What are Teeth Whitening (Bleaching) Methods?
- Teeth whitening in the office / clinic
- Teeth whitening at home
- Combined teeth whitening (Both home and office whitening)
- Internal (internal) Whitening (Whitening the inside of the tooth)
What is the most effective teeth whitening method?
The most effective teeth whitening method is combined whitening, in which office and home bleaching are applied together.
Office Type Teeth Whitening
Office type teeth whitening method is a teeth whitening method that gives results in a shorter time than home type teeth whitening that can be applied by a physician in a clinical setting. As with home bleaching, dental stones etc. that will affect the whitening process. negative effects should be eliminated.
The dentist starts the office bleaching application by taking measures to protect the gums and other soft tissues that may be damaged in the mouth. The gums are covered with a protective layer and the teeth whitening agent is prevented from reaching the gums. The difference of this application from home bleaching is that the active substance of the chemical used is more and it must be used under the supervision of a dentist. Office type whitening, which gives faster results than home whitening, provides a much deeper whitening on the teeth when applied with light sources such as LED or laser.
Situations where teeth whitening can be applied
- Physiological coloration that continues throughout life
- Discoloration after amalgam filling
- Antibiotic use in infancy
- Color change from inside the tooth due to root canal treatment
- Coloring of the surface of the tooth due to the use of coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine and mouthwashes for a long time
- Coloration that occurs due to bleeding inside the tooth due to the death of living tissue in the tooth as a result of trauma.
Teeth whitening mechanism
In the teeth whitening process, colored organic and inorganic substances formed in the porous enamel structure on the top layer of the teeth are removed with tooth whitening gels (carbemide peroxide).
Home Type Teeth Whitening
Personalized whitening plates are prepared by measuring inside the mouth. A certain amount of whitening gel (10-15% carbamide peroxide) is applied to this prepared plate.
At-home teeth whitening treatment time
It is the treatment applied by the patient himself, preferably at night, using the plates for at least 2-6 hours during the day, in an average of 10-15 days.
How to apply gel into plaque
The most important point to be considered in home teeth whitening is not to apply the gel too much. If it is applied too much, the gel overflowing from the plaque irritates the gums. In such a case, the gums should be washed immediately and a cream containing vitamin E should be applied to the irritated surface.
Disadvantages of home whitening
Long treatment period from one week to one month
Not to use beverages such as coffee, cola, etc. that cause tooth discoloration during the treatment
Staying away from cigarettes and similar bleaching substances until the application is over
Damage to the gums as a result of careless behavior while placing the plaques on your teeth
Although it is easy to use, it is less preferred today due to the loss of time and the lack of results in some deep colorations.
Combined Teeth Whitening
It is a teeth whitening method where office and home type are applied together. After teeth whitening is applied in the clinic, gel is applied to the plaques specially prepared for the patient and the process is supported with home bleaching for 4-6 days.
Internal Whitening
It is applied to teeth that change color after root canal treatment. After the filling in the tooth is removed, a whitening gel is applied to the opened cavity. The tooth is then tightly closed with a temporary filling. The sessions are repeated until the desired color is achieved.
Is internal tooth whitening harmful to the teeth?
The canal filling must be well insulated. There is no harm if it is well insulated.
What are the harm or side effects of teeth whitening?
Whitening methods other than lifeless teeth (with root canal treatment) may cause sensitivity in the teeth, albeit a little. This tooth sensitivity; may be against the weather, very hot or cold foods and drinks. 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.
How long is the teeth whitening treatment period?
Teeth whitening varies from person to person. Average whitening time is 2-3 weeks. The more yellowing the teeth are, the more effective the whitening can be. Graying caused by the use of antibiotics is more difficult to whiten and it may take a longer time to reach the result.
Is it necessary to clean the whitening plate?
Yes you should. After use, the plates are washed with liquid soap and rinsed thoroughly. After making sure that they are dry, you should keep them in the box we gave you.
How long is the effect and permanence of teeth whitening?
After bleaching, the color starts to fade over time. During this period, the patient’s colored liquids (tea,coffee-wine-cola) and smoking. It takes between 6 months and 1 year. If it is supported with 1 or 2 sessions every 4-6 months, teeth whitening is made permanent.
What should be considered when whitening my teeth?
During bleaching, colored liquids such as tea-coffee-wine-cola and tobacco products should definitely be avoided. In case of use, the process has an adverse reaction and the teeth are discolored.
Does the whitening process harm the teeth?
Whitening performed under the control of a dentist does not harm the teeth. Otherwise, we would not do this practice both to ourselves and to our loved ones.
What is laser teeth whitening?
The laser teeth whitening method is used to activate the whitening drug applied to the enamel surfaces and to shorten the time.
