For many people, having a healthy white smile is essential. In the aesthetic perception of people, the perception that a healthy appearance of teeth should be white is common. For this reason, Tooth whitening applications are in high demand. However, to be done correctly and effectively, specific issues need to be considered for Tooth whitening. In some cases, Tooth whitening is not recommended for every individual, as Tooth whitening processes can adversely affect dental health.

In case the teeth become undesirable due to discoloration by turning yellow or darkening for various reasons in daily life, the application of Tooth whitening comes to mind. Applications that bring the teeth to a beautiful and healthy appearance in terms of aesthetics and bring the tooth color closer to white are considered Tooth whitening. For this purpose, some techniques can be applied professionally in dentistry clinics and methods that can be used at homes, such as whitening kinds of toothpaste and various chemical products available from the markets. The process recommended for each patient may differ, as the method of application, effectiveness, and effects of each technique in dental health are different.

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Teeth tend to lose their natural color in two ways. These processes can be summarized as follows:

External Discoloration: Yellowing or darkening of the tooth color may occur over time due to chemicals that affect the tooth surface from the outside, such as coffee, tea, food dyes, and smoking. For this reason, techniques targeting the tooth surface are more effective in teeth with external discoloration.

Intrinsic Discoloration: Color changes due to health problems cause damage or loss of function in the tissues inside the tooth. They are usually seen in childhood, including the growth and development period of the tooth, with febrile illness, drug use, trauma to the tooth, infections, caries, or aging. This type of color change requires professionally applied techniques.

What are the Options in the Tooth Whitening Process?

It is beneficial for patients to determine the most ideal and effective method for their teeth by exchanging opinions with their dentists on Tooth whitening. Those who want to whiten their teeth can choose from a wide range of options for Tooth whitening, from simple methods that can be applied at home to professional techniques used by dentists.

In determining which techniques will be applied to whom, Conditions affecting applicability to the patient, such as the type, severity, prevalence, cost of the treatment, age of the patient, underlying diseases, and previous treatments applied to the teeth, are essential. It should be noted that the Tooth whitening process may take a long time for some people, and the desired whiteness can be achieved gradually by applying more than one technique in coordination. It is essential to use professional practices, especially in patients with a recession in the gums, deterioration of the tooth structure, or damage to the oral structures.

Tooth Whitening Techniques

Bleaching: Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is used in this process performed by the dentist. This process makes teeth that undergo color change due to intrinsic (intrinsic) reasons whitened. In clinical conditions, speedy and effective results can be obtained.

Apparatus Application: Teeth can be whitened by attaching and applying a specially prepared dental apparatus, which is covered with a gel containing the substances used in Tooth whitening, at home between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

Tooth Whitening Pastes: Using pastes containing abrasive particles on the tooth surface can give fast and effective results, especially against external color changes. However, in long-term use, different dental problems may occur due to the wear of the tooth enamel. For this reason, you should not try to whiten your teeth in a way your dentist does not recommend.

Whitening Tapes: These are bands that can whiten teeth by applying them to the tooth surface once or twice a day for a certain period of time. These tapes contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide and work similarly to professional techniques. However, getting professional support is more beneficial for your dental health.

What are the Side Effects of Tooth Whitening?

Depending on the technique used in Tooth whitening, different levels of damage may develop in the tooth structure, resulting in various dental health problems. Some of the complications that may be seen in patients during the Tooth whitening treatment are as follows:

Tooth Sensitivity: Widespread sensitivity may be felt in the tooth, especially after the first or second session of the Tooth whitening treatment. Patient; may experience difficulty consuming cold or hot food, feeding, or breathing through the mouth. In the later stages of treatment, tooth sensitivity loses its severity.

Sensitivity in Gums: Due to intense contact with whitening products with the gums, sensitivity may develop due to irritation of the gums.

Incompatibility with Other Dental Treatments: The white tones of dentures, implants, or fillings used by patients for different reasons may not be the same as the tone obtained due to bleaching. In this sense, it may be necessary to apply more than one session or change the appropriate treatments together with the dentist, aiming to provide the whitening in an equal and aesthetic way.

Is Tooth Whitening Permanent?

The white appearance obtained from Tooth whitening procedures is not permanent. To preserve the color obtained by the Tooth whitening process, it is necessary to repeat both the techniques applied at home and the applications made by the dentist at specific intervals. Apart from repeating the procedures, we recommend that you pay attention to your lifestyle and avoid consuming products such as tea, coffee, and cigarettes as much as possible, which can cause color changes.