Did you know that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers and serotonin. Studies have shown that smiling boosts neurotransmitters in our brains known as "feel good" chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. These substances can be very powerful and useful in improving our mood and health. So for our health and self-confidence, it is important that we smile!

The celebrities of this world, especially movie stars, are supposed to shine with a perfect appearance. In addition to a dream figure, beautiful hair and flawless skin, this naturally also includes radiant white teeth, which are often referred to as Hollywood smiles. But how do you get your teeth so white?

Brushing and flossing to clean the spaces between your teeth are important, but you also need regular and professional dental care. Especially because brushing your teeth does not protect them from the unpleasant discoloration caused by coffee, red wine and many other stimulants, and brushing and flossing usually cannot prevent plaque from accumulating over a long period of time. In addition to special toothpastes, there is also a wide range of whitening products and treatments available from your dentist. Here you can find out everything you need to know about teeth whitening and power bleaching.

What is power bleaching and how is it performed?

Bleaching performed in the dentist's office is called power bleaching or in-office bleaching. In this process, a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to the teeth. Such treatment takes about one to two hours.

The hydrogen peroxide content in power bleaching is much higher than in over-the-counter teeth whitening products. This higher hydrogen peroxide content means that power bleaching can usually only be performed in dental offices.

During the bleaching process, minerals are removed from the teeth. The protective shield of the teeth is temporarily deactivated and demineralization occurs.

For this reason, teeth can sometimes be very sensitive to hot, cold or acidic substances. It takes some time for the extracted minerals to be stored again and for remineralization to take place. This can be supported by fluoridation measures. As a rule, hypersensitivity subsides after two to three days following power bleaching treatment.

Are there alternative whitening methods that are gentler, and if so, how effective are they?

There are alternative and gentler methods, but their effectiveness is rather limited. Over-the-counter products (whitening strips, splints with gel) usually do not achieve the desired whitening effect because the concentration of chemical substances is too low.

Toothpastes with a whitening effect can dissolve superficial discolorations. However, whitening of the teeth per se is hardly or not at all achieved here.

Laser whitening is an effective new method, but it is usually much more expensive. The advantages are that the bleaching reaction is generated by laser energy, and the tooth surface is not affected, and the teeth do not react with hypersensitivity.

Are there ways to prolong the effectiveness for white teeth?

Regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene can prolong the whitening effect. Avoiding foods and stimulants that typically cause discoloration, such as coffee, tea, red wine, nicotine, etc., can also help to prolong the whitening result.

Does frequent bleaching harm the teeth?

Possibly. During bleaching, the tooth hard substance / enamel is attacked. This is the outer layer and thus the protective shell of the tooth. Gum damage can be a disadvantage of power bleaching, but can be largely avoided by good isolation by the dentist (with a rubber dam or cofferdam). However, it is difficult to completely avoid gum irritation.

How often is bleaching possible? What are the health risks?

With good oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleaning, the result can last up to two years.

There are officially no restrictions on the frequency. As soon as the teeth discolor again, the bleaching can be repeated. But for the above reasons, several times a year treatment is not recommended.

Can anyone have their teeth whitened?

In principle, yes, but it is always advisable to have your dentist check the health of your teeth in advance and discuss possible complications:

• Dental fillings or dentures (e.g. crowns or bridges) are not altered by tooth whitening.
• Health risks cannot be completely ruled out. Bleaching agents can cause irritation of the gums. Ingested bleaching agents can cause irritation of the gastric mucosa or nausea and also trigger allergic hypersensitivities.

What is the cost of bleaching?

The cost of teeth whitening treatments is usually between 300 and 800 Swiss francs, depending on the type of treatment. Bleaching is a purely aesthetic measure and is therefore probably not covered by your health insurance.