What is Teeth Whitening? What arethe Methods?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment method that aims to lighten the color of the teeth and give them a whiter and brighter appearance. This procedure, which is generally preferred due to stains, yellowing and discoloration of the teeth over time, aims to achieve an aesthetic appearance. Teeth whitening can be performed both by professional dentists in a clinical setting and with special products used at home.
Before teeth whitening, it is important to see a dentist to ensure that the teeth are healthy. The dentist will assess the current condition of the teeth and determine whether whitening is appropriate. In addition, teeth should be cleaned and any cavities treated before whitening. It is also important to check the health of the gums before the procedure.
Teeth whitening is usually done in two main ways: in-office (clinical) whitening and home whitening. In-office whitening is a procedure performed by dentists using strong whitening agents and is usually completed within an hour. Home whitening, on the other hand, involves the patient whitening their teeth over a period of time using a special whitening gel and mold recommended by the dentist. While both methods give effective results, the in-office method usually offers faster and more effective results.
The duration of the teeth whitening process varies depending on the method used. In-office whitening is usually completed within 1-2 hours, while the home whitening process can take several days or weeks. In at-home procedures, patients use teeth whitening gels for a set period of time (usually 1-2 hours) to complete the procedure. Therefore, when results will start to appear may vary depending on the method used and individual tooth structure.
Since the sensitivity of the teeth may increase after teeth whitening, it is recommended to avoid hot, cold and acidic foods. In addition, avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, wine) for 24-48 hours after whitening increases the permanence of whitening results. Dentists also emphasize the need to continue caring for the teeth after the procedure and to brush and floss regularly.
Teeth whitening does not harm gum health when done correctly. However, irritation or sensitivity of the gums may occur as a result of incorrect application or over-whitening. For this reason, it is important that teeth whitening is performed by a dentist and gum health is checked afterwards. In addition, it is possible to maintain gum health with regular dental check-ups.
Teeth whitening is not recommended in some cases. In particular, this procedure is not suitable for people with severe tooth decay or fractures, gum disease and extreme tooth sensitivity. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening is also effective for smokers, but the stains and yellowing left by smoking can quickly return after treatment. Therefore, smokers are advised to reduce their smoking after teeth whitening.
While teeth whitening is effective on natural teeth, it does not change the color of composite or porcelain fillings. Since the fillings are not affected by the whitening process, the filling can be replaced if necessary to ensure aesthetic harmony after the procedure.
The result of teeth whitening varies from person to person, but it can usually last between 6 months and 2 years. With regular oral hygiene and healthy eating habits, the duration of whitening can be extended.
Teeth whitening is usually painless, but some individuals may experience mild discomfort during the procedure. This discomfort can be minimized with appropriate precautions provided by the dentist during the procedure.
Teeth whitening is generally safe when done with proper techniques and under professional supervision. However, it is important to consult with a dentist, taking into account the condition of the teeth and personal health history.
Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. This usually goes away within a few days, but your dentist can use recommended products to reduce sensitivity.
The treatments will be carried out at contracted healthcare institutions holding international health tourism authorization licenses.
