Due to various reasons, teeth may become yellow and lose their whiteness over time. Teeth whitening (bleaching) method is applied for stains and yellowing on the teeth. Do not confuse this process with the polishing process performed after dental scaling. With this method, the color tone of your teeth can be lightened by 2-3 shades.
Teeth whitening is applied in two different ways: in the office and at home. In addition, products such as whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, sold in pharmacies and described as over the counter, are also used. Since this method is not performed under the supervision of a physician, it does not reach the desired results.
1-Office Bleaching;
It is the most effective whitening method. Since the whitening substances used in the process have high peroxide rates, effective results are obtained. Additionally, its longevity is longer. Before starting the procedure, teeth are cleaned. The gums are covered with a protective barrier, preventing them from being damaged. Afterwards, dental gel is applied. You can see teeth whitening in approximately 2-3 sessions.
2-Home Bleaching;
As in the office method, first the dental stone is cleaned. Photographs are taken and the effects are compared with the effects after the session. An impression of the oral tooth structure is taken and a transparent plaque is produced. Compared to office application, whitening agents containing a lower percentage of "Carbamide Peroxide" are used in home whitening.
Tubes containing transparent plaque and whitening agent are given to the patient and the doctor explains how to apply them. You apply the plate and gels twice a day for 2 weeks or only at night for 1-2 weeks, in accordance with the doctor's recommendation.
Harms of Bleaching
It has not been determined that bleaching, that is, teeth whitening, causes a structural change or permanent damage to the dental tissue. In other words, this procedure does not cause any harm to the teeth. However, what needs to be considered here is that the treatment process must be completely under the control of the dentist and the correct procedures must be applied.
Although teeth whitening does not cause any harm, you may experience tooth sensitivity during the treatment process. This sensitivity occurs towards hot & cold foods and drinks. This situation usually goes away on its own within 1-2 days. There is no harm in teeth whitening performed in the office and/or at home under the supervision of a dentist. However, tooth whitening powders sold in pharmacies create an erosive effect and destroy the superstructure of the tooth.
Although you may see whitening on your teeth when you first use it, you may experience rapid contamination problems later on. You should also stay away from rough pastes and tooth cleaners. It would be best to use only fluoridated dental care products and those recommended by your dentist.
Products such as baking soda are commonly used in teeth whitening. Since such methods cause abrasion of tooth enamel, they are not recommended by dentists.
How is Teeth Whitening Done?
Before starting the teeth whitening process, your health condition is determined. Because if you are allergic to the content of the teeth whitening gel or if you have a TMJ problem so serious that you cannot keep your mouth open for a long time, this procedure is not applied. However, if your dental tissues are not suitable for whitening, the whitening process may not be performed. Moreover, teeth whitening can be done to anyone who wants it.
The procedure is performed in a clinic setting or at home by the individual. Depending on the situation, the procedure is continued both in the office and at home with the advice of the dentist. Chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide and sodium perborate are used in the whitening process. The free oxygen radicals in these substances attach to the stains on the tooth surface and remove them.
When it is determined that you are suitable for the whitening procedure, you decide with the physician whether the procedure will be performed in the office or at home. You decide on the tooth color shade. Before the session, your teeth are photographed and compared with the results.
Before starting the procedure, teeth are cleaned in the office or at home. Stains are removed and tartar is cleaned. If necessary, problematic teeth and gums are treated. Then, the gums are covered with a protective barrier and laser is applied. Each session varies between 15 and 40 on average. Whitening gel is applied after each session. It is activated by light. Sessions continue until the desired color tone is achieved. Depending on the situation, a plaque suitable for your mouth structure can be given.
If you cannot go to the clinic due to your busy daily life, the dentist prepares a transparent plaque suitable for your mouth structure. He gives you the gels you will use with the plaque. After describing how to use it, you just use it at night or daily.
What is Bleaching?
Cleaning the colored substances settled in the invisible porous structure of the top layer of the tooth, that is, the enamel layer, with special tooth whitening gels is called bleaching. It is popularly known as the teeth whitening process.
It is the most effective application when brushing and oral care are not adequate. Since it does not cause any harm, it can be applied safely. Although it is usually performed in a clinical setting, it can also be applied at home under the supervision of a dentist. You just go to the dentist for check-ups periodically and show the progress.
Bleaching Price
Although teeth whitening is an important issue, it also has an economic side. Turkish Dental Association published the price list for 2023. According to this;
1- Teeth bleaching (whitening vital single teeth, maximum 4); 505 TL (VAT included), 2- Tooth bleaching (whitening - single devital tooth/per session - excluding filling); 635 TL (VAT included), 3- Tooth bleaching (whitening - excluding single chin/material fee); It will be applied as 3,010 TL (including VAT).
Prices may vary depending on the number of sessions to be applied, x-rays to be taken and materials.
Teeth Whitening Bleaching Prices
Teeth whitening is applied from a single tooth to a jaw or all teeth. In addition, the x-ray to be taken before the procedure, the dental and/or gum treatment to be applied, and the procedure process are important factors in increasing the price. In addition, applying the process in the office or at home allows the price to change. Since all teeth are usually whitened, you can get the best price for you after consulting with your dentist.
How Permanent Is Teeth Whitening?
Although the teeth whitening process provides effective results, it is up to you how long this result will be maintained. Because you need to take the necessary precautions to maintain the whiteness you have achieved. This process is shorter, especially in individuals who consume a lot of tea, coffee and cigarettes.
The whiteness achieved as a result of the whitening process can last from 3 months to 4 years. How long this whiteness lasts depends on your dental care. If you do not do regular oral care after the procedure, your teeth will become stained again and return to their previous state within about 3 months.
If you want the whiteness you achieve to be long-lasting; 1- You should go for a check-up every 6 months. 2- You should do oral care regularly. 3- You should only use products recommended by your dentist. 4- If deemed necessary by the dentist, you should have your teeth cleaned and apply polishing and home whitening methods every 6 months.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening is done in sessions. The duration of the session may vary depending on your mouth structure, the current condition of your teeth and your habits such as smoking. Generally, session duration varies between 30-60 minutes.
Whitening in a single session is a rare situation. Procedures usually take 2-3 sessions. If there is a therapeutic condition, this period may take longer. In short, sessions continue until the color tone you have determined is achieved. The whiteness you achieve can last up to 4 years, depending on the sensitivity you show to your oral care.