Teeth whitening has become one of the most desirable dental procedures, so many options have been found that allow to reach whiter teeth in Turkey.
What is teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a procedure aimed at making their color lighter than the existing color by several shades. Bleaching is an optional and rarely a necessity.
Bleaching products typically use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide chemicals in varying proportions.
The ovary penetrates through the middle enamel layer of the tooth to the dentin and the ovary interacts with the colored particles that cause the tooth to change color, then the dentin becomes lighter and the teeth appear whiter, and bleaching can make the surface of the enamel more reflective, making it appear whiter as well.
Teeth whitening is a very effective way to lighten the natural color of your teeth without any removal from the surface of the teeth, knowing that it is not possible to make a complete change of color, but it does lighten the existing color.
Just as the colors of our hair and skin vary, the color of our natural teeth also varies from person to person. Very few people have whiter teeth, but over time, the teeth become discolored due to the foods and drinks we regularly consume, such as tea and coffee. and smoking This causes it to become more yellow and darker.
can affect lime buildup It also affects the color of your teeth, so be sure to remove it in the clinic before deciding to perform a whitening procedure.
I showed numerous studies Teeth whitening is a safe and effective process if the manufacturer's instructions are adhered to. There are several methods used to whiten teeth, which we will learn about through this article.
Laser teeth whitening
Laser teeth whitening is done in the clinic, and it is the fastest way to whiten the teeth, where the bleaching material is applied directly to the teeth, and then these materials are exposed to a laser, heat, or a special light to activate the whitening.
The results appear in only one session of 30 to 60 minutes, to get better results, sometimes several sessions are needed.
The exact steps may vary depending on your needs. Here's what a typical treatment includes:
- Your dentist will place a rubber or plastic brace in your mouth to help keep it open.
- Then you will be asked to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
- It will also add a barrier to protect the gums, the barrier being a light-cured resin.
- Your dentist applies whitening gel to your front teeth.
- After a few minutes, the doctor will direct the laser on your teeth.
- The laser heats up the whitening gel, which activates the whitening properties.
- The dentist will remove the gum barrier and rinse the whitening gel.
Laser teeth whitening is usually painless, however your teeth may be more sensitive than usual for 24 hours after the procedure.
This type of whitening is the most expensive method.
Whitening at home
Regardless of the treatment you use, there is a possibility that your gums are sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, especially if you already have sensitive teeth.
There is also a chance of gum burns and some of the whitening tools used at home can damage the tooth surface or enamel.
You can whiten your teeth with some products that you can try at home: lotion, whitening gel, toothpaste, and whitening strips.
If you decide to try bleaching at home, she suggests American Dental Association Talk to your dentist first, especially if you have:
- tooth sensitivity
- dental restorations
- Very dark spots or one dark tooth
- Lots of fillings or crowns
Household bleaches contain peroxides, typically 10%-20% carbamide peroxide.
Teeth whitening molds
It includes molds that are made by the dentist, and then filled with bleach.
Teeth whitening at home is generally worn from a few hours a day to every day at night for up to 4 weeks and even longer, depending on the degree of color and level of whitening required.
Whitening toothpastes
remove all toothpastes Surface stains because they contain light coastal materials.
As for whitening toothpastes, they also contain a small percentage of polishing agents or chemicals that provide additional effectiveness in removing discoloration of the teeth.
Whitening toothpaste removes only surface stains and does not contain bleaching agents; It does not lighten the color in the depth of the teeth as it does when whitening with other methods in the clinic.
Whitening toothpastes can lighten the color of the teeth by about one degree, while whitening in a dental clinic can make the teeth lighter by three to eight degrees.
Whitening strips and gels
Teeth whitening gel is a transparent gel containing peroxide that is applied directly to the teeth with a small brush.
The instructions differ according to the concentration of peroxide in it. The initial results appear within a few days, and the final results last about 4 months.
The full dose takes between 10 and 14 days, and you may need to apply it twice a day.
The whitening strips are very thin, almost transparent strips covered with peroxide-based bleaching gel. The strips should be applied according to the instructions on the label.
Initial results appear within a few days, and final results take about 4 months.
bleached rinses
Among the latest whitening products available is the whitening lotion.
Like most mouthwashes, it freshens breath and reduces dental plaque and gum disease.
But these products also contain ingredients that help whiten teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide.
You may need 12 weeks to see results, rinse for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth.
However, some experts say that rinses may not be as effective as other whitening products because the whitening rinse is in contact with the teeth for a short time (only two minutes a day).
Which is better, laser teeth whitening or home teeth whitening?
There are several important differences between the two methods:
The power of the whitening agent
Over-the-counter home bleaching products usually contain a lower strength bleaching agent.
whitening molds
In dentist-supervised at-home whitening products, the dentist takes an impression of your teeth and creates custom molds to fit your teeth perfectly.
This customization allows for maximum contact between the whitening gel, which is applied to the mold and the teeth, and these molds also minimize the contact of the gel with the gum tissue.
Unlike pre-made molds that are purchased, which come in a specific standard size, they do not fit neatly, causing irritation to the gums and soft tissues due to the leakage of the whitening gel into these tissues.
