More and more people are interested in enhancing the appearance of their smile. One of the most common questions we hear in clinic is: “Can I have my teeth whitened?” or “Will it make my teeth sensitive?”. But we also hear concerns like “Is it bad for the enamel?” or “Can I use baking soda at home?”.
The truth is that professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment when carried out under dental supervision. However, a number of myths have arisen around this procedure that can lead to confusion or, worse still, to the use of unsuitable or unsafe methods.
At A2 Dental Mallorca, we explain what you should – and shouldn’t – expect from a whitening treatment, and how it can be part of a broader smile design plan.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the colour of the teeth by several shades using a whitening agent (typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) in a controlled environment.
It can be performed in the clinic with cold light lamps, or at home using custom-made trays. What’s important is that it is always prescribed and supervised by a dentist after a full check-up, since not all patients need the same treatment, and not all stains respond equally.
Teeth Whitening: Facts and Myths
“Whitening damages the enamel” → FALSE
When carried out professionally, whitening does not damage the enamel. Safe concentrations and tested materials are used. What can harm your teeth is using home remedies or non-approved products.
“My teeth will be movie-star white” → IT DEPENDS
Every person has a natural base colour. Whitening can brighten teeth by several shades, but the final result also depends on genetics, habits, and whether the stains are extrinsic or intrinsic.
“I can use lemon or bicarbonate instead” → FALSE AND RISKY
These substances can erode enamel and increase sensitivity. They are ineffective and potentially harmful.
“Whitening is painful” → FALSE
Most whitening treatments are painless or cause only mild temporary sensitivity, which disappears within hours or days. Desensitising gels can also be applied before or after the session.
When is whitening recommended, and when is it not?
Whitening is ideal for healthy teeth that are stained or darkened by coffee, wine, tobacco or ageing. However, it won’t work on fillings, crowns, veneers or intrinsic discolouration from antibiotics like tetracycline.
That’s why a professional evaluation is key. In some cases, your dentist may recommend dental veneers or other aesthetic treatments to achieve a more balanced and long-lasting result.
Whitening and smile design: how are they connected?
Teeth whitening is often the first step in a smile makeover. Many patients want to improve not just the colour, but also the shape, size or alignment of their teeth. That’s why we often combine whitening with:
- Veneers: ultra-thin porcelain or composite shells that cover the visible surface of the teeth to correct imperfections in colour, shape or size.
- Aesthetic contouring: small adjustments to the edges of teeth to enhance harmony.
- Orthodontics: prior treatment in cases of crowding or misalignment that could affect the outcome.
Every smile is different, and based on your needs, we will design a personalised plan that may include whitening, veneers or other minimally invasive procedures.
How long does teeth whitening last?
The effects of a well-executed whitening treatment can last between one and three years, depending on post-treatment care. We recommend:
- Avoiding staining foods or drinks (coffee, wine, tea) and tobacco in the days after treatment.
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene.
- Attending regular hygiene appointments.
- In some cases, a yearly top-up with home trays can help maintain results.
A whiter, brighter smile is within reach
In short: teeth whitening is not harmful when properly done, it’s not a miracle but it is highly effective, and it can help you regain the natural brightness of your smile without compromising dental health.
If you’re thinking about improving your smile, come and speak to us. We’ll examine your gums, your enamel, the nature of any stains and whether whitening or veneers would give you the best outcome.
Because having a whiter smile is not just a matter of looks—it’s also about confidence, ease, and feeling free in your everyday life.