What is Bleaching?
Bleaching is a teeth whitening method applied by a dentist in a clinical setting. With advancing technologies, it has become a prominent and reliable teeth whitening method with an increasing success rate.
In this method, a protective layer is first applied to protect the gums. The bleaching agent, a whitening chemical gel, is then applied by the dentist to the exposed surfaces of the teeth. A special light source is used to expose the teeth for a certain period. The results are immediately visible, and once the necessary cleanings are done, the procedure is completed. While the bleaching method is highly effective and generally provides results in a single session, the number of sessions may vary depending on the degree of discoloration.
Why Do Unwanted Stains Occur on Teeth?
There can be various reasons for this. The most common ones include aging, consumption of staining substances (such as coffee, tea, cola, cigarettes, etc.), traumas, old prosthetics, coatings, and fillings. The discoloration of teeth can also occur due to the use of antibiotics (tetracycline) during tooth development or excessive fluoride consumption. This condition may arise from the structure of the tooth or external factors such as staining agents in childhood, antibiotic or fluoride intake, aging, or trauma to the tooth.
Who Can Undergo Whitening Treatment?
Almost everyone! However, there are certain situations where the treatment may not be effective. Your dentist will determine if your teeth are suitable for this procedure through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. If your teeth are healthy, it is an ideal solution for a whiter and more natural smile. It is essential to consider that the colors of porcelain teeth and fillings are stable and do not whiten with this method.
The materials used in whitening vary, but the most favored ones today contain 35% hydrogen peroxide or an equivalent amount of carbamide peroxide. Typically, in-office whitening procedures, performed under the supervision of a dentist, achieve a much higher percentage of the desired whiteness. It is crucial to be cautious about products labeled as whitening in the market, as improper use may lead to permanent damage to teeth, gums, and enamel.
What are the Teeth Whitening Methods?
Office Bleaching (Whitening Performed Under the Supervision of a Dentist in the Office)
Whitening is performed by activating the bleaching agent applied to the teeth with a laser source. Laser whitening allows the upper jaw to whiten in half an hour and the lower jaw in another half hour.
Home Bleaching (At-Home Whitening)
In this method, the dentist takes measurements from your teeth and sends them to the laboratory. A thin, transparent tray that perfectly fits your teeth is prepared based on these measurements. Before going to bed, whitening agent is applied to the tray, and the whitening process is carried out while sleeping. The number of nights this process will be applied depends on the examination conducted by your dentist.
Devital Bleaching (Whitening of Teeth with Root Canal Treatment)
How Much Will My Teeth Whiten?
The whitening of teeth is primarily related to their initial color. While yellow-toned teeth can easily whiten by 6-8 shades, whitening of green-gray-toned teeth may be more challenging. In short, the degree of whitening varies from person to person, but your dentist will provide an approximate idea of how much your teeth can whiten after the first session.
How Does It Affect My Sensitive Teeth?
Less than 10% of individuals may feel slight sensitivity or discomfort after the application. This is more common in individuals with mild wear and tear or cracks in their teeth. If wear is significant, these areas may need to be filled with a filling. If sensitivity occurs, it can be alleviated with a mild pain reliever. Avoiding very hot/cold drinks and foods, as well as colored agents like cigarettes, coffee, tea, and cola, is crucial until 24 hours after the procedure.
What Are the Unwanted Results?
Unwanted results may include the inability to achieve the desired whiteness due to a misdiagnosis by the dentist, especially in cases of tetracycline discolorations, where whitening may be limited. Irritation and pain in the gums are generally temporary and can be resolved within 3 days with the intervention of the dentist, application of necessary agents, and a temporary pause in treatment. Excessive sensitivity in teeth can be completely eliminated by applying protective and sensitivity-reducing agents (especially fluoride) and taking a short break from treatment.