White teeth are a symbol of vitality and a well-groomed appearance. For this reason, bleaching treatments - that is, measures for lightening the teeth - are more popular than ever. But what exactly is bleaching? How does it work, how much does it cost, and is it dangerous for the teeth? And is home bleaching just as effective as in-office bleaching? These and other questions are frequently asked in connection with bleaching treatments.

What is bleaching?

Bleaching is a cosmetic method for lightening natural teeth. It specifically reduces tooth discoloration caused by external influences such as coffee, tea, or nicotine. A distinction is made between chemical procedures using peroxides and gentle, peroxide-free methods based on natural ingredients.

The term “bleaching” comes from English and means “to whiten.” In dentistry, it describes a treatment that lightens the teeth. Bleaching is generally used when teeth appear darker than desired due to external discoloration. However, not all bleaching is the same. Over time, various teeth-whitening procedures and providers have become established.

Why do teeth turn yellow?

Teeth can turn yellow due to external influences such as consuming coffee, tea, or nicotine. Internal causes such as aging or medication can also play a role in tooth discoloration. As people age, the white tooth enamel becomes thinner, causing the yellowish dentin to become more visible. 

Tooth color varies from person to person and is determined by the translucency of the tooth enamel and the color of the underlying dentin. Natural tooth color can change over the course of a lifetime. As a result, it is primarily discoloration that makes teeth appear significantly darker or more yellowish. The causes of yellow teeth can be either intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external). This distinction is essential for both diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

 

Extrinsic discoloration

Extrinsic discoloration occurs through contact with discoloring substances or deposits on the surface of the tooth enamel. 

The main causes of extrinsic discoloration are: 

• Food and beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks, fruit juices, and certain spices (e.g., curry). These contain pigments that become embedded in the tooth enamel. 

• Nicotine: Tobacco use, particularly cigarettes, is one of the main causes of stubborn tooth discoloration. The tar and nicotine residues they contain cause yellowish to brownish discoloration.

• Inadequate oral hygiene: Plaque and tartar provide a rough surface to which pigments can adhere more easily. 

Discoloration of extrinsic origin is generally superficial and can be removed through professional whitening procedures.

 

Intrinsic discoloration

Unlike extrinsic discoloration, intrinsic discoloration occurs inside the teeth, either in the dentin or in deeper layers of the tooth enamel. As a result, it is more complex and generally more difficult to treat. 

The causes of intrinsic discoloration are: 

• Aging processes: As we age, tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner and more transparent. This makes the yellowish dentin of the teeth more visible.

• Medications: Some medications, including tetracycline and certain antipsychotics, can cause tooth discoloration. These can result in grayish-blue or brown discoloration. 

• Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development, especially in childhood, can cause white, opaque, or brown spots in the tooth enamel. 

• Genetics: Finally, there is the genetic factor. Everyone's natural tooth color is different, and in rare cases genetic anomalies can also cause tooth discoloration. It is important to mention that very few people naturally have completely white teeth. 

Intrinsic discoloration lies deep within the tooth structure and therefore cannot be removed through conventional cleaning procedures. Depending on the severity, internal whitening, whitening with highly concentrated gels, or veneers and crowns may be considered. 

When does teeth whitening help?

Traditional teeth whitening is particularly useful when the discoloration is extrinsic, meaning the teeth have darkened due to external factors such as coffee, tea, or cigarettes. Whitening can also help with intrinsic discoloration caused, for example, by aging processes.

At this point, it is important to distinguish between bleaching treatments with chemical bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and natural tooth whitening. Classic bleaching treatments can also lighten deep-seated, intrinsic discoloration, while natural, peroxide-free procedures such as those offered by KONZEPT WEISS® primarily remove superficial, extrinsic discoloration.

How does bleaching work?

Classic bleaching treatments with hydrogen peroxide work by releasing active oxygen radicals. These penetrate the tooth enamel and, in some cases, as far as the dentin, breaking down the embedded color-producing molecules into smaller, colorless components. Since this form of bleaching penetrates deep into the tooth structure, it can also be suitable for intrinsic discoloration.

In contrast, there are hydrogen-peroxide-free bleaching treatments, such as the one offered by KONZEPT WEISS®. These methods use a natural formula without chemical bleaching agents. Here, discoloring deposits on the tooth surface are dissolved by substances such as sodium carbonate in combination with a special cold-light LED lamp. Supporting plant extracts such as aloe vera or chamomile are also used to care for the teeth and gums. The dentin itself is not affected. 

The Differences Between Dentist, Cosmetic Studio, and Home Bleaching

There are essential differences between the various forms of bleaching performed by dentists and cosmetic studios and so-called home bleaching. 

Dentists perform classic bleaching treatments with peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide. Cosmetic studios, on the other hand, work with bleaching formulas without these substances. 

Home bleaching can be understood in two ways. On the one hand, there are home remedies such as baking soda or baking powder, and on the other hand, there are professional home-bleaching kits from various providers. These home remedies are strongly discouraged. The reason is that they not only remove tooth discoloration but can also damage the tooth structure through abrasion. There is nothing wrong with professional home-bleaching kits as long as they are used correctly and, ideally, under professional supervision. They are cheaper than in-office bleaching treatments, but generally produce less pronounced results. 

Is bleaching dangerous? 

No, bleaching is not inherently dangerous. Safety depends largely on the method chosen and proper application. It is important that the treatment is only carried out on healthy teeth and healthy gums.

Treatments with peroxides (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) can, however, cause side effects such as temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. People with sensitive teeth therefore often opt for gentle, peroxide-free bleaching, which brightens the teeth gently without putting strain on the tooth structure.

When choosing a provider, attention should always be paid to professionalism and experience. To avoid possible side effects, it is advisable to seek a detailed consultation beforehand. This allows the individual dental situation to be assessed and the appropriate method to be selected.

This is how much bleaching costs

Professional bleaching can cost between 150 and 800 euros. It is important to distinguish between providers and treatment methods. 

Over-the-counter home bleaching kits are the least expensive and generally cost between 20 and 100 euros. Professional home bleaching options from dentists, on the other hand, cost around 200 to 400 euros.  

Bleaching treatments at cosmetic studios such as KONZEPT WEISS® cost around 190 to 300 euros. 

Bleaching treatments at dentists are the most expensive. These treatments start at 300 euros, although the cost can range up to 800 euros depending on the effort and scope involved. 

How long does the result last? 

Professional bleaching can last anywhere from one year to up to three years, depending on the method. The treatment chosen is the decisive factor.

• The results of an over-the-counter home bleaching kit often last only a few weeks to a few months.

• Peroxide-free bleaching generally lasts up to 12 months with good dental care.

• Classic bleaching with hydrogen peroxide or other chemical bleaching agents provides the longest-lasting results and is usually visible for one to three years.

How can I make sure the result lasts as long as possible? 

To preserve the bleaching result for as long as possible, consumption of strongly staining foods and beverages should be reduced. These include, in particular, coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks (especially cola), cigarettes, and certain spices such as curry.

Equally important is consistent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and the use of dental floss. Whitening toothpastes or activated charcoal products can be used as a supplement to reduce surface stains. For a lasting bright result, it is also recommended to renew the bleaching at regular intervals with a touch-up treatment. These are available at reduced prices from various providers, including KONZEPT WEISS.