Popular Treatments

Teeth whitening is the application of dentists to beautify the appearance of the teeth and restore their lost whiteness. This practice, which takes place in the field of cosmetic dentistry as well as in Turkey, is a popular procedure both in Turkey and in many countries. You can find detailed information about teeth whitening by reading our article.

What is teeth whitening? (Teeth bleaching)

The tooth consists of different layers. The outermost layer is called enamel and is the main part where the coloration takes place. In this layer, there are yellowing and darkening in color for different reasons, and the tooth loses its natural whiteness. Teeth are whitened and undesirable color changes are removed by using various tooth whitening gels that have been proven worldwide. The bleaching process is done using various methods. Although people try to whiten teeth on their own at home, the result is not as expected. Performing these procedures at home uncontrolled and incorrectly may cause damage to the tooth enamel and damage the gums. The best teeth whitening process is done in the clinic under the control of the dentist. After some applications are made in the clinic, it can be continued at home according to the advice of the dentist. At the end of the teeth whitening procedure, depending on the process and the condition of the teeth, the teeth are opened and whitened by several shades. The final image lives up to expectations.

When the necessary care is not taken and dental care is not given, the teeth lose their whiteness. Various coloring foods or objects also facilitate this.

Color loss on the outside

There may be discoloration in the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth.

Foods and some objects containing chemical substances with coloring properties can cause discoloration of the teeth, and the teeth may turn yellow and dark. The color of the tooth changes due to the chemical substance known as tannin, which is naturally found in some foods. Things like food colorants, cigarettes, coffee and tea discolor teeth. The more exposure to coloring chemicals, the easier the color of the tooth changes. Most of the food residues can be removed with regular brushing, the use of an interface brush and a bottom floss. However, a very small part may accumulate on the rough outer layer of the tooth and form a layer. If cleaning is not done, the accumulation increases and tartar may occur.

Color change observed in the inner layers of the tooth

When the outer layer of the tooth is exceeded, there may be discoloration in the inner layers. The discoloration of the teeth is usually seen on the outer side of the tooth, namely the enamel layer. Sometimes, the enamel layer can be exceeded and there may be discoloration on the inner sides of the tooth. The coloration that occurs in the inner part can cause damage and cause the tooth to not be able to do its job. At the end of tooth brushing, the outer layer is cleaned and the residues are removed. However, since internal cleaning cannot be done with brushing, it is not possible to prevent color changes here. Dentist intervention is required to remove color changes in the inner layers of the tooth. The factors that cause the natural whiteness of the tooth to change in the inner layers are:

• Diseases experienced especially during childhood (tooth develops rapidly during this period)
• Various drugs, especially some antibiotics
• Too much fluoride consumption
• Severe blows to the tooth (damages the pulp called the pulp and nerves are affected)
• It is natural to have a change in tooth color as age increases.

What are the teeth whitening methods?

Teeth whitening is also commonly known as tooth polishing. There are many different teeth whitening methods with different effects. Home and office whitening methods are among the most preferred teeth whitening methods. Before starting the procedure, the dentist examines the person’s tooth. After the teeth and the general health of the patient are evaluated, the teeth whitening process is started.

Home type teeth whitening

For the teeth whitening process performed at home, the patient is first examined in the clinic. The first whitening application is made in the clinic. The next part is continued by the patient at home as the dentist tells. For this, the patient is given materials to use at home. This method, which is safe, is harmless if applied correctly. The execution of the operation is as follows.

• The person whose teeth will be whitened is examined and necessary measurements are made.
• Plastic mouthpiece is prepared according to the measurements taken by the dentist.
• A suitable whitening gel is applied on the plastic mouthpiece. Due to the peroxide contained in the gel, the gel should not be used too much. Otherwise, the overflowing gel may irritate the gums. In this case, the gel overflowing from the plastic nozzle should be washed with water.
• After applying gel to the plastic mouthpiece, it is placed in the patient’s mouth.
• The physician’s recommendations should be followed for adequate whitening and results that will meet expectations. The waiting time of the plaques in the mouth is important.

Plastic plaques that remain in the mouth for the period specified by the physician are not removed unless there is a very important reason. The waiting time of the plaque in the mouth varies according to the color change in the tooth and the properties of the whitening gel. The treatment program, which is carried out for 14 days, varying between 4 and 8 hours a day, is applied very often.

