Teeth Whitening

GHC Praha offers professional take-home teeth whitening using custom-fitted trays and professional-strength whitening gel. The dentist takes impressions to fabricate trays precisely matched to the patient's teeth, ensuring even gel distribution and minimising gum contact. The whitening gel is applied in the trays at home for the prescribed duration each day over approximately 7–14 days, achieving gradual brightening that is gentle on enamel and avoids the post-bleaching sensitivity associated with some in-office high-concentration systems.

Professional teeth whitening uses peroxide-based bleaching agents to oxidise chromogens (colour-causing molecules) embedded in the enamel and dentinal tubules, making teeth appear lighter. Home-tray whitening with custom-fitted trays and prescription-strength gel is the most widely recommended approach in modern dentistry — it achieves excellent results with lower sensitivity risk compared to high-concentration in-office light-activated systems. **How custom-tray whitening works:** *Custom tray fabrication:* The dentist takes dental impressions, from which a thin, precisely fitting vacuum-formed tray is made for each arch. Custom trays are critical — generic over-the-counter trays do not fit closely enough to keep gel in contact with the tooth surface and allow gel to migrate onto the gums, causing irritation. *Professional-grade gel:* GHC Praha provides carbamide peroxide gel at concentrations typically between 10–22% (or equivalent hydrogen peroxide formulations). Professional concentrations are significantly higher than over-the-counter whitening products and more effective. *Home application protocol:* The patient applies a small amount of gel to each section of the tray and inserts it over the teeth. Wearing time varies by gel concentration — lower-concentration gels are worn overnight; higher-concentration gels for 30–60 minutes per day. Treatment continues for 7–14 days depending on the desired shade change. *Results:* Most patients achieve 4–8 shade improvements (VITA scale) after a full course. Results last 1–3 years depending on diet, smoking, and coffee or tea consumption, with simple top-up sessions extending results. **Sensitivity management:** Some transient tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation are common, particularly in the first 1–2 days. These resolve on stopping or reducing wearing time. The custom tray minimises gum exposure. Patients with known dentinal hypersensitivity may benefit from a de-sensitising toothpaste protocol in the days before starting. **Contraindications:** Pregnancy and breastfeeding; active tooth decay or gum disease (must be treated first); tetracycline staining (responds poorly to peroxide bleaching); ceramic crowns or veneers in the visible zone (restorations will not whiten and a colour mismatch may result).