Centrum Stomatologiczne Monika i Piotr Sokół w Krakowie

Plaque removal

Why should plaque be removed?
If teeth aren’t brushed for long enough, or are brushed incorrectly, not all the bacteria are removed in the process. At first, they form an invisible layer of plaque with a rough surface, which more and more bacteria can then cling to. After about two days the layer hardens and can no longer be removed by brushing alone. As the cycle repeats, a visible layer of plaque forms. Toxins produced by this bacteria cause gum inflammation, with swelling, redness and bleeding. Gums become painful and bad breath develops. Inflammation leads to the deterioration of the bone and ligaments which bind the roots to the bone, which can make the tooth wobbly. Therefore, regular removal of plaque is vital for healthy teeth. Dental Esthetic recommends check-ups every six months, unless more frequent visits are required. Plaque is removed using a special ultrasound tool, whose vibrations peel the hardened plaque off the surface of the tooth. If you smoke or drink strong coffee, you are more likely to develop dark spots on your teeth, and sand-blasting is then used to negate this discolouring. The entire process ends with careful brushing and fluoridation, which restores the mineral balance in the enamel of the plaque-free teeth.

Teeth whitening

Coffee, tea, cigarettes, red wine, etc. can make our teeth go darker over time. At Dental Esthetic we bring back their former colour – we can even make them look better, thanks to our professional tooth whitening treatments.

How much whiter can teeth get?
Most often, teeth become a few shades whiter, which makes the result clearly visible. Teeth usually remain whiter for between several months to several years. It is an individual process, influenced by eating habits and hygienic practices.

Which teeth whitening method is the best?
The correct method is chosen by the dentist, depending on the patient’s individual condition.

Are fillings whitened as well?
Unfortunately not. Fillings won’t become whiter, so after the colour stabilisation phase (about 2 weeks) it might be necessary to replace some fillings with whiter ones.

Is teeth whitening safe?
Independent research has not detected any negative influence of whitening on tooth structure and chemical composition. However, we need to take into account that it may only be carried out if the teeth are healthy (no cavities) and if the periodontium is healthy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under 18, should not have their teeth whitened.

What are the recommendations after teeth whitening?
For a few days you are recommended to keep a “white diet”; no colouring foods, such as coffee, strong tea, red wine, certain fruits and processed fruits (e.g. berries and cherries) or Cola. For the first 24 hours you should also avoid very hot or very cold foods, as the teeth might be sensitive. Oral hygiene must continue to be observed however, while the use of mouth wash must be approved by your dentist.