Whitening is the process of removing discoloration in the structure of teeth (enamel and dentin layer). It is a cosmetic solution recommended for people who are not satisfied with the color of their teeth.
Studies have shown that 7% of people avoid smiling just so that their teeth are not visible. The adventure that started with baking soda to get rid of this - although unfortunately it is not necessary most of the time - has extended to porcelain veneers that damage tooth enamel and require cutting. The search for a permanent whitening method that does not harm both teeth and soft tissues continues.
Whitening, which you can also come across as bleaching, is a whitening method used to whiten teeth that have changed color for various reasons or to lighten a person's personal tooth color by a few tones. It is commonly confused with the cleaning of bacterial plaques and tartar that adhere to the surfaces of teeth, which is done by the doctor in the clinic. In fact, teeth regain their current personal color with tartar cleaning. Tooth color varies from person to person, just like eye or skin color.
The natural colors of teeth sometimes darken over time, sometimes due to external factors, and sometimes due to genetics. There are many factors that affect tooth color. These can be: Hereditary factors, staining by external factors (such as tea, coffee, cigarettes), antibiotics or fluoride taken during development, as people age, with their diet, and a blow to the tooth.
With the teeth whitening procedure that can be performed in the clinic or at home, the teeth are lightened by 2-10 tones, resulting in a satisfactory whitening and a beautiful smile. However, it should not be forgotten that the bleaching procedure must be performed under the supervision of a professional physician.
Although there are no reported cases, it is correct to postpone the application until after pregnancy under the general principle of avoiding drug use during pregnancy. In addition, if there are decayed or loose fillings in the mouth, they should be corrected before treatment. Since whitening agents are only effective on tooth enamel, whitening of fillings and coatings in the mouth is out of the question. For this reason, it would be more appropriate to do whitening first.
Foods that can cause discoloration of teeth (such as cigarettes, tea-coffee, cola drinks, etc.) should not be consumed. Sensitivity, which is the most common problem during treatment, has decreased considerably thanks to the developing drugs. Sensitivity, which can be seen in 5-15% of patients, is most often described as glare in cold weather, and swellings on the tongue and lips can also be seen. However, it disappears within a few days.
The natural colors of teeth sometimes darken over the years, sometimes due to external factors, and sometimes due to genetics. There are many factors that affect tooth color. These can be: Hereditary factors, staining by external factors (such as tea, coffee, cigarettes), antibiotics or fluoride taken during development, with age, with diet, and with a blow to the tooth.
With the teeth whitening procedure that can be done in the clinic or at home, the teeth are lightened by 2-10 tones, achieving a satisfactory whitening and a beautiful smile. However, it should not be forgotten that the bleaching procedure must be performed under the supervision of a professional physician.
Protect your gums
Whitening gels can irritate your gums. Therefore, they should not be spilled over onto your gums. In home-type applications, if the gel spills over onto your gums after placing the mold into your mouth, the spilled gel should be removed with a wet cotton pad. In clinic-type applications, your doctor will use a special foam to isolate your gums.
Adjusting the Usage Time Correctly
In home-type whitening, regular application should be done for the period recommended by your doctor. Otherwise, the desired result may not be achieved.
Hot-Cold Sensitivity
"Hot-cold sensitivity" has rarely been observed after whitening. However, this condition disappears completely within 1-3 days. The whitening process does not cause any changes on your tooth enamel.
Continuity
Whitening is a permanent process. However, in those who smoke excessively, consume coffee and tea, the color may return by 10-20% over time. Patients who have had whitening are usually checked every 6 months. They are guided about dental hygiene. Whitening is usually reinforced with a one-time procedure.
In this teeth whitening method, the whitening gel is activated using a UV lamp (blue light) or a KTP laser (green light). What distinguishes this method from others is that the light source used also has a teeth whitening effect (photo oxidation). This application provides deeper whitening on the teeth.
When using UV-Light, the surrounding tissues (lips, gums, tongue, etc.) should be well protected against possible burn injuries. There is no risk of burning when using the KTP laser, but the gums should be protected against leaks of the whitening gel (gingiva block). A great advantage of whitening with the KTP laser is that no side effects have been observed on tooth enamel as a result of extensive scientific research. Applying fluoride after teeth whitening strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay.
Advantages
- Average high whitening rate after a single 1-hour session
- Sensitivity under control after the procedure
- Protection of the color obtained
- Protection of the remaining tissues of the mouth since it is applied by a doctor
- A satisfactory result without giving up daily habits (cigarettes, coffee, tea)
Disadvantages
More expensive than the other method.
Home Type Teeth Whitening
- Your dentist takes measurements of your mouth. With this measurement, special silicone molds (cases) are prepared for you in the laboratory.
- Silicone molds specially prepared for your jaw and teeth structure are adapted to your mouth and checked.
- Your dentist selects the appropriate whitening medicine for your teeth and adjusts the dosage.
- The gel given to the silicone molds is applied and placed on the teeth for the time period determined by your dentist (2-8 hours per day). It is generally preferred to be placed after brushing the teeth at night while sleeping because it is practical. If your dentist has given a large amount of gel, store it in the refrigerator
- This application is continued for 7-15 days (intermittently) depending on the degree of discoloration, the desired color tone and the age of the patient.
- During this period, your dentist will check regularly and change the medication dose, amount of use and duration if necessary.
Advantages
The biggest advantage of this method is that it is cheaper than the other method.
Disadvantages
- Not consuming colored drinks such as coffee, cola, tea, red wine outside of the application time
- Not smoking during the application time
- Damage to the gums as a result of careless applications
Is it harmful?
Almost everyone can have bleaching, but there are some cases where the treatment will not be effective. Your dentist will determine whether your teeth are suitable for this procedure with a complete oral examination and diagnosis. If your teeth are healthy, it is an ideal solution for a whiter and more natural smile.
Teeth whitening is not a difficult or laborious application. Thanks to advances in oral health technology, your teeth can be whitened safely and effectively in a very short time. Teeth whitening is also a safe application. According to research, teeth whitening is extremely effective and safe if done under the supervision of your dentist.
Research and microscopic studies have shown that there is no harm in using 10% whitening solution. All studies have been done with 10% solution. There is not a single study showing that structural changes or permanent damage occur. Others are safe with the applications your doctor will make at the right times and according to your tooth structure.
For this applied treatment to be successful; the brand and content of the drug used, whether the doctor performing the application is experienced or not, and the way the drug is used are important. If the person is doing the whitening process at home, they should not smoke while the rubber mold is in their mouth. Less than 10% of people who have teeth whitening may feel a slight tingling or sensitivity after the application. This is more common in people with slight abrasions and cracks in their teeth.
If the abrasions are severe, those areas may need to be covered with fillings. If there is sensitivity, it can be relieved with a mild painkiller. You should stay away from very hot/cold drinks and foods, as well as coloring agents such as cigarettes, coffee, tea, cola and red wine for 24 hours after the application. The results obtained with the bleaching method are long-lasting (2-3 years). This period also depends on you. Excessive smoking, excessive colored food habits such as tea-coffee-cola affect this period.
