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PhrasesAt the DentistVorrei sbiancare i denti.
B1

Vorrei sbiancare i denti.

I would like to whiten my teeth.

Pronunciation

ZBYAN-ka-re — the 'sb' cluster starts with a light 'z' sound. Stress on first syllable.

When to use it

Request teeth whitening as an aesthetic treatment. Discuss options with the dentist before any at-home kits.

What it means

'Vorrei' (I would like) is the conditional of 'volere' — polite and common for requests. 'Sbiancare' means to whiten or bleach (from 'bianco' = white). The dental procedure is called 'sbiancamento dentale' or 'bleaching'. Important to do it at the studio or under professional supervision.

Variations

Quanto costa lo sbiancamento professionale?

How much does professional whitening cost?

Professional whitening costs €200–500 in Italy depending on method

È sicuro lo sbiancamento per i miei denti?

Is whitening safe for my teeth?

Ask before proceeding — not suitable for sensitive teeth or damaged enamel

Preferisco il kit da portare a casa.

I prefer the take-home kit.

Home whitening kits with custom trays are a popular dentist-supervised option

Mini Dialogue

— Vorrei sbiancare i denti per il mio matrimonio tra due mesi. — Ha i denti sensibili? — Un po'. — In quel caso consiglio il kit domiciliare con le mascherine personalizzate. È più delicato. — Quanto ci vuole? — Due settimane di applicazioni serali. Il risultato è ottimo.

— I would like to whiten my teeth for my wedding in two months. — Do you have sensitive teeth? — A bit. — In that case I recommend the home kit with custom trays. It is gentler. — How long does it take? — Two weeks of evening applications. The result is excellent.

Cultural Note

Professional teeth whitening in Italy is regulated — over-the-counter products with more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be sold by dentists. The EU directive limits H2O2 concentration in consumer products. Italian dentists offer in-office ('studio') whitening using higher concentrations under controlled conditions. Results last 1-2 years with proper maintenance.