So is teeth whitening actually harmful
Done correctly — no. Modern whitening, such as the Beyond Polus in-office system, works with a light-activated gel that lightens the pigment inside the enamel without breaking down its structure. The discomfort some people feel is temporary tooth sensitivity, not enamel damage, and it fades within a few days.
Who whitening isn't recommended for
The dentist rules out contraindications at a consultation before the procedure: pregnancy and breastfeeding, untreated cavities and gum disease, and significant tooth sensitivity. That's why whitening is usually preceded by an exam, and sometimes by professional hygiene.
In-office vs. at-home whitening — what's the difference
In-office whitening (the Beyond Polus system at our clinic) delivers a noticeable result in a single session under a dentist's supervision. At-home whitening uses custom trays worn for a set time at home as prescribed by the dentist, with results building up gradually. Both options lighten natural enamel by several shades.
How the in-clinic procedure works
Exam and consultation — the dentist assesses the condition of your enamel and gums, rules out contraindications, and selects a target shade. Next comes preparation — protecting the soft tissue and gums, plus professional hygiene if needed. The gel is applied to the enamel and activated with a lamp in several short cycles. The procedure finishes with a desensitizing treatment and a rundown of the "white diet" rules for the first 48 hours.
How long the result lasts, and what it costs
The effect lasts 1 to 2 years if you follow the "white diet" for the first 48 hours and keep up regular hygiene. At MaslovClinic, Beyond Polus whitening starts from 4000 UAH. If tooth shape bothers you as much as shade, whitening is often done as a final step before getting veneers.