Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.
1. What methods can I use if I want to whiten my teeth?
There are different methods to whiten teeth. The first is professional whitening with the help of a dentist, and the other is a home whitening system applied at home in line with the recommendation of your doctor.
Different teeth whitening methods:
They are office type whitening systems known as Office bleaching that can be applied to offices and clinics.
Whitening takes place at home, with a mold that fits your teeth made in a dental lab.
“Office type teeth whitening” can be done in two ways. The dentist uses a very strong whitening agent alone or in combination with a laser. Together with the two, the dentist cleans the surface of your teeth using a sandy, pumice-like substance to remove plaque from your teeth. A peroxide-based gel is then used with the aid of light to aid the whitening process. Although most gels are used alone, some need light. Laser does not whiten teeth. It only activates the whitening gel and initiates the necessary chemical reaction (laser does not penetrate into the tooth). This process takes around 30-45 minutes and although it gives immediate results, more than one session may be required for the desired whiteness level.
For at-home whitening, a dental cup is needed that allows the tooth whitening gel to stay in contact with the tooth overnight or for several hours, depending on the strength. There are ready-made molds sold in pharmacies, etc. Before using them, he recommends visiting your dentist before the whitening process for caries or other things that will affect the whitening results.
Whichever method is used, how much your teeth will whiten depends on the initial color and the source of the discoloration. Brown and yellow teeth (caused by cigarettes, coffee and tea.) usually turn white. Gray teeth (caused by pigments in the tooth, not stains) turn less white. Results cannot be guaranteed. You can compare your tooth with a white paper to understand the initial color of your tooth.
Chairside cleaning is sometimes the most expensive, but also the fastest, with multiple sessions and price. Home-use cleaning kits can be purchased from dental dentists and you can use them whenever you want. Store-bought sets are less expensive, but are not found to be very effective by dentists. The most known side effect is hot-cold sensitivity during and 1-2 days after teeth whitening. Office whitening may be a better solution for you if you think you’ll forget to put the mold on your teeth every night or if you don’t want to wait too long to wait for the results. This solution also allows the dentist to take care of your teeth individually if your teeth are different from each other in color. With proper care, whitened teeth stay bright for several years. To keep your teeth as white as possible, you can try these methods:
Follow the white tooth diet: Drink white instead of red wine, cappuccino instead of espresso, grape juice instead of blackberry juice.
Use slightly abrasive or peroxide-containing toothpaste (eg Opalescence toothpaste, Rembrant Whitening Toothpaste, or any other commercially available whitening toothpaste).
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2. Is whitening safe or will it damage the teeth?
Studies and microscopic studies have shown that there is no harm in using 10% whitening solution. All studies were done with 10% solution. There is not a single study that shows structural change and permanent damage. Others are safe with the applications that your doctor will make at the right times and according to your tooth structure.
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3. What are the side effects of teeth whitening?
All whitening gels cause more or less sensitivity. Sensitivity to these cold hot drinks and even the air is uncomfortable. This is a normal and expected side effect. Some brands contain ingredients that are claimed to reduce post-whitening sensitivity. It does not seem very effective according to user feedback. If the sensitivity does not go away within 24-48 hours, we recommend that you stop using bleach. In case of sensitivity, fluoride that your dentist will apply and toothpaste or creams that he will recommend to you will reduce this tooth sensitivity. Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate also work well to reduce sensitivity.
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4. I have very sensitive teeth, does it cause tooth sensitivity and how can it be treated?
Are your teeth sensitive from using whitening gel? Or is there normal hypersensitivity? If there is tooth sensitivity before the teeth whitening process, then your dentist should start teeth whitening after the results of the desensitizing treatment are obtained.
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5. How long will it take for my teeth to whiten?
Results are different. Some teeth whiten in a day or two, while others may take a month or two. Most people’s teeth whiten in 2-3 weeks. The more yellowing your teeth are without graying, the better the whitening will be. It is more difficult to whiten the graying caused by the use of antibiotics and it may take a longer process to reach the result. If the result is not obtained, laminate veneer application may be considered.
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6. How long does whitening retain its effect?
In general, the color fades slowly after bleaching and remains stable for 6 months to a year. It is recommended to provide maintenance with 1-2 sessions every 4-6 months.
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7. Why is teeth whitening not recommended for pregnant women or those who have just given birth?
No research has been done on this subject, but the manufacturers do not recommend this procedure to be done by pregnant and lactating mothers.
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8. Will the whitening gel coating also whiten my porcelain crowns?
All whitening agents work on the natural tooth structure. This means that porcelain veneer crowns and bridges do not whiten. All this may need to change to match the color of your newly whitened tooth.
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9. Which system or gel does DisbeyazLAMAnedir.com recommend for teeth whitening?
