Whitening is the process of removing the discoloration that occurs in the structure of the teeth. It is a frequently used method among aesthetic dentistry methods. As a result of the bleaching process; Teeth whiten temporarily with the use of tea, coffee, cigarettes, etc. or in case of spontaneous color changes over time.
Over time, depending on the deterioration in the mineral structure of the teeth, the enamel layer becomes a more porous structure. This structure prepares an environment suitable for pigmentation in the teeth, causing darkening of the tooth color. In addition, tea, coffee, cigarettes, tetracycline-derived antibiotics or excessive fluoride intake can cause changes in the color of the teeth. Whitening is the process of removing the discoloration that occurs in the structure of the teeth. There are two different whitening methods currently known.
Office Bleaching
It is applied by the dentist in the clinic, with a procedure that usually takes 40-50 minutes. The gums are covered with a special protective layer and a gel-like whitening agent is applied to the teeth.
Home Bleaching
A transparent mold suitable for the mouth and covering all teeth is prepared by measuring the person to be whitened. The patient squeezes the gels given by the physician into this mold and applies it to his teeth at certain times every day. Whitening gels can irritate the gums. Therefore, they should not be carried over to the gums. In household applications, if the gel carries over to the gums after placing the mold in the mouth, the overflowing gel should be removed with a wet cotton ball.
According to studies, teeth whitening is extremely effective and safe if done under the supervision of your dentist. Teeth and gums are not damaged in any way.
Rarely, hot-cold sensitivity can be seen after bleaching. However, this situation disappears completely within 1-3 days. The whitening process does not cause any changes on the tooth enamel. For this, a plaque suitable for the structure of the teeth is prepared by taking measurements from the patient. The patient will use the whitening gel at home by placing it in this plate. The plaque is made in such a way that it can be worn comfortably and does not adversely affect daily life. With this method, it is possible to provide long-term whitening by allocating half an hour a day. It is an application that usually takes a few weeks. In home bleaching, the physician may want to follow up with the patient to evaluate the result and check the sensitivity.
Professional teeth whitening is a risk-free procedure. 95% of the applications give successful results and can take 2-3 years depending on the habits of the person. In rare cases, tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation may occur, but this situation returns to normal in a short time. In case of sensitivity, fluoride that your dentist will apply and toothpaste or creams that he will recommend to you will reduce this tooth sensitivity.
The result of whitening depends on the structure of the teeth and the type of stain. Often yellow spots turn white more quickly than gray ones. Whitening is not applied to porcelain crowns, laminate veneers and dentures. The type of stain, the strength of the bleaching agent used, the duration and frequency of application affect the degree of whitening to be achieved. The important thing here is not to get white teeth, but to get whitening suitable for the skin, hair and eye color of the person.