certain medications, such as tetracyclines, can cause intrinsic staining of the teeth when administered during the tooth formation phase. Excessive fluoride exposure (fluorosis) can also cause white or brownish marks on the enamel.
Professional teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of teeth affected by these conditions. The dentist assesses the type and severity of the staining to determine the most appropriate protocol and manage the patient's expectations regarding the outcome.
Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, we carry out teeth whitening with professional protocols, prior clinical assessment, and personalised monitoring to ensure that the result is safe, comfortable, and lasting.
Book Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
If you would like a brighter and more natural smile, book an assessment appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and discover which type of teeth whitening is most suitable for you.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently Asked Questions
About Teeth Whitening
What is teeth whitening?
This is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the shade of the teeth using a peroxide-based gel. It can be carried out in the clinic, at home with custom trays, or through a combined approach.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when carried out under the supervision of a dentist using professional protocols. A prior clinical assessment is essential to ensure that the oral health condition permits treatment.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
Transient dental sensitivity may occur during or after treatment. The dentist adjusts the protocol to minimise discomfort and may recommend desensitising agents.
How long do the results last?
Duration depends on the patient's habits. With good oral hygiene and careful dietary habits, the result can last for months or years before a top-up is needed.
In-clinic or home teeth whitening?
In the clinic, the gel has a higher concentration and the result is faster. With at-home treatment, the patient uses custom trays at home over several weeks, with progressive results.
Can children have teeth whitening?
No. Teeth whitening is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas.
Does whitening work on devitalised teeth?
Devitalised teeth require internal whitening, carried out by the dentist. The gel is placed inside the tooth and the result is assessed over a number of sessions.
What care should I take after teeth whitening?
In the first few days, you should avoid foods and drinks with strong pigments, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to prolong the result.
Can I have teeth whitening in Benavente?
Yes. Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, offers professional teeth whitening with a prior assessment and personalised follow-up. Book your appointment.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), and the World Health Organization — Oral Health.
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.