Additional precautionary measures
When whitening in the office, your dentist will either apply a gel or use a rubber protector to the gum tissue that slides over the teeth prior to treatment to protect your gums and oral cavities from the effects of bleaching materials. Over-the-counter products do not provide these additional preventative measures.
Can you always whiten your teeth?
Bleaching is not recommended or will be less successful in the following cases:
Age and pregnancy problems
Bleaching is not recommended for children under 16 years of age, because the pulp chamber or the nerve of the tooth is enlarged up to this age.
Teeth whitening in this case can irritate the pulp or make it sensitive, and teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Tooth sensitivity
Individuals with sensitive teeth orreceding gums Or defective restorations consult a dentist before using a teeth whitening system.
Anyone allergic to peroxide (a bleaching agent) should not use a bleaching product.
Gum disease, enamel erosion, caries and exposed roots
People withGum disease Or teeth with worn out enamel are generally not encouraged to undergo teeth whitening.
Must be NS Before undergoing any whitening process, because the bleaching solutions penetrate any existing decay and the inner areas of the teeth, which may cause sensitivity, also the whitening procedures will not work on the exposed roots of the teeth, because the roots do not contain enamel.
Fillings, crowns and other restorations
dental fillings and composite resin materials used in dental restorationscrowns, veneer, Optical fillings, bridges) do not respond to bleaching.
Therefore, the use of bleaching materials on teeth that contain renovations or implanted teeth It will result in uneven whitening. Unrestored teeth appear lighter than those that have been restored, so bleaching should be done before restorations are placed.
unrealistic expectations
Individuals who expect their teeth to become as white as snow may be disappointed with the results.
As he should realize smokers Their results will be limited unless they stop smoking, especially during the whitening process.
The healthy guide is to get a shade a little lighter than the whites of the eyes.
Dark pigmented teeth
Yellow teeth respond well to bleaching, brown teeth respond less and gray or purple teeth may not respond to bleaching at all.
The blue-gray discoloration caused by the antibiotic tetracycline is difficult to relieve and may require up to six months of home treatments or several clinic appointments to successfully lighten.
Dark teeth that do not respond to whitening may need another lightening option such as veneers or crowns. Your dentist can discuss the most appropriate options for you.
Safety tips for teeth whitening in Turkey
- Follow directions and don't leave the bleach on for longer than directed, or you could end up with gum infections and other problems.
- After whitening, avoid soft drinks or other acidic drinks for a few hours to protect your teeth.
- Your teeth may increase sensitivity after whitening, but this sensitivity usually goes away after a short period.
- The whitening gel-filled bars that you put on your teeth can irritate your gums if they don't fit, it's a good idea to stop using the product if you start having this problem and see your dentist.
- After your teeth reach the color you want, you may need to repeat the whitening sessions twice a year or less.
- Get an oral exam and cleaning first, even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home.
- Your dentist will look for cavities and check the health of your gums. Treating any problems before bleaching is safer for your mouth.
- Ask your dentist how much lightening you can expect, as teeth darken with age, and the amount of response and discoloration varies from person to person.
Risks associated with bleaching
The side effects that may accompany laser teeth whitening are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, especially the gums.
Tooth sensitivity often occurs during the early stages of whitening, sometimes tissue irritation from improper whitening molds, symptoms are usually temporary and disappear within one to three days of stopping or completing treatment.
If you have allergies, you can reduce or eliminate them by:
- Wearing the cast for a shorter period of time, eg two 30-minute sessions instead of two 60-minute sessions.
- Stop whitening your teeth for 2 to 3 days to allow the teeth to adjust to the process.
- Ask your dentist or pharmacist about a product that is high in fluoride, which can help remineralize your teeth. Apply the fluoride product to the mold and wear it for 4 minutes before and after the whitening process.
- Brush teeth with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, which helps soothe the nerve endings of the teeth.
Some tips to keep your teeth white and fresh
- Avoid foods and drinks that cause teeth staining. Anything that contains acids can weaken teeth. To keep your smile bright, avoid sports drinks, soft drinks (both light and dark), black tea, coffee, berries, white and red wine, and other colored foods, as well as sauces such as soy and curry. and tomatoes.
- Brush or rinse your teeth immediately after consuming colour-causing foods or drinks.
- Follow Healthy Oral Hygiene PracticesBrush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food residue, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill plaque-causing bacteria Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains To prevent yellowing, use a regular toothpaste the rest of the time.
- Eat calcium-rich foods. Foods that are high in calcium, such as cheese, can help keep your teeth white.
- Sip through a straw. This will reduce the exposure of your teeth to staining fluids.
- Consider the extra touches, depending on the whitening method used, you may need a repair every 6 months or after a year or two.
- Avoid tobacco. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes and tobacco can all cause yellowing of your teeth. Eliminate tobacco and you will keep your teeth whiter and a healthier heart.
- If you smoke or drink a lot of discoloration-causing beverages, you may need a fix more often.
- Get Regular cleaning at your dentist's officeCleanups will remove plaque and food debris that can pick up stains from what you eat and drink.