Teeth Whitening
What is Teeth Whitening (Bleaching), How is it Done? What Are the Teeth Whitening Methods, Is it Harmful, How Long Does it Take? Here is Information About Teeth Whitening Treatment
Teeth whitening treatment plays an important role in daily life, hygiene, self-confidence, and aesthetic appearance. Due to various factors, the color of teeth may fade over time, making teeth whitening necessary. Today, it is one of the most commonly sought-after dental treatments. Although teeth whitening methods have advanced with the development of technology, some patients who are concerned about whether teeth whitening is painful may resort to at-home whitening methods. In bleaching, also known as teeth whitening treatment, patients’ teeth can be whitened safely and effectively thanks to advancements in oral health technology. In this context, the question of how long teeth whitening takes is one of the most frequently asked concerns. So, what is teeth whitening, how is it done? Is teeth whitening harmful? Here is the information about teeth whitening (bleaching) treatment that people often wonder about.
The question “What is the Bleaching (Whitening) process?” can be defined as an aesthetic dental procedure applied to remove stains and discoloration on the teeth. Generally, teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment, which is divided into two main categories: laser teeth whitening and at-home whitening. Some patients, who have a fear of the dentist, may resort to natural home teeth whitening methods. However, when performed by a dentist in professional conditions, teeth whitening treatments do not harm the teeth. Below, you’ll find answers to questions like “How long does teeth whitening take?” and “What are the different teeth whitening methods?”
What is Bleaching (Whitening)? What Does It Mean?
White teeth are of great importance for a healthy and aesthetic appearance. Teeth whitening methods, which are applied to make the teeth appear whiter as their color darkens over time, have been increasingly favored by dentists in recent years. To answer the question “What is teeth whitening?”, it can be defined as a process that removes stains and discoloration from the surface of the teeth, giving them a whiter and shinier appearance. Teeth whitening aims to lighten the natural color of the teeth, improving their aesthetic appearance by removing stains from the enamel.
How is Teeth Whitening Done?
For a successful whitening procedure, the dentist must first perform a teeth cleaning. Nowadays, the whitening procedure can be performed using two different methods: in-office whitening and at-home whitening. The in-office whitening method provides quick results, while the at-home whitening procedure involves detailed cleaning of all tooth surfaces, followed by the preparation of a custom-made transparent tray in the laboratory based on the patient’s mouth measurements.
What Are the Teeth Whitening Methods?
There are currently two known whitening methods, which can be categorized into at-home and professional treatments.
Professional Teeth Whitening:
The question “How is professional teeth whitening done?” is one of the most frequently asked by patients.
This treatment removes stains and discoloration from the surface of the teeth, making them look whiter and shinier. The process typically involves several steps:
1. Dental Examination and Preparation:
Before teeth whitening, the dentist examines the patient’s teeth and gums. Whitening cannot be done if there are cavities, gum diseases, or other issues. During this stage, tartar may be cleaned, and the teeth are prepared for whitening.
2. Protective Measures:
To protect the gums, a barrier is applied to prevent the whitening gel from coming into contact with them.
3. Application of Whitening Gel:
A whitening gel containing active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth. This gel adheres to the enamel and helps remove stains and discoloration.
4. Light or Laser Application (Optional):
Some dental clinics use a special light or laser device to enhance the effectiveness of the whitening gel. This device helps the whitening agent work faster and more effectively. The gel typically stays on the teeth for about 15-30 minutes and may be reapplied if necessary.
5. Removal of the Gel:
After the procedure, the whitening gel is removed, and the teeth are rinsed with water. Results are often visible immediately, but in some cases, full results may appear after a few days.
At-Home Whitening (Prescription Products from the Clinic):
At-home teeth whitening is a method the patient can perform on their own. The steps for this treatment are as follows:
1. Carbon Peroxide:
A common ingredient in teeth whitening products, carbon peroxide is often found in high concentrations and can effectively remove stains from teeth.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide:
Used in lower concentrations than carbon peroxide, hydrogen peroxide is still an effective whitening agent. It is typically used in treatments administered by a dentist.
3. Trays and Applicators:
Special teeth whitening trays and applicators prepared by your dentist are used. These trays are custom-made to fit your teeth and allow for accurate application of the whitening gel.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
The duration of teeth whitening, whether professional or at-home, can vary based on the treatment method.
Professional in-office teeth whitening typically lasts 30-60 minutes and is performed in a clinical setting. Often, effective results can be achieved in a single session, although multiple sessions may be required in some cases. This treatment provides visible results quickly, with noticeable whitening after the first session.
At-home whitening with a dentist-prescribed kit usually takes a few weeks. Using custom trays and whitening gel, the teeth are treated daily for a specified period (typically 30-60 minutes). At-home treatments generally require a longer duration, with results becoming noticeable over several weeks.
Is Teeth Whitening Harmful?
Teeth whitening is generally a safe procedure and does not harm the teeth when done under professional conditions. However, temporary sensitivity may occur afterward, often related to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks. To reduce sensitivity, your dentist may recommend desensitizing products or toothpaste before and after the procedure.
Who Can Benefit from Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can be applied to almost anyone. Stains on the surface of the teeth (such as coffee or tobacco stains) can typically be successfully removed with whitening treatment. However, deep stains or natural tooth color changes may be more difficult to treat. Teeth whitening treatments are generally recommended for those over the age of 18. Younger individuals may not have fully developed enamel, which can affect the results of the treatment.
Who Should Not Undergo Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Teeth whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not suitable for children or teenagers whose teeth and enamel are still developing. For individuals with worn or damaged enamel, whitening treatments may increase sensitivity and further damage the teeth.
Teeth whitening is not recommended if there is an active infection or disease in the mouth. Any such issues should be resolved before starting the treatment. Additionally, individuals with severe tooth sensitivity should be aware that whitening treatments may exacerbate their discomfort.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Costs
The cost of teeth whitening can vary based on the materials used and the type of discoloration. These factors influence the pricing. It is best to consult a dentist for the most up-to-date price information and treatment options.
Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance
For more detailed information about the process and results, it’s best to have a thorough consultation with your dentist. However, the longevity of the results can depend on lifestyle habits like diet, smoking, and coffee consumption.
Preserving Results: After whitening treatment, regular oral care and avoiding staining foods and drinks are crucial to maintaining the results. Periodic visits to the dentist may help keep the whitening effect intact.
Continuity of Results: The duration of the whitening effect varies from person to person, depending on their lifestyle and oral care. Generally, professional whitening results last from a few months to a year, while at-home whitening effects may be shorter.
For more information and to determine the most suitable treatment for you, feel free to contact us.
