The reasons for the dark color of the teeth:
- Excessively consumed coffee, tea, cola drinks,
- Using cigarettes, cigar-like tobacco products,
- Depending on age progress,
- Old restorations in teeth and teeth with root canal treatment,
- Taking tetracycline-like antibiotics, which were frequently used in the past, during the growth development of the teeth,
- Excessive fluoride intake,
- The loss of vitality of the dental nerve due to any impact or long years of tooth clenching can be considered as the most important reasons.
There are many methods to whiten teeth, from whitening toothpastes to laser technology. The best whitening takes place with the application of peroxide substances and the application should be done by or under the control of a dentist. The process using Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide is called Bleaching.
How is teeth whitening done?
The procedure can be performed in a clinical setting or at home, in two ways that the patient can apply:
Tooth whitening method applied in the clinic:
With the approval of the patient, the color of the natural teeth in your mouth is determined. This determination is important in terms of monitoring how much the teeth turn white after the treatment is over.
Tooth whitening drug is applied on the teeth by the dentist and with the help of a special tool, it is hardened by irradiating for 15 minutes. This process is repeated 3 times.
Since the peroxide ratios of the bleaching agents used in the bleaching process performed during the examination are higher, bleaching becomes faster and its permanence is longer.
Teeth whitening method applied at home:
Home teeth whitening is accomplished using whitening agents containing a lower percentage of Carbamide Peroxide.
In the first visit of the patient, the color is determined, the teeth are measured and a special plate is prepared.
In the second visit of the patient, the tubes containing the prepared plaque and whitening agent are given to the patient and how to apply it to his teeth. The patient applies the drug in accordance with the dentist’s recommendations, twice a day for 2 weeks or only at night for 1-2 weeks while sleeping. With weekly controls, the necessary changes are made by monitoring the progress of the treatment.
The dentist and the patient should decide together what method to apply to the patient.
How successful is teeth whitening?
Especially in tea, coffee, cigarettes and age-related coloring, it is much more comfortable to lighten teeth. Studies show that 96% of such patients are satisfied with the procedure. But; Very good results cannot be obtained in coloration due to drugs or excessive fluoride.
Primary colors of teeth also affect success. For example, if the main color of the teeth is yellow, bleaching is more successful. Brown-toned teeth whiten less, while grayscale teeth hardly whiten at all.
Teeth whitening does not affect the colors of old fillings and coatings in the mouth.
How long does the whiteness last after teeth whiten?
Depending on factors that vary from person to person, the whiteness of the teeth continues for 3 months to 3-4 years.
People with more smoking, tea and coffee habits have a shorter life span of the acquired whiteness. Color can return 30-40%. In other individuals, the life of the whiteness lasts longer, the color recovery remains at 10-20%.
Repeating the procedure every 6 months or a year before the teeth return to their old color provides a longer life of whiteness, shortening the duration of the second bleaching and economically advantageous.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening?
The drugs used for whitening may cause hot-cold sensitivity in the teeth during treatment. This sensitivity will usually pass within 1-2 weeks after the end of treatment.
As a result of the whitening drug coming into contact with the gums, temporary complaints such as discoloration or burning may occur on the gums.
During home treatment, the patient’s application of whitening gel for more than the recommended time may cause tooth enamel abrasion.
In home bleaching, the syringes with whitening gel should be kept out of the reach of children and pet friends at home.
Other treatments such as fillings and veneers should not be applied to the teeth that have been whitened for 1.5-2 weeks after the treatment. Because the effect of the whitening drug continues, the retention of these restorations will be less.
There is absolutely no whitening procedure for pregnant women and milk teeth.