Office type teeth whitening

It is a teeth whitening method performed in the clinic. It is the most preferred teeth whitening process. It is a method preferred by dentists for whitening very dark teeth. It is possible to get white teeth in a very short time. This treatment, which takes place in two or three sessions, takes approximately 1 hour.In the application, whitening gel and light are used. The number of sessions is determined according to the sensitivity and color change in the tooth.

• Teeth stone cleaning is done before whitening. This process increases the effectiveness of whitening.
• Protective is applied to the gingiva and the tooth gel is frozen with rays during the process. In this way, the gums are not affected by the irritating effect of the tooth gel.
• Whitening gel is applied to the front of the teeth. While there are gels that are activated by laser, there are also gels that do not require the use of radiation. The residence time of the gel on the tooth may also differ according to the gel used. As a result of using two different gels in combination, painless and more effective results are obtained.
• After the gel is applied on the front of the tooth for a certain period of time, the whitening is evaluated. Extra applications can be made depending on the situation.
• Sensitivity in teeth caused by office type application will pass within a few days.

Combined Teeth Whitening

(Home+Office Type Teeth Whitening)

In this application, office and home bleaching processes are combined and effective results are obtained. It is the application that should be preferred first for very darkened teeth. Office type whitening is done first. The whitening process is continued at home. The patient continues at home as instructed.

Single Teeth Whitening

Inside the tooth, there is living tissue called pulp. For various reasons, this structure, including the nerve tissue, is damaged, dies, and the tooth changes color because it cannot be fed. Teeth that require root canal treatment are like this. This treatment is performed in such color changes. If there is a filling, the colored filling is removed. The gel is placed in the formed cavity. After the gel is placed, a temporary filling is applied on it. Different sessions are carried out at three-day intervals until the desired whiteness is achieved in the color. Laser is also used in this application. In order for the effect of the treatment to continue, the same treatment should be done at 6-month intervals.

Does teeth whitening damage teeth?

If the teeth whitening process is carried out in a controlled manner by the dentist, no damage will occur to the tooth. There is no scientifically proven information that whitening causes damage to the teeth. Before the teeth whitening process, tartar cleaning is done. For this reason, it can even be said that the teeth whitening process protects the health of the teeth.

• If the teeth whitening procedure is performed by successful dentists who are experienced in the field
• Unless the whitening process is applied to people whose gums are not damaged and whose teeth do not have cavities, etc.,
• Unless the materials and whitening gels used are of poor quality, on the contrary, as long as they use approved and quality control products.
• If the dentist has chosen the most suitable whitening method for the patient,
• If the chosen method has been applied successfully,
• If a homogeneous whitening process has been carried out on all parts of the tooth (otherwise, a color difference may occur in the same tooth). Bleaching should be done and color differences should be eliminated until the bleaching process is in harmony with the prosthesis and implant structures.
• There may be sensitivity in the teeth after teeth whitening. It is especially sensitive to heat and cold. This will pass in a few days.

Can anyone have teeth whitening?

 In some cases, teeth whitening can be performed after taking special precautions and treatments. These special cases are listed below. 

•  After caries cases that need treatment
•  People who are considering teeth whitening are pregnant (it is appropriate to have it done after the breastfeeding period)
• People with visible tooth root (it may be possible to do it after the filling process)
• Very sensitive teeth (the condition causing the sensitivity should be treated)
•  Persons younger than 17-18 years old. The root of the tooth is large and whitening can cause excessive irritation and sensitivity.
•  Especially in cases of cancer that has metastasized
• Those with very severe enamel damage (appropriate treatment should be done)
•  People with very poor oral hygiene (whitening should not be done without maintaining hygiene)
• Cracked teeth should be treated first.
•  Whitening of milk teeth is not done.
•  People who are hypersensitive to peroxide in dental gels

How much are teeth whitening cost?

