Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)
What is Teeth Whitening?
Tooth Bleaching is the process of bleaching the teeth according to the previous shade by removing the discoloration that penetrates the structure of the teeth (enamel and dentin layer) for various reasons. The natural colors of the teeth darken over time. Staining on the teeth can be removed by cleaning and polishing the teeth. However, it is possible to remove stains that cannot be removed in this way or to lighten the tooth’s own color a few more tones. At the end of the process, the teeth can be opened up to eight to ten tons depending on their condition.
Is Whitening Safe? Or Does It Damage Teeth?
Studies have shown that there is no harm in the use of teeth whitening systems under the control of a dentist. With your dentist’s fluoride applications after bleaching, the whitening process is even safer. They are unsupervised whitening products sold in pharmacies that damage the teeth.
The mentioned teeth whitening methods can sometimes cause a small amount of sensitivity in the teeth. This sensitivity may be against very hot or very cold foods and drinks. This is a situation we expect. This sensitivity in the teeth usually goes away on its own between 24-48 hours. Teeth whitening should be done under the control of a dentist.
How Long Does Whitening Retain Its Effect?
After whitening, the color of the teeth never returns to the original color, but some discoloration occurs between six months and two years. Just as certain instructions are followed for the protection of the dye after the hair is dyed, some rules must be followed in teeth whitening. It should be checked 6 months after whitening, if necessary, tartar cleaning, polishing and home bleaching should be done once.
After the teeth whitening procedure, the patient should continue routine oral and dental care, stop smoking if possible, and should not consume colored drinks such as coffee, cola or tea too often.
Which Teeth Whitening Method Should Be Used?
Here, it is necessary to consider the expectations of the patient. If the patient wants his teeth in a color close to white or a few shades lighter, laser type or home type whitening is generally preferred. However, in a patient with a high consumption of coffee, tea, cigarettes and antibiotics, if it is not sufficient, a combined treatment option is applied by using other teeth whitening methods.
How Long Does the Teeth Whitening Process Take?
Teeth whitening depends on many factors and varies from person to person. After the teeth whitening process, the patient’s teeth usually whiten within two to 3 weeks.
What is Laser Teeth Whitening Method?
The biggest advantage of laser teeth whitening is that it can be done in a very short time. After all soft tissues are isolated with the barrier, the bleaching process is performed in a short time of about 4 minutes.
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How Long Does Sensitivity Last After Teeth Whitening?
- Sensitivity experienced after teeth whitening usually goes away within 24-48 hours.
- In order not to experience sensitivity in this process, the patient has some responsibilities:
- Consumption of acidic beverages should be avoided, especially in the first 48 hours.
- The patient should not consume foods and liquids that will affect the dental plaque. The person should not consume very cold or hot foods during this process.
- Some applications may cause extra sensitivity in the teeth. Toothpick and dental floss should not be used within 24-48 hours in order to prevent sensitivity.
If the instructions are followed, the sensitivity usually decreases within the first 24-48 hours and disappears on its own. If the patient continues to experience sensitivity after this process, he or she should consult the dentist.
What are the Causes of Discoloration on the Teeth?
The discoloration of the teeth appears not only in the permanent teeth, but also in the milk teeth. It is usually the discoloration of the anterior teeth that causes anxiety for patients. Patients want to whiten their teeth in order to create an aesthetic appearance. There can be many reasons for the discoloration of the teeth. The most common causes; poor oral hygiene, iron medications and long-term antibiotic use.
The person’s eating and drinking habits and tobacco use also affect the color of the teeth. Teeth can change color depending on genetics and age.
Is there an age limit for teeth whitening?
For teeth whitening, the patient must be over the age of 18.
Are There Any Situations In Which Teeth Whitening Should Not Be Done?
It should not be applied to patients under the age of 18, pregnant women, patients with severe sensitivity in their teeth or discomfort in their gums.
In addition, teeth whitening treatment should not be applied to patients who have previously undergone whitening treatment and have related side effects.
Does Teeth Cleaning (Teeth Stone Cleaning, Detertrage) Process Damage Teeth?
Teeth cleaning does not harm the teeth in any way, on the contrary, it prolongs the life of the teeth. The accumulation we call tartar -it is formed by the combination of calcium in saliva and plaque in the area where it is not brushed-can not be removed by the patient, and the tartar grows over time, causing recession in the gums and tissue loss in the teeth. As a result, the tooth has to be pulled out—not because it rots—just because it wobbles. Teeth cleaning prolongs the life of teeth. It does not thin the teeth and does not harm them.
What are the Harms of Teeth Whitening Procedures with Natural or Non-Natural Alternative Ways?
People usually try to whiten their teeth with substances such as baking soda, lemon or apple cider vinegar, as far as they see it on television or the internet. However, such substances do not contribute to whitening teeth. In addition, it causes permanent damage to the tooth layers. Therefore, it should never be used. The dentist should be consulted for teeth whitening applications.
Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions
For teeth whitening, the patient must be over the age of 18.
After bleaching, it is necessary to stay away from tea, coffee, cigarettes, cola, red wine, acidic beverages and colored foods for approximately 2 days, ie 48 hours (ideally 7-10 days), because the effect of whitening continues in the dentin tubules. During this time, colorful foods and drinks should be avoided.
Sensitivity experienced after teeth whitening usually goes away within 24-48 hours.
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