Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains on the teeth using various methods, thereby restoring the teeth to their natural color. This helps eliminate discoloration, providing an ideal and aesthetic appearance to the teeth. As a result, the individual is gifted with a beautiful smile, and issues such as lack of confidence and shyness in social situations are eliminated.

At our clinic, teeth whitening treatments are carried out using three main methods: home-based, office-based, and laser. Dentsite, one of the leading addresses in professional teeth whitening, owes this expertise to its team of specialists and modern technologies.

What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the removal of inorganic-organic substances that form on the enamel layer and dentin, which are porous. These colored substances impair the natural appearance of the teeth and cause darkening. By eliminating these substances, a whitening effect is achieved.

Teeth discoloration can sometimes occur due to internal factors, such as hormonal reasons. Other times, external factors like excessive smoking or daily consumption of coffee or tea contribute to discoloration.

Many people use whitening pastes or gels to make their teeth whiter, but these methods often don't provide satisfactory or long-lasting results.

The best teeth whitening treatment is performed with peroxide-based substances, which should be done under the supervision of a dentist.

The process of using substances such as Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide is called Bleaching. This treatment can be performed by the patient at home or in a dental office environment using laser or other techniques.

When is Teeth Whitening Needed?
If your teeth have started to darken and home remedies are not working, you may need teeth whitening services. The main causes of teeth discoloration include:

• Root canal treatments
• Worn-out restorations
• Aging
• Use of substances like cigars, cigarettes, and similar products
• Excessive consumption of soda, coffee, tea, and similar beverages
• Prolonged use of Tetracycline (antibiotics) in children at a young age
• Damage from grinding teeth, trauma, or loss of the vitality of the tooth nerve
• Excessive fluoride intake

How is Teeth Whitening Done? Professional Teeth Whitening Methods
As mentioned above, the process can sometimes be performed by the patient at home, and sometimes it is done in a clinical setting. The method performed in the clinic is called Office-Based Teeth Whitening. The method that can be done by the patient at home is called Home-Based Teeth Whitening.

Home-Based Teeth Whitening:
In this method, an impression of the mouth is taken first. Based on this, custom whitening trays are prepared for the patient, who is then instructed to use them at specific intervals.

The trays used for home teeth whitening contain 10-15% carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

The patient uses the trays for 4-6 hours each day for 10-15 days. If the dentist recommends using the trays at night, the patient places them in their mouth before going to bed. The trays should remain in the mouth for 8-10 hours overnight. In some cases, 7-8 days of treatment may be sufficient.

Office-Based Teeth Whitening:
This method is known as laser teeth whitening. This treatment is more practical and comfortable compared to home-based teeth whitening.

The doctor applies a whitening gel to the teeth surface. Then, the gel is activated by laser or UV light. This procedure typically takes about 1 hour.

Combined Teeth Whitening:
The combined method involves the use of both office and home-based whitening. The first stage of the treatment occurs in the clinic, followed by the continuation of treatment at home for 2-3 days. The dentist initiates the treatment in the office, and the patient continues it at home.

Thus, the trays activated by ultraviolet or laser light are further supported by the home treatment, enhancing their effect.

Single Tooth Whitening:
This procedure is done for teeth that have discolored after a root canal treatment. The filling is removed from the tooth, and the cavity is treated with a whitening gel. Then, that area is sealed with a temporary filling for a certain period.

Sessions are repeated every 3 days. The treatment continues until the desired shade is reached.

Things to Consider in Teeth Whitening Treatment:

• No crowns or fillings should be applied to the teeth for several weeks after treatment.
• Teeth whitening should not be applied to baby teeth or pregnant women.
• Painkillers may be used if necessary. Sensitivity is normal and temporary.
• Avoid extremely hot or cold food and drinks for the first few days.
• Do not smoke for 3-4 days after the procedure, and avoid consuming products like tomato paste, coffee, tea, red wine, chocolate, caramel, and cherries, which contain dark colors.
• Avoid abrasive toothpaste and whitening toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and evening.
• Visit the dentist for a check-up every 6 months.

How Effective is Teeth Whitening?
Discoloration caused by age, smoking, or regular consumption of coffee, tea, etc., is easier to treat. Studies show that 96% of people with this kind of staining are satisfied with the results.

However, satisfactory results may not be obtained for discolorations caused by excessive fluoride or some medications.

Additionally, the success of professional teeth whitening treatments is related to the natural color of the teeth. For example, if a person's teeth are already yellow, the whitening process may yield better results. In contrast, teeth with a brownish tint are more difficult to whiten. Teeth with gray tones may show little to no whitening effect.

Moreover, teeth whitening has little effect on old fillings and crowns.

Are Teeth Whitening Results Permanent?
The duration of the whitening effect varies from person to person. However, the whitening effect generally lasts for at least 3 months. Many people find that their teeth stay white for 6 months to 3-4 years.

People with coffee, tea, or smoking habits may lose their whitening more quickly. For these individuals, the chances of their teeth returning to their original color are about 30-40%. For others, the whitening effect lasts longer, with the chances of the color returning being around 10-20%.

It is important to note that teeth whitening treatments do not guarantee permanent results. To prevent teeth from returning to their previous color, proper oral hygiene and careful attention to dietary habits are essential. It is also recommended to repeat the procedure every 6 months or 1 year. Furthermore, the second whitening treatment is faster and more affordable than the first one.

Is Teeth Whitening Harmful?
This procedure does not harm the teeth. However, the substances used can cause sensitivity to hot and cold. This is a temporary condition and disappears within the first 1-2 weeks after treatment.

Other side effects of teeth whitening may include changes in gum color, burning sensations, and similar complaints. These also resolve on their own after a while.

If more gel than recommended is used during home teeth whitening, enamel erosion may occur. People using this method should keep the whitening gel syringes out of reach of pets and children.