 Teeth whitening is one of the least expensive cosmetic treatments. In addition to this base price, other expenses are added and the real price is revealed. Teeth whitening cost may differ from person to person. Because everyone’s color change may not be at the same level. For this reason, the treatment to be applied will also be different. The experience and success of the physician, the amount and types of materials used, the location of the clinic, and the extra treatments needed before the whitening procedure determine the price. Home bleaching is cheaper than the combined bleaching method. As the number of sessions will change depending on the effort and time the physician will spend, the price will increase. To learn the exact price of teeth whitening, it is necessary to be examined by a successful dentist who is recommended. You can contact us to make an appointment and to get an examination and to learn about your teeth whitening price.

Is teeth whitening painful?

 People who are worried that whitening will be painful do not need to experience this fear. The whitening process is not painful. There is no need for local anesthesia before bleaching. However, local anesthesia can be applied to people who are afraid and have a low pain threshold. The whitening process is done on the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. Since the nerves of the tooth are not located on the enamel, it is normal that there is no pain during the procedure. Pain or sensitivity may occur in case of cracks, fractures and gingival recession in the tooth or if the whitening process is not performed properly.

What should be considered after teeth whitening?

• During the 7-8 days after the treatment, it is necessary not to consume foods and beverages with coloring properties.
•  Tobacco products with the feature of yellowing the teeth should not be used if possible. Where this is not possible, use should be reduced.
• Acidic foods and beverages should be reduced and special attention should be paid to oral care after consumption.
•  Before the teeth whitening process, tartar cleaning is done. This situation causes partial sensitivity in the teeth. For this reason, it would be appropriate not to consume anything for 2 hours after the procedure.
• Since there will be sensitivity in the first days after the bleaching process, very cold and very hot foods and drinks should not be consumed. Teeth should be protected in cold weather.
•  Oral care should be continued regularly, and the teeth should be routinely brushed twice a day with soft brushes.
•  Routine dental examination should be done at 6-month intervals.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 How long does the teeth whitening process take?

 Many factors affect the duration of teeth whitening. Needing extra treatments and performing treatments before teeth whitening prolongs the process time. How much the color change is, the number of sessions to be performed according to the chosen method and the condition of the color change also determines the duration. The duration of the procedure is determined after the examination by the physician. In general, the teeth whitening process is completed in 2 or 3 sessions. Each session generally lasts twenty minutes. If teeth whitening is not satisfactory, additional sessions can be performed. The home bleaching procedure takes longer than the office type

Is the effect of teeth whitening permanent?

 After the teeth whitening process, the desired results that satisfy the patient should be permanent. For this, some important issues should be considered. After the treatment, routine oral and dental care should be done, teeth should be brushed with soft brushes at least twice a day, dental floss and interface brushes should be used. Tooth layer and stone formation should not be allowed. In case of consumption of coloring foods and beverages, mouth cleaning should be done without delay. Depending on not abandoning old habits, the color may partially darken again. Going to the clinic at 6-month intervals and being examined by the dentist is also important for the permanence of whiteness. The 5-10 minute cleaning process that the dentist will do in these appointments will mediate the absence of color change in the teeth. 

Which type of teeth whitening method is more suitable?

 The teeth whitening procedure to be performed can be individual for each person. Because the level of darkening of the teeth may differ. It is important to determine the appropriate method why the color of the teeth changes, the level of discoloration, the presence of tooth and gum diseases. If the yellowing is low, one session of office whitening may be sufficient. Color changes caused by antibiotics such as tea, coffee, tetracycline are more severe and bleaching requires special treatment. If there is a significant color change, the combined bleaching procedure provides more effective whitening. 

How to relieve sensitivity after teeth whitening?

 It is natural for some people to have sensitivity after teeth whitening. Sensitivity occurs especially after in-office teeth whitening and is usually short-lived. People who are very affected can use over-the-counter pain relievers. It can be preferred in fluoride-rich pastes to reduce sensitivities. Sensitivity may take 1-2 days. If necessary, the sensitivity of the tooth is relieved by using painkillers. Some sensitivities can also be reduced with pastes rich in fluoride and potassium nitrate. It should not be forgotten that cold and hot environments and foods increase sensitivity. Some dentists use two different whitening gels in combination to prevent sensitivity in the teeth.

You can contact us to get detailed information about teeth whitening and to be examined.

This article is for informational and advisory purposes. The recommendations of your doctor, who will examine you and perform the treatment, should be a priority.

We wish you healthy days.