A bright, white smile is often seen as a key feature of an attractive appearance. As the desire for an aesthetically pleasing smile increases, more people are turning to teeth whitening methods to achieve brighter, whiter teeth. Teeth whitening generally falls into two main categories: at-home bleaching and in-office bleaching. Thanks to advances in technology, modern options like laser whitening are now available, offering effective results in a shorter period of time.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening refers to a variety of dental aesthetic procedures designed to lighten the color of teeth by several shades. When performed by dentists, these methods can help teeth appear brighter for anywhere from a few months to up to three years. Tooth discoloration or yellowing can result from factors such as heavy antibiotic use, frequent coffee and tea consumption, smoking, or varying levels of fluoride in drinking water. Teeth whitening treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of these stains and discolorations, helping restore a more radiant smile.
Information About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is an aesthetic procedure suitable for any adult without existing dental or gum diseases. Before treatment, a dental examination is performed to assess oral health and discuss the patient’s goals. If the dentist approves, a personalized treatment plan is created. Generally, teeth whitening methods are divided into two primary categories: in-office whitening and at-home whitening.
In-office teeth whitening
Home whitening
After teeth whitening procedures, people can have more white and shiny teeth.
How is the Teeth Whitening Process Performed?
During the teeth whitening procedure, a whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth. This gel is then activated using a specialized light or laser, which accelerates the whitening process. The entire treatment typically takes about an hour, and most patients experience no discomfort. Teeth whitening should be performed in professional dental clinics to ensure safety and optimal results.
Is There Any Harm in Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is safe and does not harm your teeth when the correct products are used and the procedure is performed by a qualified dentist. To protect gum health and achieve the best results, it is essential that all whitening treatments are administered under professional supervision.
What to Pay Attention to After Teeth Whitening?
For 48 hours after teeth whitening, avoid consuming acidic or strongly pigmented foods and drinks. Instead, choose light-colored options to help preserve your results. During this period, steer clear of items like wine, coffee, tea, sugary foods, cocoa, lemon, cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry.
How Permanent Is Teeth Whitening?
The longevity of teeth whitening results depends on your diet, oral hygiene, and any medications you may be taking. Habits such as smoking or frequent coffee consumption can significantly shorten the effects of whitening. Likewise, neglecting regular brushing and dental care will reduce treatment longevity. For some people, results may fade in as little as one year, while others can maintain a brighter smile for up to three years.
What is Laser Teeth Whitening?
Laser teeth whitening is a dental procedure performed by a dentist, where a special whitening gel is applied to the teeth and then activated by high-intensity laser beams. The laser enhances the effectiveness of the gel, helping to break down and remove stain molecules from the tooth surface for a noticeably brighter smile.
How is Laser Teeth Whitening Performed?
Laser teeth whitening is conducted in a dental clinic after a dentist confirms you are suitable for treatment. During the procedure, a rubber support is placed in your mouth and you wear protective glasses to shield your eyes from the laser. A protective barrier is applied to your gums before a whitening gel is spread over the front surfaces of your teeth. The dentist then directs a laser beam at the teeth for several minutes, activating the bleaching gel through heat. After the process is complete, the mouth support and gum barrier are removed.
What is in-office bleaching?
In-office teeth whitening is a popular choice due to its speed and long-lasting results. The procedure uses gels with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide to effectively whiten teeth. This method is also suitable for patients with gum recession. In addition to bleaching gels, light or laser treatments may be used to accelerate the whitening process and enhance results.
What Should Be Taken into Account When Having In-Office Whitening?
In-office teeth whitening must be performed by a qualified dentist. It’s important to choose a clinic that uses high-quality materials to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Using substandard products or improper techniques can lead to gum damage or unsatisfactory results.
How Many Sessions Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Take?
In most cases, in-office teeth whitening is completed in two sessions. However, the exact number of treatments may vary based on each patient’s dental health and the condition of their teeth.
What is Home Teeth Whitening?
Home teeth whitening allows individuals to whiten their teeth on their own using specially designed kits purchased with a dentist’s guidance. This process should always be carried out under dental supervision. Your dentist will recommend custom trays or devices that fit over your teeth, which are filled with whitening gel. Typically, these trays are worn for 30 minutes to an hour, according to your dentist’s instructions. One benefit of home whitening is fewer required visits to the dental clinic.
What are the Methods of Home Teeth Whitening?
Whitening toothpaste and whitening strips are popular options for at-home teeth whitening. Whitening toothpaste requires consistent, long-term use and typically provides more gradual results. Whitening strips contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide and can be used once or twice a day to help brighten teeth. While both methods are convenient, they are generally less effective than professional in-office whitening treatments.
What is Combined Teeth Whitening (Home and In-Office whitening)?
Combined teeth whitening uses both in-office and at-home treatments for optimal results. After a professional whitening session at the clinic, you continue the process at home using custom-made dental trays filled with whitening gel. The gel should be distributed evenly in the trays, which are typically worn overnight or as directed by your dentist. This approach aims to enhance both the effectiveness and longevity of whitening results.
What is single tooth whitening (internal bleaching)?
Internal whitening targets discoloration inside a tooth, often used to eliminate yellowing that occurs after root canal treatment. This procedure is intended for damaged teeth or cases where external whitening does not produce the desired result.
During internal whitening, the dentist removes the existing filling, applies a whitening gel inside the tooth, and then reseals it with a new filling. The process may be repeated if necessary for better results.
Tooth Whitening Prices
The cost of teeth whitening varies depending on the chosen method and any necessary preliminary dental treatments. Before whitening, patients should have healthy gums and no cavities, and any existing dental issues should be addressed first. For accurate pricing, consult a dentist for a thorough examination and personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is There an Age Limit for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening applications are recommended to be applied from the age of 18. Some sources emphasize that applications can be made from the age of 14. However, dentists recommend whitening applications from the age of 18, when oral and dental development is fully completed.
How Many Times Can I Have a Teeth Whitening Procedure?
If gum health and general oral health are appropriate, it is recommended to whiten once a year. For this reason, an exact number of whitening operations is not given.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage the Teeth?
A professional teeth whitening application under the supervision of a dentist does not damage the teeth. However, within a few days after the application, the air or extremely cold-hot meals may cause toothache.
How Does the Tingling Go Away After Teeth Whitening?
It is normal to develop tingling after teeth whitening due to cold and hot meals or contact of teeth with air. The tingling decreases within a day or two and goes away on its own. In some cases, a desensitizing gel or toothpaste can be applied after the procedure.
Teeth whitening applications are provided at Liv Hospital. It is possible to have a more aesthetic smile after a professional teeth whitening process.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .