All About Teeth Whitening

Teeth play an important role in presenting oneself in business and social life. A person who takes care of their oral and dental health is better groomed and more self-confident. Dental care is especially important for professionals who are in the public eye.

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

There are several reasons for yellowing teeth. First of all, it should be kept in mind that oral and dental health is a long-term process and that teeth should be brushed twice a day with the appropriate brushing technique starting from childhood.

Over time, teeth lose their white color as a result of the accumulated consumption of beverages such as tea, coffee and cola. Although each brushing removes some of the food and drink residues on the tooth enamel, residues remain behind.

Another reason is the use of cigarettes and tobacco products. In general, tobacco use disrupts oral hygiene and leads to the formation of tartar on the teeth, especially between the teeth where the brush cannot reach. Tartar is an accumulation of plaque formed by bacteria in the mouth. They are hard and are located where the teeth meet the gums. They can be removed by dentists.

What is Teeth Whitening? How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure. Yellowing of the teeth is seen in the enamel layer. The enamel layer is the hardest, rich in minerals and is like a protective sheath for the lower layers of the tooth. There are no nerve cells in this layer and it is rich in calcium. The bleached layer of the tooth is the enamel.

Yellowing of teeth is caused by extrinsic (extrinsic) discoloration and intrinsic (intrinsic) discoloration. Extrinsic discolorations usually develop due to poor oral and dental care, consumption of foods and beverages that cause discoloration (chromatogenic) and tobacco use (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc.). These stains usually appear as a thin film on the tooth enamel. Mostly as a result of the reaction of sugar and amino acids, substances that cause tooth yellowing accumulate on the enamel.

In addition, the proteins in the saliva adhere via calcium bridges to form plaque. In the initial stages of discoloration, brushing with all toothpastes is sufficient. However, the stains that continue to accumulate over time and are not completely removed by brushing take on a darker color, darkening the tooth color and causing the yellowing to become permanent.

Internal discoloration is seen due to aging, consumption of too much fluoridated water, and the use of drugs such as tetracycline that prevent calcification (or homogeneous calcification) of the teeth. 

Intrinsic discolorations cannot be removed by tooth brushing. In these stains, whitening agents that can affect the enamel and dentin layers are used to oxidize chromogenic substances and whiten the teeth. The types of intrinsic stains that respond the fastest to tooth whitening are those that occur due to aging and genetics, and yellowing due to smoking and coffee consumption.

Does Every Tooth Whiten?

When people are dissatisfied with their tooth color, they either choose to use products that are advertised as having “whitening” properties or they ask the dentist to “whiten my teeth”. The dentist’s assessment is important here.

After evaluating the cause of the discoloration and the patient’s expectations, the dentist provides the patient with a realistic result regarding the degree of whitening. White teeth are not possible in the presence of treatments such as old coatings and fillings in the mouth or at an advanced age.

How Is Teeth Whitening Done? What are the Methods?

Two methods are used for teeth whitening. These are office bleaching (in the hospital/office) and home bleaching care.

• In-Office Whitening method: It is the most reliable teeth whitening application applied by dentists in the clinic, lasting 45-55 minutes on average. It is performed under the supervision of a doctor with a special gel and light source device (laser). The color is lightened by 2-4 tones depending on the tooth structure. After the procedure, the person should take regular oral and dental care. 
• Home Bleaching: It is a reliable whitening system applied by the patient in the home environment by placing gels in molds prepared according to the measurements taken from the person. It can be combined with office bleaching. With the type of gel and the physician’s control, the result is achieved by applying 5 hours a day for about 5-7 days on average.
• Internal Bleaching: This procedure is also defined as lifeless tooth, devital tooth or tooth with root canal treatment. It is the whitening of the tooth from the inside out. First, the pulp is removed with root canal treatment. Sodium perborate is placed inside the tooth. Sodium perborate dissolves discoloration and whitens the tooth. 
• Teeth; simple tooth sensitivity may occur after treatment, but it will disappear in a few days. The permanence of the treatment depends on daily oral hygiene and eating habits.

Especially in individuals who consume a lot of cigarettes, tea, coffee, red wine and coloring foods in daily life, tooth discoloration can be seen again after a while.

In our clinic, the most perfect results are obtained with the bleaching procedure performed using a laser device.

Can Teeth Whitening Methods Be Used Together?

Teeth whitening can be planned as more than one session and alternation of methods depending on the needs of the person. Between whitening sessions, the patient is asked not to eat very hot or cold foods and not to consume beverages that may cause discoloration.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage the Enamel Layer?

When teeth whitening is applied to the appropriate patient with the right material and technique, it definitely does not harm the teeth.

For this purpose:

• A specialist doctor (dentist) should perform the procedure.
• Patients with severe tooth and/or gum problems should be explained why teeth whitening is not suitable for them.
• Products sold in the market that claim to provide “white, pearly teeth” in a short time should be avoided. Instead, whitening gels approved by the Ministry of Health should be applied as described in the package insert and strictly by the dentist.

When Does Sensitivity in Teeth Pass After Teeth Whitening Sessions?

Usually, sensitivity can be seen for 24 hours after office bleaching. It is not very painful; there is only sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Although it usually resolves spontaneously, desensitizing gel or desensitizing toothpaste can also be used after the procedure.

Home and internal whitening does not cause tooth sensitivity.

Who Cannot Have Teeth Whitening?

People who are thought to be harmed by whitening (exposed tooth roots, gum problems),

If you have severe tooth sensitivity, extensive caries,

Those who do not respond to whitening in the anterior region teeth, who have fillings etc. restorations that will create a color difference afterwards,

Those who will continue to use tea, coffee, coloring food, smoking, especially in the first 1 week after treatment,

Because the result cannot be achieved in people with a high transparency of the tooth enamel,

Pregnant women,

Not applicable for children under 15 years of age.

How Long Does the Effect of Teeth Whitening Operation Last?

Although it is a painless procedure, teeth whitening is not often practiced. Dentists advise their patients that the effects of whitening should be maintained with good care in the following period. 

The whiteness of teeth can be maintained for several years by giving up or minimizing habits that cause discoloration (such as tea, coffee, smoking) and regular oral and dental care.