Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Tooth whitening is an application that allows teeth to reach a whiter shade than their current colour. The whitening level varies according to the patient's tooth structure and patient request. Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide are used as whitening products, whether professional or not. However, the amounts of these chemicals vary between products. These substances, called bleach, are absorbed through the enamel layer of the tooth and reach the dentin, which is slightly softer than the enamel, and lighten the dark colours.

Why do teeth lose their whiteness?

Dark spots can form on the tooth enamel for various reasons. These stains can occur on the inside or outside of the tooth enamel. Internal stains are called intrinsic staining and external stains are called extrinsic staining. Intrinsic stains sometimes occur in childhood before the teeth erupt on the teeth. In addition, stains can be caused by uncontrolled antibiotic use, exposure to high levels of fluoride and thinning of the tooth enamel due to ageing. External discolouration (staining) can be caused by many factors. Particularly effective are the constant consumption of certain ingredients such as tea and coffee, tobacco use, ageing, and the use of certain medications such as antihistamines and chemotherapy.

What are the types of bleaching?

Although dentists provide professional solutions in teeth whitening, people may want to whiten non-serious stains themselves. Whitening results are not fully visible until about two weeks after whitening.

Whitening products

Whitening products are available in the form of whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. Whitening products may contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. However, these substances are not as intense as in professional whitening applications. At the same time, fluoride can also be added, aiming to minimise damage to the teeth.

Tooth whitening sets at home

Home whitening kits are available in gel or paste form. These products contain fewer chemicals than professional ones. For this reason, it requires more applications and its permanence is shorter compared to professional whitening.

Professional teeth whitening

The whitening applied by dentists in a clinical environment has a high carbamide and hydrogen peroxide ratio. These chemicals are used for fast and longer lasting effect. Professional teeth whitening may require several sessions depending on the amount of stains. Office bleaching (professional bleaching) involves rinsing the teeth with hydrogen peroxide solution for 30-40 minutes. After some applications, it is supported by laser application (laser assisted teeth whitening) to increase permanence.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is a safe treatment when applied professionally by a dentist in a clinical environment. However, our patient should pay attention to the recommendations of our expert teacher at AuraDent about what to do after the procedure. The most common complaint after whitening is sensitivity and lasts 1-2 days. However, the commonly reported risks with teeth whitening are increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Is there any side effect of teeth whitening?

The most common side effect after bleaching is temporary tooth sensitivity. The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. When teeth are whitened, the gums should be protected during treatment to reduce the side effect. Long-term use of some abrasives may damage tooth enamel. If side effects do not disappear within 48 hours, consult your physician.

Is the natural whitening method harmful?

Natural bleaching methods have been found to be unsafe for people. Natural products used for teeth whitening cause serious gingival damage. It can also cause the tooth enamel to gradually weaken and peel off. When this basic protective layer is gone, it is inevitable that the teeth are vulnerable to decay and staining. If the enamel peels off as a result of improper application, tooth staining increases and serious oral problems occur.

How long does the effect of tooth whitening last?

The whitening effects are temporary and can last from a few months to 3 years. The duration of effect increases even more with home whitening. Regular consumption of tea, coffee, meals with tomato sauce, continuous consumption of acidic drinks shorten the duration of whitening.

Can everyone have teeth whitening procedure?

Teeth whitening is suitable for most adults, but some special conditions may prevent the application of this procedure. Especially chemicals used during pregnancy and breastfeeding should not be used. However, the whitening agent whitens fillings and veneers, so if there are fillings in the teeth in the anterior region, it is necessary to remove them before whitening. Please contact AuraDent Clinic to find out if you are suitable for teeth whitening.

Is the effect of teeth whitening the same for everyone?

The results of teeth whitening vary from person to person. However, the chemical content of the material used during the procedure and the number of sessions also affect the whitening effect. The aim is to reach the white shade that can be achieved for each tooth, but we should also protect the existing tooth and gum health while whitening. Therefore, with the service provided by dentists, maximum whiteness can be achieved by drawing a plan suitable for the person.