White and healthy teeth are highly important in terms of meeting aesthetic standards. People often try various teeth whitening methods to achieve the brightest smile possible. Recently, teeth whitening has become one of the most commonly performed treatments by dental professionals.
The teeth whitening procedure involves the removal of colored and natural substances from the porous enamel surface of the teeth using whitening gels.
White teeth are significant for both hygiene and self-confidence. One of the clearest indicators of good self-care and cleanliness is undoubtedly having bright, white teeth. However, aside from physiological reasons, factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, the use of antibiotics, and frequent consumption of coffee or tea can cause staining on the teeth-leading to an unappealing appearance from an aesthetic standpoint.
These stains can be treated not only with toothpaste but also through various whitening techniques. In addition, maintaining proper oral hygiene and self-care habits plays a key role in preserving the whiteness of teeth over time.
Consulting with a specialist dentist in the field of teeth whitening is a highly recommended course of action, as a personalized treatment plan is crucial for achieving effective and safe results.
Teeth whitening is a procedure in which the colored and naturally occurring substances within the porous enamel and structure of the teeth are removed with the help of whitening gels.
This treatment is generally preferred when teeth become yellowed over time due to various reasons. It works by altering the internal or external coloration of the enamel layer.
In simple terms, teeth whitening refers to the chemical breakdown of chromogens (pigmented compounds) within the tooth. All procedures aimed at improving the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and making their color closer to white are categorized under teeth whitening.
For this reason, teeth whitening can be performed both in professional dental clinics by expert dentists and with certain at-home methods. Each technique differs in its application, and the recommended method can vary depending on the patient's specific needs.
Many people believe that by regularly brushing their teeth and maintaining proper oral hygiene, they will preserve the brightness and whiteness of their teeth and never need a whitening procedure. However, this is not entirely true.
Due to genetic factors or dietary habits, certain elements can eventually hinder the maintenance of natural tooth whiteness and brightness. Teeth whitening is an excellent method that can be applied to almost anyone with healthy teeth to help them achieve the desired level of whiteness.
In order for the whitening procedure to be applied, a specialist dentist must first assess the patient and approve the treatment. The dentist also determines the most suitable whitening method and shows the patient what level of whiteness can realistically be achieved before starting the procedure.
Various techniques can be used during the teeth whitening process. Whitening gels, which are used in the procedure and have active bleaching properties, must not come into contact with the gums during application. These whitening gels are often activated with a light source, which makes the process more effective and shortens the overall treatment time.
After the procedure, patients are informed by their dentists about the necessary dietary precautions they need to follow, and they are expected to adjust their habits accordingly.
The teeth whitening procedure is generally applied after the patient has undergone a thorough dental scaling (tartar cleaning), and when both the teeth and gums are in a healthy condition. The procedure typically lasts around 60 to 75 minutes.
During the procedure, the cheeks, lips, and tongue are kept away from the front teeth using various tools placed inside the mouth. A saliva ejector is also used, and the teeth are allowed to dry.
Once the preparation is complete, the gum area closest to the teeth is covered with a protective barrier, known as a gingival barrier. This material is hardened and fixed in place with LED light to prevent any issues during the treatment. While this is done, the whitening gel is prepared by the dentist and applied to the teeth using a special brush.
After the gel is applied, a laser LED light device is positioned close to the mouth (without making direct contact), and left to activate the gel for 10 minutes. To protect the patient's eyes from the light, protective glasses are provided.
When the time is up, the gel is removed from the teeth.Then, the second round of gel application is performed, and the same process is repeated. During the treatment, patients often feel a tingling or itching sensation in their teeth-this is normal, as the whitening (bleaching) process is intended to help the gel penetrate the enamel layer.
The application of the gel and exposure to the LED light is repeated three times in total. After the last round, all the material is completely removed and the teeth are cleaned.
Before starting the procedure, the patient is shown the initial shade of their teeth using a color scale. After treatment, the new shade is also shown for comparison and approval. With this method, teeth typically become 2 to 3 shades whiter in a single session. If the patient is not satisfied with the results, a second session can be scheduled, repeating the same procedure.
The effectiveness of the whitening depends on the natural color of the teeth. Teeth with a yellow undertone respond better and whiten faster than those with a grayish base color.
Importantly, to avoid harming the teeth, the procedure must be completed within the timeframe recommended by your dentist.After the procedure, patients should avoid consuming tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and heavily spiced foods (like tomato-based dishes) for a specified period of time.
This treatment can maintain its whitening effect for up to 1 year, offering patients a brighter and more aesthetic smile.
Teeth whitening methods are divided into two main types depending on the technique used. These methods are as follows:
The first is Power Bleaching, which is performed in a clinical (in-office) setting and takes about an hour. This method combines a whitening gel with a special light source, and it is considered one of the fastest and most reliable whitening techniques, capable of lightening the tooth color by three to four shades in a short time.
The second method is Home Bleaching, which is performed at home. In this technique, a custom-made plastic tray is prepared based on a simple mold taken from the patient's mouth. Whitening gel is placed into these trays, and the patient wears them for a certain period each day. On average, this method provides the desired level of whiteness within 5 to 7 days. Wearing the trays for 4 to 8 hours per day is usually sufficient, although the duration may vary depending on individual circumstances.
