If you are considering teeth whitening in Lyonyou’re probably wondering how this aesthetic treatment works, and how effective it really is. The natural color of a tooth is defined by two components: the intrinsic component, determined by the optical properties of dentin, and the extrinsic component, given by the stains that accumulate on teeth over time due to coffee or tobacco, for example. At the first appointment, the dentist’s role is to determine the etiology, i.e. the cause of the discoloration, and to determine the appropriate treatment plan. In most cases, it will be necessary to scale and polish the teeth to remove extrinsic discoloration (notably the stains mentioned above) before proceeding with the actual brightening. Lightening allows the teeth to be 2 to 3 shades whiter than their natural enamel color at the start of treatment. It is the intrinsic part of the tooth (i.e. the chromospheres contained in the dentin) that is lightened. A whitening agent called carbamide peroxide at 10 or 16% is used for this purpose. Two techniques are available: chairside (i.e. in the office) and outpatient (at home).Tooth whitening at Studio Dentaire is performed on an outpatient basis, i.e. by means of a custom-made tray that we give you and that you wear for a few hours a day over a period of several weeks. This technique has the advantage of guaranteeing better results, being more comfortable (using the laser beam lamp in the office can sometimes be a little painful) and, above all, being more durable. As for the tray, it can be kept and reused for a few days a year by coating it with a product to maintain the whiteness of your teeth. Of course, you need to be aware that certain habits, such as smoking or the consumption of certain drinks or foods (coffee, tea, curry, etc.), can alter the duration ofthe effectiveness of tooth whitening.