Teeth Whitening

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening (bleaching) process means cleaning and eliminating the discolorations in the tooth structure. It is the purification of the tooth from the colored substances that have permeated and settled in the tooth.

Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

Although you brush your teeth 2-3 times a day, you may not have a white appearance on your teeth. The reason can go as far as the formation of teeth in childhood. Some drugs, harmful tobacco substances, tea, coffee, etc. used when you are a baby or in the womb can cause discoloration on your teeth. Or the fluoride in the water you drink can also cause discoloration on the teeth.

Tooth color may be self-colored in some people. Just as skin color and eye color are individual, so is tooth color.

Who Apply for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process that people generally apply for their aesthetic appearance. The discoloration and yellowing of the teeth can disturb the person. In such cases, people have teeth whitening (bleaching).

How Is Teeth Whitening Made?

Before the teeth whitening process is performed, the caries in the teeth of the person are removed and treated. The reason for treating cavities first is that the solution used in the whitening process increases tooth sensitivity by entering the cavities. For this reason, bruises are cleaned first.

With this process, the teeth are whitened by 3-4 tons.

• Teeth whitening can be done at home or in a clinical setting. To whiten at home, after your dentist examines you, he or she applies molds containing the appropriate whitening gel to your teeth. You need to fill these molds with the whitening gel given by your dentist and wear them on your teeth for a few hours a day. This process takes about 2 to 3 weeks at home.
• The bleaching process performed in the clinic ends in 2-3 sessions of 40-50 minutes. The number of sessions may vary depending on the whiteness of your teeth and the stains on your teeth.
• Your dentist will first want to learn from you about the causes of stains on your teeth. Then he applies a protective gel to your teeth, followed by a whitening solution. After applying the solution, it shines a special light on your teeth and makes them whiten. The bleaching process performed in a clinical setting is the most reliable and faster process than at-home bleaching.

Is Teeth Whitening a Risky Procedure?

Teeth whitening is usually an optional procedure performed for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended for use in pregnant women. The effects of teeth whitening for the unborn baby are not clearly known. It is recommended to postpone the procedure, taking into account all possibilities.

Apart from that, anyone can have teeth whitening. In the examinations made to date, it has not been seen that the teeth whitening process has any harm.

What are the Side Effects of Teeth Whitening Process?

As with any drug, this procedure applied to the tooth may have some side effects. Sensitivity may occur in the teeth after the whitening process. However, this sensitivity will pass within 24 to 48 hours. If the sensitivity does not go away during this period, and if it continues, it is recommended to stop using the whitening solution and contact your doctor. You can use a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, recommended by your doctor, in order for this sensitivity to disappear faster.

How Long Do Teeth Stay White After Whitening?

The duration of the whitening of the teeth after the procedure varies according to the tooth structure of the person. The duration of staying white can vary between 6 months and 2 years.

You should stay away from foods and substances that can change the color of your teeth for 1-2 weeks after teeth whitening.