Healthy and white teeth are an issue that people care about in terms of aesthetics and health. In recent years, teeth whitening procedures have been frequently applied for whiter teeth. Teeth whitening removes colored, organic, and inorganic substances formed in the porous structures of the enamel layer of the teeth, and intensively consumed tea, coffee, cigarettes, and similar dyestuffs cause discoloration in the enamel layer.
With this method, teeth that have lost their whiteness over time are restored to their old appearance. The healthiest teeth whitening process is done under the supervision of a dentist. Permanent damage to your teeth may occur in teeth whitening with unconsciously applied gel at home.
Today, two ways are followed to whiten teeth; office teeth Whitening and home teeth Whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)?
Teeth whitening (Bleaching); It is a cosmetic procedure performed to remove the color change in the enamel layer by our specialist dentists in our clinic and to restore it to its former whiteness with various substances and procedures to gain a whiter appearance.
Teeth whitening is an important smile design procedure. Bleaching is a cosmetic procedure frequently used by people today; it is not harmful, makes the teeth look beautiful, well-groomed, healthy, and aesthetic, and creates an impressive, white smile. The teeth whitening process; is the removal of stains caused by substances formed later on the enamel floor. It is a form of cosmetic treatment used extensively in recent years.
White, well-groomed, healthy, aesthetic, and bright teeth improve self-confidence. With this self-confidence, the person can smile freely without covering his mouth.
The outermost layer of enamel gives the tooth its whiteness and shine. It is the hardest substance in the body. Depending on the age and the foods consumed, the enamel layer becomes thinner over time, and micro-cracks occur in the enamel layer over the years. The foods we eat and drink fill these cracks. This thinning and cracks cause discoloration in the tooth.
Here we apply the teeth whitening process to remove these color changes and make your teeth whiter.
What are the benefits of Teeth Whitening?
The benefits of teeth whitening can be listed as follows:
- Increases your self-confidence: Whiter and healthier teeth make you feel better and increase your self-confidence.
- A more attractive smile: White teeth help your smile look more attractive. This causes you to leave a better impression in social environments.
- Protects your teeth: The whitening process removes stains and discolorations without damaging your teeth. It cleans the surface of your teeth and protects them against tooth decay and other dental problems.
- Prevents bad breath: Teeth whitening reduces plaque and bacteria accumulated on the teeth. This helps reduce bad breath and helps you breathe fresher.
- Makes you look younger: Your teeth may become yellow and dull as you age. The whitening process makes your teeth look younger and healthier.
- Hostile glances of people are prevented due to neglected and yellow teeth.
- White teeth affect a person's status in society.
What are the disadvantages of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening may also have some disadvantages:
- After the teeth whitening process, you may experience a temporary feeling of sensitivity in your teeth. This may take several days or weeks after teeth whitening.
- After the teeth whitening process, the color tone of your teeth may be different. This difference may be more pronounced, especially in teeth-filled or veneered teeth.
- After teeth whitening, temporary irritation and discomfort may occur in your gums.
- The whiteness obtained after the teeth-whitening process may not be long-lasting. Therefore, it is necessary to clean and care for teeth regularly.
- In the case of improper procedure or use of poor-quality products, teeth whitening can cause permanent tooth damage.
- Irritation of the gums and temporary pain in the teeth may occur.
In which cases is Teeth Whitening done?
- Age-related tooth discoloration,
- Pathological discoloration of teeth,
- In case of tooth discoloration caused by food, drink, medicine,
- In cases where tooth color is not liked for aesthetic purposes,
- In the discoloration of the teeth due to reasons such as dental veneers, root canals, trauma, or gingival diseases,
- Staining on teeth as a result of consumption of cigarettes, coffee, tea, red wine, and similar colored foods,
Who is Teeth Whitening done to?
Teeth whitening is applied to a wide range of patients. Here we will write to whom teeth whitening will not be applied. Everyone else can have teeth whitening;
- Pregnant and lactating mothers,
- People with gum disease,
- Those who have poor oral hygiene,
- Those whose teeth are genetically yellow,
- Those with excessive tooth wear,
- Those who have tetracycline coloring in their teeth,
- Those who have advanced recession in their gums,
- Those who have broken, cracked, and sensitive teeth,
- Those with untreated oral and dental problems,
- Those who have underdeveloped jaw bone structure,
- Those who are allergic to teeth-whitening agents,
- Those who have exposed most of the tooth roots,
- For those under the age of 18, as the pulp may be damaged,
- Before meeting with the dentist for those with orthodontic problems,
- In the case of enamel layer development disorder and structural disorder of dentin tissue,
- Teeth whitening is not performed in those who have dental prostheses such as veneers, porcelain teeth, fillings, or implants (Such dental prostheses do not respond to teeth whitening).
In some people, the enamel layer may not form on permanent teeth. Teeth without enamel may appear yellow. In such cases, dental veneers are recommended.
What are the teeth whitening methods in Turkey?
