Tooth whitening is a cosmetic solution in which colored organic and inorganic substances on the tooth surface are removed with a whitening gel. The tooth whitening process involves the application of a special gel that responds to a light source or laser on the teeth. Colorful substances that cause discoloration of the teeth are replaced by colorless substances, resulting in teeth whitening.
How Does Staining Occur?
These are stains that have penetrated the teeth and cannot be removed by brushing. Colored beverages such as tobacco, tea, and coffee cause both internal and external discoloration. Structural abnormalities that occur during tooth formation (due to medication or excessive fluoride intake, etc.) also fall into this category. In most of these cases, bleaching (tooth whitening) is very effective.
Why Do We Need Whitening Treatment?
Over the years, the use of tea, coffee, tobacco products, or dyed foods causes discoloration on our teeth. Alternatively, our natural teeth may appear darker than they should, which may not be aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, we whiten our teeth in both cases. Having whiter teeth, regardless of how beautiful their shape is, results in a much more attractive smile.
There are two types of whitening methods:
1) At-Home Tooth Whitening
In the at-home whitening method, an appliance is prepared based on measurements taken from the patient’s teeth beforehand. Patients wear this appliance at night and apply the whitening agent prepared by the dentist into the appliance. With this method, the treatment can be completed in about 10-14 days.
2) In-Office Whitening Method
In the in-office whitening method, the dentist uses higher-concentration whitening agents and a light source in the dental examination environment. This method provides faster results compared to the other method, and patients can achieve their desired level of whiteness in about 2 sessions.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Tooth Whitening?
During or after tooth whitening, some patients may experience mild sensitivity, which usually subsides within 1-3 days. It is important to follow all the necessary steps of the treatment correctly. The patient should avoid tea, coffee, tomato sauce, acidic foods, and smoking for about a week. Otherwise, there is a high chance of the treatment being unsuccessful. Tooth whitening, when performed by a dentist, is a safe and highly effective method.
Does Whitening Treatment Harm Teeth?
The enamel of our teeth is transparent and permeable, and the layer that gives color to our teeth is the dentin behind the enamel. Whitening agents penetrate through this permeable enamel layer and act on the dentin layer, breaking down the pigments in the dentin and whitening the teeth. Therefore, they do not cause any damage to the teeth since they do not involve any abrasive processes on the tooth surface.
How Long Does the Achieved Whiteness Last?
The tooth color before the treatment will not return because whitening treatments are not merely superficial stain removal processes. Since our teeth are internally whitened, they will not return to their previous color. However, how long the achieved whiteness lasts depends on the patient’s oral care habits and dietary habits.
