What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is also known as bleaching in some sources. In its most basic definition, teeth whitening is known as a dental aesthetic procedure that aims to make the teeth one or several shades lighter and to remove stains and discolouration on them. Among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening creates a visible aesthetic difference with its effect.

Why do teeth turn yellow?

Most people who have their teeth whitened turn to this method as soon as they notice an obvious yellowing or colour change in their teeth. At this point, before discussing teeth whitening methods, it is necessary to look in detail at why teeth turn yellow. So why do our teeth turn yellow? There can be many different reasons for this, but among the most basic factors that cause teeth to yellow are, of course, excessive consumption of tea, coffee and cigarettes. Another basic reason behind our teeth starting to yellow is actually ageing. Just as hair turns white with age, teeth also give in to time and begin to lose their colour and turn yellow. The part of the teeth that turns yellow with age is actually not the enamel but the dentine, located further inside the tooth. Sugary and acidic foods can pave the way for teeth to yellow at an earlier age, so the foods consumed have an undeniable effect on tooth discolouration. Excessive exposure to fluoride, trauma to the tooth, the use of silver-coloured fillings and genetic factors are other elements that affect the yellowing of teeth.

Teeth whitening methods

Teeth whitening methods can vary according to the patient’s needs and can be carried out in different ways. The best teeth whitening method is the one that best suits the person’s tooth structure and the needs of their discoloured teeth. The most commonly used teeth whitening methods can be listed as follows:

At-home teeth whitening

At-home teeth whitening, as the name suggests, is a teeth whitening method carried out entirely by the patient. During this method, the patient comes to the dentist’s office only once and, after obtaining the necessary materials, continues the whitening application at home. Before starting at-home whitening, impressions of the mouth are taken at the dental clinic. The reason for taking impressions is that a whitening tray suited to these measurements will be produced. A certain amount of whitening gel is placed inside the whitening trays produced in clinical laboratory settings. After the tray is prepared, it is given to the patient, and it is recommended to use it for at least 4–6 hours a day. When this use is carried out regularly, it will whiten the teeth and allow the person to have whiter teeth at the end of the treatment. At-home whitening takes about 2 weeks on average. The patient stops using the tray after the 2-week period. It is recommended to wear this tray while sleeping so that the patient is not deprived of eating and speaking; that is why in some sources the at-home whitening tray is also known as a night tray. The advantages of at-home whitening include not having to come to the dental clinic constantly and being able to use the tray at night.

Laser teeth whitening

Another teeth whitening method is in-office teeth whitening, that is, laser teeth whitening. Unlike at-home whitening, in-office whitening, as its name suggests, takes place entirely at the dental clinic. The main agent used in whitening the teeth is the laser. While at-home whitening is a method that people who have plenty of time and are in no hurry to whiten their teeth may prefer, in-office whitening, on the contrary, is a procedure preferred by those who want to whiten their teeth as soon as possible. For example, brides-to-be who want to have whiter teeth before their wedding and shine on their big day can have laser teeth whitening a few days before the wedding.

How is laser teeth whitening done?

During in-office whitening, a whitening gel similar to the one used at home but more effective is applied to the tooth surface. A laser is used to increase the activation of this gel. The gel, applied in the amount determined by your dentist, becomes more active with the laser and creates a certain reaction on the teeth, whitening them. At this point, it is very important that the dentist performing the whitening is an expert and experienced in the field; because using the wrong amount of gel or insufficient laser application can cause the teeth not to reach the desired level of whiteness and can damage the gums and periodontal tissues.

The whitening gel applied to the surface of the enamel is activated by the coloured, single-phase monochromatic rays emitted by the laser. The gel particles interacting with the laser have a rapid whitening effect on the enamel, whitening the teeth in as little as about 1 hour. One of the biggest advantages of laser-assisted, in-office whitening is that it gives the patient lighter-toned teeth in as little as 1 hour. Of course, it is very important that the treatment is carried out in safe hands and in a professional setting.

Combined teeth whitening

Another method used when it comes to teeth whitening is combined teeth whitening. In combined whitening, at-home and in-office whitening procedures are combined. Part of the treatment takes place at the dental clinic, while part of it is completed at home using a tray.

Single tooth whitening

This method, applied to teeth that have discoloured after extensive decay or long-term root canal treatment, is used for teeth that differ noticeably in colour from the other teeth. The aim here is to give that single tooth, which the patient is conscious of and which bothers them aesthetically, a more natural colour that is more in harmony with the other teeth.

After teeth whitening

It is quite normal to feel slight sensitivity in your teeth after whitening. During the procedure, the teeth lose water for a short time. This affects the sensitivity of the nerves in the teeth to temperature changes. The slight twinges and discomfort you feel after whitening will disappear within a few hours after the procedure. If you are continuing whitening at home, it is very important that you follow your dentist’s instructions exactly and use your night tray neither less nor more than recommended. The only way to achieve teeth as white as you want is to follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter.

Teeth whitening price

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