Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a clinical treatment that aims to remove discolouration or dark spots on the teeth that occur naturally over time or due to factors such as tea, coffee or smoking.

 

It is everyone’s dream to have a bright smile. Teeth whitening treatment with the teeth whitening techniques used today makes this dream possible with a success rate of over 95%.

 

Products such as whitening gels or whitening sprays sold online or in grocery shops for teeth whitening cause unwanted damage to our enamel, and the whitening process needs to be done in a clinical setting and by a specialised dentist.

 

It should be noted that teeth whitening products do not affect composite fillings, veneers and the like.

 

How is tooth whitening performed?

Tooth whitening treatment is performed by selecting and applying a suitable whitening gel under the general supervision of the dentist. The gel used in the treatment is absorbed as soon as it comes into contact with the tooth and causes a change in the colour molecules. Regular applications will achieve the desired result of teeth whitening.

 

What are teeth whitening methods?

Teeth whitening methods are divided into two types: In-office and at-home.

 

Laser tooth whitening ( In-office tooth whitening)

Laser teeth whitening applied by the dentist in the clinic is a shorter and more effective method compared to other options. Before the teeth are whitened, the gums are restored and the stains and tartar on the teeth are cleaned. Before the application, a protective gel is applied to the gums and frozen with the laser. The teeth are coated with a special gel used in teeth whitening and it takes about 1 hour to apply the whitening gel by activating it with laser or LED lights. This procedure is repeated again in the same session and the effect of whitening is immediately visible at the end of the procedure. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated for the third time.

 

The whitening process continues for 48 hours after the end of the application, so no staining foods or drinks should be consumed for 48 hours after the procedure.

 

Teeth whitening at home

As an alternative to laser in-office whitening, it is a combined whitening type with in-office whitening applied in the clinic. Healthy teeth and gums are prioritised, stains and tartar on the teeth are cleaned before the whitening process.

 

The patient’s upper and lower jaw measurements are determined and plates compatible with these measurements are made. The patient applies the whitening gel to these trays according to the dentist’s recommendations to carry out the whitening process at home. The average time the trays remain in the mouth is 5-7 hours. It is therefore recommended to use them at night. The number of applications is determined by the dentist and regular use influences the whitening success.

 

Special care kits and toothpastes should be used to prevent gum recession and sensitivity during home whitening.

 

What should be considered after tooth whitening?

• Staining foods and drinks should not be consumed 48 hours after lightening (tea, coffee, wine, etc.).

• Carbonated drinks should not be consumed.

• Smoking should be stopped or reduced.

• Special whitening toothpastes can be used for 1 week depending on the situation.

• A soft brush should be used for a few days after whitening.

• Desensitising toothpastes should be used in case of tooth sensitivity.

• In case of sensitivity, the dentist can apply fluoride in the clinic.

 

Does tooth whitening harm the teeth?

Teeth whitening does not harm the teeth in patients with healthy teeth and gums when performed by a specialised dentist in a controlled clinical environment. Patients with deep caries on their teeth and receding gums should be more careful and follow all steps of the whitening process, otherwise damage to the teeth may occur.

 

Does sensitivity occur after teeth whitening?

The most common concern of our patients who come to our clinic for teeth whitening is whether the whitening will cause sensitivity. Whitening gels can be more or less sensitive during the whitening treatment. However, there is usually a temporary sensitivity in the range of 24-48 hours. Especially with the home teeth whitening method, the whitening process should be stopped if the sensitivity lasts longer than 24-48 hours. The sensitivity ends with some precautions and dental check-ups, the side effects after the whitening process are not permanent.