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Dentistas Málaga

Teeth whitening in Málaga: treatment guide and clinics

· General information: it does not replace seeing a dentist.

Teeth whitening in the province of Málaga

What teeth whitening is

Teeth whitening lightens the colour of the teeth with products based on hydrogen peroxide (or carbamide peroxide, which releases it). It works on the colour of the natural tooth: fillings, crowns and veneers keep their own colour.

Who it is for

People with healthy teeth and gums who want a lighter shade. Tooth decay and gum disease must be treated first. Not all stains respond in the same way: some, caused by medication or by enamel defects, improve only a little. EU rules do not allow the stronger whitening products to be used on people under 18.

Types of whitening

  • In the clinic: the dentist applies a stronger gel, protecting the gums, in one or more sessions.
  • At home with custom trays: the dentist gives you trays made for your mouth and a milder gel to use over several days or weeks, under their supervision.
  • Combined: a session in the clinic followed by treatment at home.

Over-the-counter products (strips, toothpastes or gels) contain very low concentrations by law. The stronger products can only be sold to dentists, and the first application must be done by the dentist or under their supervision.

Risks and aftercare

  • Tooth sensitivity during treatment or in the following days, which is usually temporary.
  • Gum irritation if the gel comes into contact with the gums.
  • The result is not permanent: smoking, coffee, tea or wine darken the teeth again over time.

What to ask the clinic

  • Which type of whitening they recommend in your case, and why.
  • Whether you need a clean or any fillings first.
  • What will happen to your visible fillings or crowns: as they do not whiten, they may need replacing afterwards to match the new colour.
  • How many sessions the quote includes and whether the trays are included.
  • How to keep the result and how often whitening can be repeated.

What affects the price

The type of whitening (in the clinic, at home or combined), the number of sessions, the trays and whether a clean is needed first. As a cosmetic treatment, whitening is subject to VAT, unlike dental treatments for health reasons.

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