Teeth Whitening Methods

Healthy and white teeth are very important for people in terms of aesthetic appearance. Tooth whitening methods, tooth whitening methods made to get whiter teeth, are among the treatments that have been applied continuously by dentists recently. Tooth whitening is the process of removing colored, natural and inorganic substances that occur in the windowed enamel structure on the teeth with tooth whitening gels.

White teeth have an important place in daily life in terms of cleanliness, self-confidence and aesthetic appearance. However, apart from physiological reasons; white teeth can turn into stains due to internal and external reasons such as smoking, taking antibiotics, consuming coffee and tea. These colored stains on the teeth can be whitened with various teeth whitening methods. The whiteness of teeth obtained as a result of showing the necessary attention and care can be long-lasting. It is necessary to consult a specialist in teeth whitening and to perform this procedure with individualized treatment methods.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is defined as the process of removing the porous enamel on the surface of the teeth and the colored natural and inorganic substances that occur in the structure of the tooth using tooth whitening gels. This process is usually requested when the teeth turn yellow due to various reasons over time and can be achieved by changing the internal or external color of the tooth enamel. The chemical degradation of chromogens in or on the surface of the tooth is called bleaching.

In Which Diseases Is Teeth Whitening Used?

Tooth whitening is used in cases where teeth are discolored due to internal or external causes. Teeth whitening is performed to eliminate pathological or age-related discoloration of the teeth and in the presence of unwanted tooth color by the patient. First, clinical and radiographic control of the relevant teeth is performed.

How Tooth Whitening is Applied

Teeth whitening methods vary according to the technique and application sections.  We can list these whitening procedures as follows;

Home-type teeth whitening: Home-type teeth whitening method , which is known as home teeth whitening, is prepared by taking impressions from the mouth and preparing individualized whitening plaques. Tooth whitening gel is applied into this prepared plaque at a determined rate. It is a treatment method in which the plaque is used for an average of 10-15 days with a minimum of 4-6 hours of use during the day or 8-10 days during night sleep.

Office type teeth whitening: This method is defined as teeth whitening using laser and is performed by a specialist in a clinical environment. The duration of the application is shorter compared to other techniques. The whitening gel applied to the surface of the teeth by the dentist is activated with the help of UV light or laser and the whitening process takes an average of 1 hour.

Combined teeth whitening: With this method, whitening is applied together at home and in the office. After the procedure is performed in the clinic, it is supported by home whitening for two-three days.

Single tooth whitening: It is applied to teeth with discoloration after root canal treatment. The filling in the tooth is removed, whitening gel is applied to the opened gap and then the tooth is closed with temporary filling method. Sessions are repeated at intervals of three days for three days until the desired color is obtained.

Natural Teeth Whitening Methods

The most well-known natural teeth whitening method, is to apply a mixture of lemon and baking soda to the teeth. You can squeeze the lemon into the baking soda and then brush the teeth by applying it on the toothbrush after obtaining the mixture. Then rinse the mouth and clean the mixture. You can also choose apple cider vinegar instead of lemon. When you do this regularly, the teeth begin to regain their brightness and this will be noticed over time. However, intensive and controlled use damages the teeth. When the acid effect of lemon is combined with baking soda, scratches can be encountered widely on the teeth. This will lead to more discoloration in the long run.

What is Home Teeth Whitening?

For the home teeth whitening method , known as teeth whitening in the home environment, impressions are taken from the mouth and personalized whitening plaques are prepared. The teeth whitening gel is used in the specified ratio into this prepared plaque. It is a treatment technique applied by using the tray for a minimum of four to six hours a day for an average of ten to fifteen days or eight to ten days during night sleep.

What is Office Teeth Whitening?

This type of teeth whitening method is performed in an office environment within 1 hour. Power Bleaching consists of whitening gel and light. With this, it can lighten the color of the tooth by three to four tones in a short time, it is very fast and reliable, and it is a very effective whitening system.

What are the Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?

All whitening gels cause some or a lot of sensitivity in the teeth. This sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and the weather can make people feel uncomfortable. This is a normal and expected side effect of the procedure. If the sensitization does not go away within 1-2 days, the use of whitener should be discontinued. In case of sensitivity, fluoride and toothpaste or creams recommended by the dentist will help reduce this tooth sensitivity. Another method to reduce sensitivity is to use toothpastes containing potassium nitrate.

What to Pay Attention to After Teeth Whitening?

Drinks such as tea, coffee, wine, cola and tobacco products should be avoided during and for 2 days after bleaching, because the effect of the bleaching process lasts in the dentinal tubules. Colorful foods and drinks should not be consumed during this period. In addition, intense cold or heat should be avoided for the first few days.