Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)
Over time, unwanted stains may form on the teeth due to foods and drinks like tea, coffee, cigarettes, soda, or factors such as antibiotics taken at an early age, structural disorders, and aging. Teeth whitening is a procedure performed to remove these stains and yellowing.
Teeth whitening is the process of removing organic and inorganic substances that cause color change in the porous structure of the tooth tissue using special gels.
In this bleaching process, dentists can lighten your tooth color by several shades using a special gel.
Teeth can be whitened by two methods:
• Professional gel treatment applied by the dentist in the clinic (office-type teeth whitening)
• The patient applies the gel in custom-made transparent trays following the dentist's recommendations (home-type teeth whitening).
For the best results and long-lasting effect, office-type whitening with 2-3 sessions should be followed by home-type whitening for 10-12 days.
Office-Type Whitening
Office-type teeth whitening is a method applied by the dentist in the clinic, providing faster and more effective whitening. The gums are isolated with protective agents, and high-concentration whitening chemicals are applied to the teeth. The whitening agent is activated using special light devices to perform the bleaching procedure. The office-type whitening process typically lasts 2-3 sessions of 20 minutes each. Sessions may be shortened or extended depending on the desired result and tooth sensitivity. It is a safe method. It does not harm the enamel. Individuals with tooth wear or cracks may experience sensitivity. This sensitivity will completely disappear within 1-2 days after the application. Therefore, teeth and gums are not harmed due to the whitening procedure. The duration of the whitening effect depends on how carefully the person maintains their teeth afterward.
Home-Type Teeth Whitening
In home-type whitening, custom teeth whitening trays are prepared using impressions taken from the upper and lower jaws of the patient. The dentist selects the appropriate whitening gel for the patient, and the dosage is adjusted. The whitening gel is placed into the trays and worn for a specified duration (4-6 hours per day). This procedure is typically done at night for convenience. The whitening procedure lasts for 5-7 days, depending on the degree of discoloration of the teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
If you consume drinks like tea, coffee, or soda frequently and smoke, you may need to repeat the whitening procedure every 6 months to 1 year. The more you avoid foods that cause discoloration, the longer the whitening effect will last.