Teeth whitening is a procedure aimed at eliminating discoloration and stains on the teeth when they are not as white as desired, even with regular brushing. Various methods are used in teeth whitening procedures, including whitening toothpaste and laser technology. One of the most successful whitening applications is the use of peroxide-based substances in a procedure called bleaching.
There can be several reasons for the appearance of a dark color on teeth. Some of the prominent reasons include:
Loss of vitality in tooth nerves due to teeth grinding Consumption of foods with high fluoride content Excessive consumption of beverages like tea, coffee, and cola Physiological discoloration of teeth that occurs throughout life Use of antibiotics during infancy Discoloration occurring after amalgam filling Use of tetracycline-based antibiotics How is teeth whitening done?
In teeth whitening procedures, the first step is determining the natural color of the teeth. This helps in accurately assessing how much whitening has been achieved after the procedure. In the clinic, a whitening substance is applied to the teeth and is hardened with light exposure for about 10-15 minutes. This process is repeated several times.
The whitening agents used in the examination contain high concentrations of peroxide, which ensures that the whitening process is completed quickly and is more effective in terms of longevity.
For individuals who heavily consume substances like coffee, tea, and cigarettes, and experience significant color problems with their teeth, achieving a lighter shade is relatively easier. However, the same level of success may not be achieved for procedures related to medication use or fluoride-induced discoloration. The success of teeth whitening is also influenced by the natural color of the teeth. If the teeth are naturally yellow, whitening is more successful, whereas teeth with a brownish tone may experience a lower degree of whitening. For yellow-toned teeth, the whitening degree ranges from 2 to 6 shades, whereas for grey-toned teeth, the whitening effect is lower compared to teeth with other tones.
The procedures used in teeth whitening do not affect the color of existing fillings and crowns.
The longevity of teeth whitening depends on the reasons for the discoloration, the dietary habits of the individual, and the natural color of the teeth. The whiteness achieved after teeth whitening can last anywhere from 3-4 months to up to 3-4 years.
Factors such as the consumption of coffee, tea, and cigarettes play a crucial role. If these substances are consumed heavily, up to 30% of the original color may return. However, in cases without such habits, the reversal of color is at most around 20%.
There are two methods used for teeth whitening:
Both whitening methods are highly effective in lightening the color of teeth. These procedures do not harm the tooth enamel. After teeth whitening, it is important to follow the recommendations of the dentist.
The at-home whitening method involves the patient applying the treatment at home for about 3 weeks. First, an impression of the patient’s mouth is taken, and custom-made transparent trays are prepared. These trays are filled with special whitening gels. The patient wears the trays for about 4-5 hours a day for three weeks, typically during sleep.
The in-office whitening method is performed at the dental clinic. The patient achieves faster results compared to the at-home method. In this method, a whitening gel is applied to the patient’s teeth, and specialized lights are used to activate the gel. The in-office method often provides results in a single session. In rare cases, a second session may be required based on the natural color of the patient’s teeth.
