What is Bleaching?
Tooth bleaching implies using chemical substances to lighten the tone of the teeth. This is a whitening procedure that is performed with materials, which contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that only dentists can use, and methods for the discoloration of the enamel and the dentin.
Today, there are various products like whitening toothpastes, gels and tooth whitening products that are supplied by dentists. However, the dentist should decide the tooth whitening product that should be used. Why Does The Tone of The Tooth Darken?
Our teeth not only play vital roles in vital functions, such as eating and speaking, but they are the most important mirror that reflects us in social life. Physiological darkening, aging, canal treatments, foods and beverages – especially coffee, tea and coke -, smoking and antibiotic agents used at younger ages may result in undesired change in the color of the tooth. After your teeth are bleached by your dentist, you can have whiter teeth with one of the tooth bleaching methods.
What are Teeth Whitening Methods?
There are 3 methods for permanent tooth whitening: office type whitening, laser whitening and home type whitening.
Office Type Tooth Whitening
Office-type tooth whitening is the fastest and most effective tooth whitening method. It is the whitening process that is performed by the doctor directly by applying the medication in the doctor’s office. One hour application is enough for this kind of procedure. In bleaching treatment, hydrogen peroxide is used at the rate of 15 to 35%.
The whitening agent must not touch the environment and soft tissues outside the teeth. Isolation should be done very well in order not to harm tissues. While the gums are protected by being covered with a special material, the lips should be removed from the teeth by retractors.
Laser Tooth Whitening
Laser tooth whitening is an office-type tooth whitening process which is done by laser light. This technique is now the latest technology in permanent tooth whitening.
Teeth Whitening at Home
10 – 16 – 20 – 22 or 25% carbamide peroxide is used in whitening at home. It is the type of whitening that is performed for 2-3 hours during night or day with transparent plates prepared by the private dentist. The bleaching agent is given to the patient with the plaques. Whitening process is done by the patient. The process of the application is determined by the doctor during the controls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Who can apply tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening procedure can be applied to any adult. However, there are also situations in which implementation may be inconvenient. These:
- While there is no definitive scientific data on the treatment of teeth whitening during pregnancy, it’s not recommended
- For the patients who are under the age of 18
- Patients who are taking cancer treatment
- Patients with severe gum problems and the patients who have teeth have defects on the surface of the enamel, this treatment should be avoided.
How persistent is whiteness?
If the individual color is changes due to eating habits, the whitening process is expected to return when patient goes back to his/her old eating habits. But the teeth do not return to the color before bleaching. After a short application, a more permanent whiteness will be achieved.
Obtaining whiteness in antibiotic-induced color changes is more difficult but more permanent.
It is possible to lighten the color after 1 year in whitening process, which is done with the aim of providing general color change. A more permanent whitening will be provided with the consolidation session.
What are the conditions to be considered during treatment?
If cigarettes are used, they should never be drunk during treatment. Far away coffee should be consumed less than acidic and cola foods.
Is Teeth Whitening Harmful?
There is no harm to teeth whitening done at dentist’s control. There are a lot of researches that prove it is not harmful. The most important thing to keep in mind is; products that contain harmful materials on the market should never be used. Uncontrolled tooth whitening products can cause dental structural defects. Some whitening products are completely abrasive. These are mostly found in toothpicks. In fact, these products are products that cause accumulation on the teeth. They can cause corrosion during long periods of use.
How Long is Whitening in Teeth Whitening?
If the individual changes color due to eating habits, the whitening process is expected to return. But the teeth do not return to the color before bleaching. Usually a complementary application may be needed within a year. After a short application, a more permanent whiteness will be achieved.