There are six types of teeth whitening methods:
a. Office type Teeth Whitening (Office Bleaching):
This method consists of tooth whitening gel lightly applied by the dentist in the dentist's clinic. It is the most preferred method among teeth whitening methods.
b. Home Bleaching:
Transparent dental plaques are made according to the patient's dental measurements. The patient puts home whitening gels into these plaques and sits the plaque on the teeth.
c. Single Teeth Whitening:
In this method, the inside of the tooth is whitened.
d. Combined Teeth Whitening:
It is how office-type and home-type whitening are used together. The procedure starts at the office and is supported by home bleaching for 2-3 days.
e. Biological Teeth Whitening:
It provides both teeth whitening and repairs enamel. The risk of tooth sensitivity is minimal.
f. Laser Teeth Whitening:
It is applied in the same way as in-office teeth whitening. The difference between them is that in-office whitening, light is used, and in laser whitening, the laser is used, as the name suggests.
Office-type teeth whitening and home-type teeth whitening methods are mostly used among the teeth whitening methods written above.
What causes color and stain formation on the teeth?
The causes of discoloration of teeth are as follows;
- Your genetics.
- Too much fluoride intake.
- Injury or decay of teeth.
- Intra-tooth discoloration due to root canal treatment.
- The coloring occurs after amalgam filling.
- Foods containing chocolate, sauces, and food coloring.
- Antibiotics are used during infancy and pregnancy.
- Certain diseases and medical treatments are performed (such as chemotherapy).
- Structural disorders that occur during tooth formation in childhood.
- As you age, dentin becomes more prominent due to the thinning of the enamel.
- Discoloration caused by the loss of vitality of the living tissue inside the tooth as a result of trauma
- Antibiotics called tetracycline used in childhood can cause discoloration of the teeth.
- Food and beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine can cause staining on the surface of the teeth.
- Foods such as blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries (causes stain formation due to the antioxidants they contain).
What are the risks of teeth whitening?
The risks of teeth whitening include:
- Sensitivity: Teeth whitening process causes the opening of microscopic pores in the tooth enamel. This can affect the sensitive tissues (tooth pulp) inside the tooth and cause sensitivity.
- Temporary color changes: Teeth whitening can cause temporary discoloration or white spots on the teeth. This continues for a few days or weeks after the procedure.
- Damage to tooth enamel: Teeth whitening can cause wear or damage to tooth enamel. This can be seen especially in very frequent or long-term bleaching processes.
- Misuse: Teeth whitening products can affect teeth and gums with harmful chemicals when used incorrectly. Therefore, it is recommended that teeth whitening be performed only by a dentist.
- Results not meeting expectations: Teeth whitening does not completely change the natural color of the teeth. In addition, the results obtained after the procedure may vary from person to person, and the expected results may not be obtained.
- Irritation of the gums: Teeth whitening products can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.
Teeth whitening does not harm your teeth. It does not cause permanent damage or structural change in your teeth.
What should be considered before bleaching?
There are some important points to consider before teeth whitening:
- Consult a dentist: You should consult a dentist before doing teeth whitening. Your dentist will determine whether your teeth are suitable for whitening and recommend the most suitable whitening method.
- Get your teeth cleaned: Before whitening, your teeth should be cleaned. If you have plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth, these buildups can prevent your teeth from whitening. Therefore, a dental cleaning procedure is important for teeth whitening.
- Use sensitive toothpaste: Before teeth whitening, sensitive toothpaste can be used to avoid tooth sensitivity.
- Reduce the consumption of cigarettes, coffee, and red wine: Consumption of foods and beverages that stain teeth, such as cigarettes, coffee, and red wine, can prevent teeth whitening. Therefore, reducing the consumption of such foods and beverages before teeth whitening is necessary.
- Do not use painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs: Using painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs before teeth whitening can irritate the gums.
- Understand the expected results: Be realistic about how much your teeth will whiten due to teeth whitening. The result of the procedure will be several shades lighter than the original color of your teeth, but expecting your teeth to whiten a lot can be disappointing.
- Health problems in existing teeth and gums should be resolved before tooth polishing.
- The whitening process should not be applied to individuals whose enamel integrity is impaired and whose cracks are present. These problems should be treated first.
How is Bleaching done in Turkey, Antalya?
Here, we will discuss the most commonly used teeth whitening methods, such as office-type teeth whitening and home bleaching.
Office Type Teeth Whitening (Office Bleaching):
It is the method applied in the clinic by dentists. It is the most preferred method of teeth whitening. Our dentist does office-type teeth whitening with the help of gel and light. Since this method is applied in a short time and quickly, temporary sensitivity may occur in the teeth of our patients. The procedure generally takes two sessions, but the number of sessions may vary for each patient. Sensitivity may increase in procedures lasting more than two sessions. For this reason, more than two sessions are not recommended.
