What is the Bleaching Process?
Whitening is the process of removing discoloration and lightening the color of teeth. Whitening can be done by various methods. The whitening process performed under the control of an experienced physician in a clinical environment is office type whitening. Whitening that the patient can perform on his own at home is called home whitening.
Why Do Our Teeth Turn Yellow?
Our teeth may lose their natural color due to external reasons (coffee, tea, cigarettes, food dyes). Febrile illnesses experienced in childhood, drug use, trauma to the teeth, infections and caries can also cause discoloration of the teeth.
How is Teeth Whitening Done?
What is Office Bleaching?
-It is done by the dentist applying the whitening gel to the teeth with the help of UV light or laser beam. Application time is shorter than the other method. It takes approximately 1 hour.
-The result of whitening can be observed immediately after the procedure.
What is Home Bleaching?
-Measurements are taken from the patient’s mouth in the clinic. Thin rubber molds are prepared for the patient to wear on their teeth at home.
-Medicine is placed in these molds and they are asked to be worn for at least 6-8 hours a day. It can be worn at night while sleeping or used during the day.
-Depending on sensitivity, it can be reduced to 3-4 hours a day.
-Home whitening treatment is continued for 1-2 weeks.
What is Combined Teeth Whitening (Home + Office Type):
-It is the combination of both home and office whitening methods. After the whitening process in the clinical environment, the home whitening process continues for 2-3 days in the home environment.
What is Single Tooth Whitening (Internal Whitening):
-Internal whitening is applied to lighten the gray discoloration that occurs especially in teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
-Whitening gel is applied to the inside of the tooth. The process may take 3 days until the desired whiteness is achieved.
Although all of the methods described are effective, which one is preferred depends on the physician’s opinion, the degree of discoloration, how quickly the result of the treatment is desired, and the vitality and structure of the tooth.
Is Teeth Whitening a Painful Procedure?
Teeth whitening is not a painful procedure. Although rare, the sensitivity sensation felt after the procedure can be stopped with painkillers.
What Should I Pay Attention to After the Whitening Procedure?
Teeth may feel sensitive during the whitening process. The sensitivity will disappear when the process is stopped. If tingling occurs, the physician can relieve the complaints by applying desensitizers.
After whitening, it is necessary to stay away from very hot and very cold drinks for about 1 week, and as much as possible from colored foods and beverages (tea, coffee, cigarettes, colored candies, products containing food dyes) for about 2 weeks. Thus, the whitening effect becomes more permanent and effective.
How Whiter Will My Teeth Be?
The degree of whitening varies for each tooth. While 6 times whitening can be observed in teeth with yellow undertones, the degree of whitening in teeth with gray undertones is slightly less than this. Depending on the color and structure of your teeth, you can find out how white your teeth can be in the first session.
Is There Any Harm in Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that requires technical precision. When applied under professional conditions, it does not harm the teeth and tooth enamel. Possible side effects of teeth whitening include sensitivity, which may last for 1-2 days after the procedure. These sensitivities may be to very hot or very cold drinks.
How Long Will My Teeth Whitening Last? How Permanent Is It?
This factor varies from person to person. Its effect may last between 3 months and 3 years. After the procedure, teeth may become colored again after constant exposure to coloring drinks and foods. While the whitening time is shorter in individuals who consume tea, coffee and cigarettes, the whitening effect continues for a longer time in individuals who do not have these habits. If discoloration occurs, whitening can be done again.
Are There Herbal Solutions for Teeth Whitening?
Unconscious use of herbal methods and home recipes explained on social media and similar channels can erode tooth enamel uncontrollably and cause different problems. The products used must be approved by the Ministry of Health and used under the supervision of a physician.