What is teeth whitening (bleaching)?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic solution in which colored organic and inorganic substances formed in the enamel structure on the surface of the teeth are removed with teeth whitening gels. The whitening process involves applying a specially prepared gel onto the teeth and accelerating the reaction with a light source or laser. The mechanism of the whitening process is an oxidation-reduction reaction. The substances used release oxygen. The substances causing discoloration in the teeth are replaced with colorless substances, and whitening occurs.

How does internal staining occur?

These are stains that have penetrated the tooth and cannot be removed by brushing. Staining beverages like cigarettes, tea, and coffee cause both external and internal discoloration. Structural defects that occur during tooth formation (due to medications or excessive fluoride intake, etc.) also fall into this category. Bleaching is very successful in a large percentage of these cases.

What causes external discoloration?

These are discolorations that adhere to the tooth surface from certain staining foods such as cigarettes, tea, coffee, and cola. Often, these stains can be removed with professional dental cleaning. Different types of discoloration may require different treatments. Therefore, it is best for your dentist to determine the appropriate treatment.

Which department performs teeth whitening (bleaching) procedures?

Tooth whitening, also known as bleaching, is a simple procedure that can be performed by dentists of all specialties. All you need to do is make an appointment for tooth whitening.

What are the important considerations in teeth whitening?

After carefully protecting the gums and surrounding tissues such as the tongue and lips, whitening treatment should begin. The concentration and duration of the bleaching agent used must be correctly adjusted (bleaching gels contain different concentrations of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide).

Patients may experience mild sensitivity during or after the teeth whitening procedure, but this sensitivity will completely disappear within 1-3 days. The important thing is that all steps required by the treatment are completed correctly and without fail. When performed by dentists, teeth whitening is a harmless and highly effective method.

What is internal teeth whitening?

It is applied to teeth that have lost their vitality. It is a method used to treat teeth that have previously suffered trauma or have discolored after root canal treatment. In teeth that have previously undergone root canal treatment, hydrogen peroxide gel is placed in the pulp chamber and replaced at certain intervals until sufficient whitening is achieved, at which point the procedure is terminated.

What is external teeth whitening?

External teeth whitening is performed by applying a whitening agent to the teeth, which is then activated by a light source or laser, depending on the system used. With standard light devices, sessions last approximately 30-45 minutes, and results are immediately visible. Laser whitening treatments yield much faster results when the right patient is selected. The duration of treatment depends on the dentist and the desired level of whiteness, ensuring minimal damage to the teeth. Approximately three sessions are performed, spaced two days apart.

Whitening has no effect on fillings and veneers. Therefore, they may need to be renewed depending on the resulting tooth color. The whitening process is somewhat reversible over time and depending on the patient’s habits. Therefore, in some cases, it may need to be renewed at certain intervals.

This procedure, which is quite simple to perform by both patient and doctor, has no long-term complications. Therefore, instead of hiding our smiles, we all have the right to showcase a radiant smile that can be achieved with such an easy procedure.