What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is the process of removing colored organic and inorganic substances formed in the porous enamel and dentin structure on the surface of the teeth with tooth whitening gels.

In which diseases is teeth whitening used?

Teeth whitening is used when the teeth are discolored due to internal or external reasons.

How is teeth whitening applied?

Teeth whitening methods differ according to the technique used and application areas. These methods are as follows:

Home type teeth whitening: For the home type teeth whitening method known as home teeth whitening, personalized whitening plaques are prepared by taking measurements from the inside of the mouth. A certain amount of tooth whitening gel (10-15% carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) is applied to this prepared plate. It is a treatment applied in the form of using the plate for at least 4-6 hours during the day, for an average of 10-15 days, or for 8-10 days during the night’s sleep.

Office type teeth whitening (Bleaching in the clinical setting): This method is also known as the “Laser teeth whitening method” and is applied by the physician in the clinic. The application time is shorter than other methods. The whitening gel applied on the teeth by the dentist is activated with the help of UV light or laser and the whitening process takes an average of one hour.

Combined teeth whitening (Home + office whitening): In this method, teeth whitening is applied together at home and in the office environment. After it is applied in the clinic, the process is supported with home bleaching for 2-3 days.

Single tooth whitening (internal whitening): It is applied to teeth that change color after root canal treatment. The filling in the tooth is removed, the whitening gel is applied to the opened space, and then the tooth is closed with a temporary filling. The sessions are repeated at 3-day intervals until the desired color is achieved.

Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening treatment 

Which type of teeth whitening method is more suitable?

If the color of the teeth is close to white and a few shades lighter, only laser or home bleaching may be sufficient. However, if there is too much discoloration on the teeth due to cigarette, coffee or tea, the combined teeth whitening method is more effective. In order to decide on the appropriate teeth whitening method, a doctor’s examination is absolutely necessary. 

Is there any harm in teeth whitening?

Whitening methods may cause slight sensitivity in the teeth. This sensitivity may be to air, very hot or cold food and drink. This is a normal and expected side effect. Tooth sensitivity is usually expected to pass within 24-48 hours. When an unexpected situation is encountered, a doctor should be consulted. Whitening performed under the control of a dentist does not harm the teeth. 

How long does it take for teeth to whiten?

Teeth whitening varies from person to person. Average whitening time is 2-3 weeks. Graying caused by the use of antibiotics is more difficult to whiten and it may take a longer time to reach the result.

Is the effect of teeth whitening permanent?

After bleaching, the color starts to fade over time. This period varies according to the patient’s use of colored liquids (tea, coffee, wine, cola, etc.) and smoking. It takes between 6 months and 1 year. If whitening is supported with 1 or 2 sessions in 6 months, teeth whitening becomes permanent.

What should be considered after the procedure?

It is absolutely necessary to stay away from colored liquids such as tea, coffee, wine, cola and tobacco products during and for two days after bleaching.

What are the reasons for different tooth color?

There are various reasons why tooth color differs from person to person. Colorations can be internal or external. These; Physiological discolorations, discolorations after amalgam filling, discoloration due to antibiotic use during pregnancy and infancy, internal discoloration of the tooth due to root canal treatment, discoloration due to frequent consumption of coffee, tea, cigarettes, discolorations caused by the loss of vitality of the living tissue in the tooth as a result of trauma can be listed as

What should be considered in home teeth whitening treatment?

Different teeth whitening products are sold in the market. The point to be considered in home-type teeth whitening is not to apply the gel more than described. Otherwise, the gel overflowing from the plaque irritates the gums. In such a case, the gums should be washed immediately and the dentist should be contacted.

Is there an age limit for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening can be applied to all adults over the age of 18.

Are there any situations where teeth whitening should not be done?

Situations that should not be bleached are related to the current condition of the patient. Apart from this, it is not recommended to be used in pregnant women.

What are the harms of teeth whitening with natural or unnatural alternative means?

Teeth whitening with baking soda, teeth whitening with turmeric, teeth whitening with coconut oil, teeth whitening with strawberries, teeth whitening with aluminum foil, teeth whitening with lemon, teeth whitening with apple cider vinegar, teeth whitening with walnut shell and bleaching with bleach. Hundreds of different whitening applications are being tried. However, such substances do not have any use in whitening the teeth and cause irreversible damages and sensitivities on the teeth. It should never be used.