Our patient's teeth are examined clinically and radiologically. If there are problems with their teeth, these problems are resolved first. After the treatment, the teeth whitening process is started. Stains, bacterial plaques, and tartar on the patient's teeth are cleaned with polishing. With the polishing procedure, micro scratches on the teeth are removed. As a result of the process, a flat and smooth tooth surface is created.
When our patient's teeth are ready for whitening, a retractor is placed in the mouth. Chemical burns are prevented by preventing the patient's cheek, lip, and tongue from contact with the cleansing gel with the retractor. The teeth are dried, and a protective gel is applied to the gums so that the whitening gels do not damage them.
After the gums are protected, whitening gel can be applied. All teeth are homogeneously veneer with whitening gel. In this way, a period of 20-40 minutes is expected. During this time, light is kept on to activate the gel. The gel, whose effectiveness is completed, is cleaned with the help of a vacuum. The processes are repeated several times to achieve the desired whiteness. A session takes an average of 1 hour. The same session can be repeated if necessary.
In recent years, double gel procedure is mostly preferred. This way, the teeth whitening gel is applied by mixing the strengthening gel. With this procedure, teeth whitening is possible in a single session.
Food and beverages containing dyestuffs should be avoided for 48 hours after the procedure. Because during this period, the whitening process continues.
Home Bleaching:
Another preferred method of teeth whitening is home bleaching. Tooth whitening at home is an procedure performed by the patient in line with the dentist's recommendations. This method delivers plaques prepared by the physician to the patient. Plates are used at certain times of the day per the physician's recommendation.
In-home teeth whitening gels are used less than in-office teeth whitening. This causes the process to take longer than office-type teeth whitening.
Oral examination of our patient who comes to our clinic is performed. If there are any problems with their teeth, these problems are solved first. Mouth and tooth measurements are taken. According to the measurements, transparent whitening plates are prepared within 1-2 days. The prepared plaques are delivered to the patient together with the dental gel. Our dentists describe to the patient how to use the plates and gel.
Gel is placed on the whitening plates that come to the front of the teeth. In this way, plaques are placed on the teeth. The plaques are kept on the teeth for the time specified by the dentist. The procedure is continued for 1-2 weeks. At the end of this period, teeth whitening is achieved. The most important point is that dental gel should only be used a little, except for the dentist's recommendation. The gel leaking from the plaque can damage the lips, cheeks, and gums. When such a situation is encountered, the plaque should be removed, and the areas where the gel came into contact should be washed with plenty of water.
The home-type procedure should be made regularly, in the form and time recommended. You may not achieve the desired whiteness if you act outside of your doctor's recommendations.
Laser Teeth Whitening
It is one of the most popular professional teeth whitening options. It is a type of office-type teeth whitening done with a laser. To remove the stains on the teeth, a whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied, and a laser is used to activate the gel, quickly whitening your teeth.
What are the advantages of Laser Teeth Whitening?
- It takes less time than other methods.
- Whitening is faster than home bleaching.
- A dentist carries out the procedure.
- There is no home procedure; all procedures are done in the clinic.
- Complications such as soft tissue burns do not occur.
- There is no damage to the dental nerves.
- Provides longer-lasting whiteness than other methods.
- Visible whitening is achieved in a single session.
Who is Laser Teeth Whitening applied?
- Those whose teeth turn yellow afterward.
- Those with congenital yellow teeth.
- Those whose teeth turn yellow due to disease.
- Those with discoloration on the inside of their teeth.
Who is not applied to Laser Teeth Whitening?
Not applicable to persons under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating women
Laser Teeth Whitening is done as follows;
- The retractor is attached to the patient,
- A protective gel is applied to the gums,
- The whitening gel is applied to your teeth,
- Laser is used to activating the gel,
- The gel is left on your teeth for a few minutes,
- Vacuum cleans the gel from your teeth,
- It is repeated 3-4 times until the desired color is reached.
- You rinse your mouth,
- The protective layer on your gums is removed.
A single 45-minute procedure may be sufficient to achieve the desired result. If further treatment is desired, a 2-week gap between sessions is required. It is a safe and effective procedure. It has no serious harm or side effects. Not applicable to pregnant and lactating women. You should avoid consuming foods with dark pigments, tea, coffee, and cigarettes for 24 hours after the procedure.
How should dental care be done after Laser Teeth Whitening?
Colorless liquids should be consumed for two hours after the end of the procedure. In the first twenty-four hours, dark-colored foods, tea, coffee, cigarettes, cola, and soda that will stain your teeth should not be consumed.
What are the points to be considered after teeth whitening?
- Toothpaste should be used after one week.
- Products with abrasive effects on teeth should not be used.
- Tooth cleaning should be done at the recommendation of the dentist.
- Care should be taken to ensure the food is warm to avoid hot-cold sensitivity.
- For the first few days, the teeth should not be brushed hard; an extra soft brush should be used, and the teeth should be brushed gently.
- In the first 3-4 days, food-beverage with coloring properties, acidic foods, tea, coffee, and cigarettes should not be consumed.