Tooth Bleaching

Teeth Whitening (Dental Bleaching) is a frequently asked method among aesthetic dentistry treatments. In whitening treatment, bleaching agents are applied on the outermost layer of enamel. Chemically, the colorants accumulated in the pores of the enamel layer are removed and tooth discoloration is achieved.

Important note !!

The reason for the discoloration of the teeth is determined by the dentists and the necessary procedure is applied according to the need. Products such as whitening powder, whitening tape, tooth pencil, charcoal powder etc. that are not approved by the Ministry of Health in the market may cause permanent damage. The effects of such products on human health have not been proven, and may cause burns and tissue loss in oral tissues, teeth and gums. Ingestion of toxic residues can adversely affect the internal organs.

Is Teeth Whitening Harmful?

The material and technique to be used in the teeth whitening process should be chosen specifically for the patient. After the correct diagnosis by dentists, the personalized treatment to be applied is not harmful. Dental bleaching is not applied in the presence of long-standing sensitivity, gum disease, cracks or fractures in the tooth structure. The application of whitening agents, which have been inspected by the Ministry of Health and approved for use for human health, by dentists will ensure that all possible risks are minimized.

How Are Teeth Colored?

In order for the teeth whitening process to be successful with a patient-specific treatment, the source of the discoloration must first be found. Colorations can occur internally or externally.

Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration

In addition to tooth enamel, they are also processed to the inner layer of dentine. It is usually caused by high fluoride consumption, drugs and antibiotics used in infancy or childhood. Visible results are obtained in most cases with whitening treatments.

Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration

These are the colorations that occur depending on the diet of the people. Foods such as Tea, Coffee, Cigarette, Orange Juice, Wine or smoking habits are the most common causes of external discoloration. These people usually apply to the clinic with the complaint of "My teeth are turning yellow". In external discoloration, dental calculus, which is formed when food residues are not cleaned adequately, accumulates on the teeth. First of all, it is necessary to clean the teeth. Afterwards, whitening treatment can be applied according to the structure of the resulting tooth tissue. If the eating habits are not regulated, the treatment results obtained in this type of coloration can return in a period of 6 months.

Can Every Teeth Be Whitened?

The answer is of course no. As stated above, the source of the coloration must first be determined. People with yellowed teeth usually ask the clinic “Can Anyone Have Teeth Whitening?” comes with a question. With a detailed examination, the effectiveness of the bleaching method to be applied depending on the coloration and the expectation of the person from the treatment should be examined. Fillings or veneers will not respond to whitening, and it is difficult to get visible results in some teeth. Therefore, the most accurate treatment plan should be created by the dentist.

Popular Teeth Whitening Techniques

Office Type Teeth Whitening (Office Bleaching):

It is the most effective and safe whitening technique. It is the whitening process applied in the clinic under the control of a physician. Teeth are isolated and dense whitening agents are applied on the teeth. Depending on the tooth structure and the source of the discoloration, 1-2 tones of whitening can be achieved. It maintains its effectiveness for a long time if attention is paid to the diet.

Home Bleaching:

It is a whitening technique applied on transparent plaques to be produced according to the mouth size of the person. In these plates, reservoirs are prepared in which the whitening agents can be filled on the teeth. Although it varies according to the need for whitening, it is generally used for 7-10 days and 4-5 hours a day. It can be used in combination with the office method to be done in the clinic to increase the power of whitening.

Internal Bleaching:

It is a teeth whitening method applied to lifeless teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. It is also called devital whitening. It is a solution applied to black discoloration that occurs over time in root canal treated teeth. It is preferred in cases where other bleaching techniques are not successful.

Office Type Teeth Whitening Process

First, treatments such as dental cleaning, dental fillings and root canal treatment are completed. There is no situation left to risk gum health and oral hygiene.

Lip protector retractor placed

Brushing the teeth with polish paste

A thin barrier is applied to protect the gums

Depending on the usage conditions of the bleaching agent, the whitening gel is applied and cleaned at regular intervals.

All barriers are removed by washing with plenty of water.

Can Whitening be Applied to Dental Veneers?

Teeth whitening is only effective on living tissues. No results can be obtained on fillings or coatings made of composite or ceramic materials. In the presence of veneer on the front teeth, the most correct approach to the need for dental bleaching will be the smile design.

Is There Sensitivity in Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Since almost all the pores are opened on the teeth after the in-office whitening process, it is normal to have sensitivity for the first 24 hours. It is helpful to stay away from extremely hot or cold foods, even if they create a low sensitivity state. Sensitizing gels or pastes can help this process go faster. Sensitivity to home bleaching or devital bleaching treatments is less likely. Permanent sensitivity complaints can be seen as a result of the use of whitening products sold on the internet without approval. In case of this sensitivity, advanced treatments such as root canal treatment may be required for solution.

Is Whitening Permanent? How Much is the Effect?

White teeth and a healthy smile are everyone's dreams. However, the most important criterion for achieving this dream is to pay attention to oral hygiene. Even if the teeth cleaning or whitening treatment by the dentist leads to a beautiful smile, its continuity depends on the dental care of the person. Therefore, the lifespan of the whitening treatment is variable and depends on the individual. The eating habits that cause discoloration continue and whiteness may return if attention is not paid, especially in the first 7-10 days after bleaching. With high oral hygiene and good tooth brushing, the bleaching effect can continue for 2-3 years. Whiteness is relative and after a certain period of time, eye habit develops to the existing whiteness. Depending on personal expectations, it may be desirable to become even whiter over time.

What are the People or Situations for which Bleaching is Not Recommended?

Teeth with exposed root surface

Gum disease

Common dental caries

increased sensitivity

Presence of fillings and/or dental veneers in the anterior teeth

Conditions where tooth enamel is weak or thin

Pregnancy

Individuals under the age of 18

People who cannot stay away from coloring drinks and habits for the first 7-10 days after whitening treatment

How Much Are Teeth Whitening Prices?

Teeth whitening fees vary according to tooth discoloration levels and intraoral situation. First of all, oral health should be brought to a good level, for this there may be needs such as teeth cleaning and / or filling, root canal treatment before whitening. In cases where an aesthetic solution cannot be provided with Dental Bleaching, smile design applications are applied. For ideal aesthetic teeth zirconium teeth Treatment solutions such as veneer, leaf porcelain, laminate veneer can be produced. These actions will affect the treatment price.

For teeth whitening prices, the list of treatment fees determined by the Turkish Dentists Association (TDB) can give an idea on average.