Teeth Whitening in Santiago

Professional teeth whitening lightens the natural color of the tooth with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide at clinical concentration. At AS Odontología Digital in Vitacura we offer two protocols: Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed in a single in-office session, or a combined protocol of an in-office session plus individualized take-home trays. Always after a diagnosis and with gingival isolation and prior desensitization. The usual change is 4 to 8 shades on the Vita scale, with controlled sensitivity.

We see patients from all of eastern Santiago (Vitacura, Las Condes, Lo Barnechea, Providencia) and from the rest of the city, including international patients. Which of the two protocols suits you is decided at the evaluation, according to your sensitivity, your schedule and the type of staining. Unlike pharmacy strips, gels or kits, professional whitening starts with a clinical diagnosis: we evaluate the cause of the discoloration, the type of pigmentation, the condition of the enamel and the patient's prior sensitivity.

We use clinical-grade hydrogen peroxide, applied with precision gingival isolation to protect gums and mucosa. The protocol includes an Airflow prophylaxis beforehand to remove biofilm and surface stains, often this step alone visibly changes the color before the whitening gel is applied. When the protocol is the combined one, the take-home trays are designed from an intraoral scan and 3D printed so they fit perfectly and do not leak gel onto the gums.

The two protocols, concretely. Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed: professional-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel, isolated gums and an LED lamp, all in one in-office session, with the change visible the same day and no at-home phase. Combined: an in-office session with peroxide under isolation, without a lamp, plus 3D-printed trays with carbamide peroxide gel that you use at home for two to three weeks. Studies comparing protocols show that adding trays to the in-office session does not improve the final color, and that the at-home phase on its own causes less sensitivity. That is why Zoom stands alone, and the combined protocol is the route when a more gradual pace suits you or there is prior sensitivity.

How much does the color change? In most cases we raise 4 to 8 shades on the Vita scale. The result depends on the starting color, type of staining (extrinsic, intrinsic, or medication-induced), patient age, and compliance with the maintenance protocol. Coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco stains respond very well. Intrinsic tetracycline or fluorosis stains require longer protocols and sometimes combined treatment with composite or porcelain veneers if the patient wants a more dramatic change.

Dental sensitivity is the most common concern. In our protocol it's a variable we manage, not accept. We desensitize with high-concentration fluoride and potassium nitrate before each session, adjust gel concentration to the patient profile, and space applications when needed. Most patients experience mild, transient sensitivity during the first 24 to 48 hours. Patients with pre-existing sensitivity, gum recession, or bruxism receive personalized protocols.

Who's a candidate? Most adults with healthy teeth and gums. We don't indicate whitening in patients with active untreated caries, active periodontal disease, pregnancy or lactation, or severe uncontrolled sensitivity. Patients with visible front restorations should know composites and porcelains do NOT whiten with dental gels, sometimes the best sequence is to whiten first and replace restorations afterward to match the new color.

The complete protocol includes a diagnostic consultation with sensitivity testing, prior EMS Airflow GBT prophylaxis and the in-office whitening session with peroxide under isolation, with Philips Zoom or without a lamp depending on the protocol chosen. In the combined protocol, individualized trays made from your intraoral scan and the take-home gel are added. In the initial consultation we define which one applies to your case.

To maintain results, avoid highly pigmenting foods (coffee, red wine, beetroot, curry, dark sauces) for the first 48 hours. After that, color holds with good hygiene, prophylaxis every 6 months, and occasional at-home touch-ups. Average duration is 1 to 2 years before needing a refresh, though patients with heavy coffee or tobacco consumption may need more frequent top-ups.