The color of teeth may change over time, depending on daily habits such as coffee, tea and cigarette use, as well as age and the natural structure of the teeth. Although regular tooth brushing is important for maintaining oral health and reducing superficial stains, it does not always change the color of the tooth itself. For people who are not satisfied with their tooth color, if their oral and dental health is appropriate, professional teeth whitening applicable.
Teeth whitening, aka bleachingIt is an aesthetic dentistry practice in which whitening agents are used in a controlled manner to lighten the existing color of the teeth. It is not intended to remove any layer from the tooth surface during the procedure. Whitening agents affect the discoloration of the dental tissue, causing the teeth to reach a lighter shade.
However, before starting teeth whitening, the important thing is to determine why the person has a darker tooth color and whether it is suitable for whitening.
What to Do Before Teeth Whitening?
The first stage of professional teeth whitening is a dentist examination. The current color of the teeth, the health of the gums, decay, old fillings and porcelain restorations, if any, are evaluated.
If there is dense plaque, tartar or external stains on the teeth, professional cleaning may be required before whitening. Thus, the actual initial color of the teeth can be evaluated more accurately.
Another purpose of the examination is to determine the source of the color change. Because discoloration due to tea and coffee consumption and darkening of a single tooth after trauma may not be treated with the same method.
If there is active decay, gum disease or another problem in the mouth that requires treatment, these problems may need to be controlled before whitening.
How is Office Teeth Whitening Done?
Office type teeth whiteningIt is a method performed by a dentist in a clinic environment. It is especially preferred by people who want a more noticeable color change in a short time.
Before starting the procedure, protective applications are made to prevent the gums and soft tissues in the mouth from coming into contact with the whitening agent. Then, the whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth in a controlled manner.
Depending on the system used, the whitening agent is kept on the teeth for a certain period of time and the process can be carried out in several application cycles when necessary. In some systems, the application may be accompanied by a light source; However, the main element that creates the whitening effect is the whitening agent used.
The duration of the procedure and the number of sessions may vary depending on the person's initial tooth color, the system used and the response of the teeth to the treatment.
How to Do Home Teeth Whitening?
Home teeth whiteningIt is a professional whitening method planned by the dentist but continued by the patient at home.
In this method, whitening trays suitable for the person's teeth are prepared. The whitening gel given by the dentist is placed into the trays in the specified amount and the trays are used for the recommended time.
The treatment continues over a period of time rather than being completed in a single session. Since the amount of gel, its concentration and how long the plate will be used may vary depending on the whitening system used, it is important to follow the application plan determined by the physician.
Professional home whitening is not the same as standard whitening products available in the market or online. In the professional method, the process is planned by evaluating the person's mouth and dental structure.
Can Office and Home Whitening Be Done Together?
While only office type or only home type whitening may be sufficient for some patients, in some cases the two methods can be planned together. After the application performed in the clinic, it may be preferred to support the treatment with home-type plates.
Which method to use is not decided solely by the desired whiteness level. The initial color of the teeth, the type of discoloration, sensitivity and the person's oral health are evaluated together.
Therefore, a whitening method that is suitable for one person may not produce the same result for another person.
How Many Shades Does Teeth Whitening Lighten?
The color change achieved by the whitening process varies from person to person. in teeth a few tons lighter Although it can be provided, it is not correct to give a specific number of tones valid for everyone.
Natural teeth, especially those with yellow tones and those with predominant gray tones or discolorations resulting from the internal structure of the tooth, may respond differently to whitening.
For this reason, a result such as "The teeth will definitely be opened in this many shades" cannot be guaranteed before the procedure. The aim of the treatment is to provide the controlled and balanced color change possible within the person's natural tooth structure.
Is There Pain During Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is not a surgical procedure and usually does not require anesthesia. However, some people may experience discomfort during or after the procedure. temporary tooth sensitivity visible.
Sensitivity towards cold foods and drinks may vary from person to person. This may be more noticeable in people with pre-existing tooth sensitivity.
The whitening protocol used to reduce sensitivity can be adjusted or desensitizing products deemed appropriate by the dentist can be used. If sensitivity persists for a long time or becomes severe after the procedure, a dentist should be consulted.
What Should Be Considered After Teeth Whitening?
It is not possible to completely prevent teeth from recoloring after whitening. However, adjusting daily habits can help maintain the results for a longer period of time.
Especially coffee, tea, cigarettes, and foods and drinks containing intense color pigments can contribute to recoloring of teeth. For this reason, it may be recommended to be careful about the consumption of products that may cause discoloration for the period recommended by the physician after the procedure.
Regular tooth brushing, cleaning between the teeth and routine dentist check-ups also contribute to maintaining the achieved appearance.
How Long Does the Effect of Teeth Whitening Last?
The effect of teeth whitening is not permanent. The rate at which teeth recolor over time may vary depending on a person's eating habits, oral care, smoking and natural tooth structure.
Therefore, it is not possible to say that whitening will maintain its effect for the same period of time on everyone. If necessary and if the dentist deems it appropriate, in the future reinforcement practices can be done.
Instead of repeating the whitening process more often than necessary, it is a better approach to evaluate the condition of the teeth and apply it when necessary.
Do Fillings and Veneers Become Whiter with Teeth Whitening?
Existing restorations are especially important in teeth whitening planning. Whitening agents can change the color of natural tooth tissue, but Composite fillings, porcelain crowns and laminate veneers are not affected by the whitening process in the same way as natural teeth.
When the natural teeth of a person with restorations on their front teeth are whitened, a color difference may occur with the existing filling or porcelain. For this reason, the order of the procedures should be evaluated by the dentist in patients who are planned to have aesthetic restoration combined with whitening.
Can Teeth Whitening Be Done to Everyone?
Not every color change may be suitable for teeth whitening. Therefore, it is important to perform an oral and dental examination before starting treatment.
In cases such as decay, active gum problem, cracks in the teeth or significant sensitivity, the existing problem may need to be treated first. If a single tooth has darkening due to root canal treatment or trauma, different methods than classical whitening may be considered.
Likewise, the patient's existing fillings, crowns and other restorations should also be included in the treatment plan.
How to Determine the Correct Method for Professional Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is not just about getting a whiter color. Natural tooth color, the cause of discoloration, gum health and existing restorations must be evaluated together.
Because Whether office type, home type or combined whitening will be applied? should be determined individually.
Before teeth whitening at Istanbul Galata University Dental Hospital, the patient's oral and dental health and current tooth color are evaluated. For suitable patients, professional whitening treatment is planned in line with the person's needs and tooth structure.
Medical Information: This article has been prepared for general information purposes. The suitability of teeth whitening and the results may vary from person to person. A dentist examination is required to determine the appropriate method for the person.