FAQs

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FAQs

How does tooth whitening work with VivaStyle?
VivaStyle contains carbamide peroxide, which releases oxygen. The oxygen bleaches the stains on the tooth surface and penetrates into the enamel to lighten tough underlying stains.

How white can teeth actually get with bleaching?
The bleaching agent has done its job when the colour molecules have been altered or broken down. The colour of the tooth then corresponds to its inherent colour. Teeth are not completely white by nature.

How long does the treatment take?
The length of the treatment depends on the cause of the stain. Light stains usually take 10 to 14 days to bleach if an at-home treatment method is used. If the stains were caused by medication, eg tetracycline, they may take several months to remove. If faster results are desired in these cases, the in-office application of a highly concentrated preparation, eg VivaStyle 30%, is recommended.

Do more highly concentrated preparations achieve better results?
If a highly concentrated product is used, the whitening results are initially faster. In fact, the entire treatment is accelerated with these products. Nevertheless, more cases of transient hypersensitivity have been observed with these materials. A number of comparative studies have shown that the clinical results after the entire treatment period do not differ, irrespective of the product used.

How long do the results last?
The results usually last for one to four years. The eating and smoking habits as well as oral hygiene regime of the individual has a decisive influence on the success of the treatment. Drinking large amounts of tea for example as well as smoking can stain teeth again.
The bleaching procedure can be repeated. However, follow-up treatments usually require less applications than the initial treatment. Having teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis, eg with Proxyt, will keep teeth looking white for longer. 

What can be done to prevent teeth from showing sensitive reactions?

• When the patient is initially examined, the dental professional must make sure that the teeth do not show exposed necks, cavities, marginal gaps or overhanging crowns. Defects should be temporarily restored, if permanent restorations in anterior teeth are planned after the whitening procedure.
• The risk of hypersensitivity can be minimized by using a gel with a low concentration of the active ingredients such as VivaStyle containing 10% carbamide peroxide.
• The patient should be instructed to avoid or minimize the intake of acidic foods and beverages during the treatment.

What should be noted if restorations are involved?
A number of international studies have shown that composite and ceramic restorations are not affected by the whitening products. It must be noted, however, that bleaching agents only lighten the natural tooth structure. As a result, any existing restorations in anterior teeth may have to be replaced. Therefore, it is important to bleach first and then restore. An interval of about two weeks should be observed between the bleaching procedure and the restorative work to obtain a sound bond of the restoration to the tooth structure and make sure that the colour of the tooth has stabilized. 

Why does Ivoclar Vivadent offer a variety of VivaStyle products for whitening teeth?
The product range allows you to choose the product that most suits the dental history of the patient and his or her individual requirements as well as those of your practice. VivaStyle gel containing 10%, 16% or 30% carbamide peroxide is applied with the help of a tray. The highly concentrated version is only used for in-office bleaching. VivaStyle Paint On, a varnish that is directly applied to the teeth with a brush, rounds off the assortment.