Currently, there is no research that impartially compares different teeth whitening systems. Although they all work, some gels can provide faster results. No matter what product is used, some teeth may whiten very well, although some teeth may whiten very little. Our advice is to use the brand you used before or try a new brand or quality if you are not satisfied. After all, the bleaching agent used is really a personal choice. In this choice, you can make the best decision together with your dentist, based on your previous experience.
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10. What is the shelf life of Teeth Whitening gel?
The shelf life of the whitening gel is 2 years in the refrigerator and 1 year in the normal environment. The gel kept outside should be stored in a dry and cool environment. The amount used depends on the strength of the product.
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11. What do the different percentages used mean?
The percentages (%) used mean the proportion of the bleaching agent. In general, the product with a higher percentage has more power and effect. However, there is no research to support this opinion. An advantage of high percentages is the use and duration of action. 10-16% can be used from a few hours to overnight, while 20-22% can be used for a few hours per session. Depending on the content and contents of teeth whitening systems, your dentist will guide you in the most accurate way about duration and application.
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12. Which teeth whitening gel is the most effective or fastest?
The active ingredient in most whitening products is the same. Although some of them act a little faster, the working principles are the same. Please note that some teeth are more difficult to clean than others, regardless of the product. The older you are and the more gray teeth you have, the harder it will be to whiten. No matter what product you use on some teeth, there will be a small amount of whitening.
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13. How many whitening syringes do I need to buy to whiten my teeth at home?
Since the amount of substance in the syringe of each brand is different, ml instead of syringe. and cc. It will be easier to use. Generally 0.5 ml per session. whitening gel is sufficient. So the average person with yellow teeth will need 10-15 ml. Note that you need to have some available for maintenance later. Grayed teeth will be more difficult to clean, so more gel is required. Remember that a small drop is enough for the inner surface of the mold made where there are only 8 teeth. Since the teeth at the back of your mouth are not visible when smiling, it is not necessary to whiten them.
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14. What is the difference between carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide whitening gels?
There are two main whitening ingredients. Carbamide peroxide (eg Opalescence, dentist.net, Nite white) and hydrogen peroxide (eg Day White, Zoom, and Nite White turbo). In comparison, 7.5% hydrogen peroxide corresponds to 16% carbamide peroxide, while 9.5% hydrogen peroxide corresponds to 26% carbamide peroxide.
Carbamide peroxide decomposes to hydrogen peroxide. Users should use nite white longer as the carbamide needs to be converted to hydrogen peroxide first. The only difference between them is the duration of use. When Nite White first came out, it was prepared with a 10% solution to convert carbamide peroxide to hydrogen peroxide. Later, 16% and 22% solutions came out for more effective solutions. 16% is used overnight, while 22% is used for 1 hour. Day white and nite white give exactly the same results, and although Day white has 9.5% more solution in it, there is no study that proves it is more effective.
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15. How long should I stay away from coffee and red wine after bleaching?
It is recommended to stay away from them for about 2 weeks after bleaching. DisbeyazLAMAnedir.com still advises you not to change your lifestyle. If you see that your teeth turn yellow over time, maintenance can be done every 4-5 months.
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16. Do teeth whiten the same in everyone?
No… The results are different. While some teeth become noticeably whiter in a few days, others may take months to notice. The more yellowing your teeth are, the better results will be obtained. Stains caused by the use of antibiotics are more difficult to clean. No matter what product you use on some teeth, there will be a small amount of whitening. Results cannot be guaranteed.
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17. Are near the gums less white than other parts of the tooth?
Make sure the whitener covers all parts of the tooth, not just the bottom. The average tooth goes from white to less white in areas close to the gums. This is a normal and predicted result. This is due to the thinner enamel in this area. This transition is more noticeable in graying teeth. Remember that this difference in color will get mixed in time.
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18. Even though I’m new to whitening, it doesn’t hold up properly due to speckles and white spots. Should I continue whitening or stop?
It is normal for some areas of the tooth, such as decalcification areas, to react more quickly to the bleach and produce white spots. After the whitening is finished, these whitenesses disappear and give a more harmonious image.
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19. How long should I use the whitening gel?
When to finish whitening is a personal choice and will be finalized by your dentist’s decision. You can quit when you are satisfied with the results. Teeth whiten in a few days or 2 weeks and eventually reach a point where they can no longer whiten. This is the last point you will reach and it will not whiten any longer from here. It is normal for them to fade a little and then stay in a stable color. DisbeyazLAMAnedir.com does not recommend bleaching for more than 2-4 weeks. Most teeth whiten well in the first week of treatment.
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20. I have gray stained teeth and I want to whiten my teeth.
Tetracycline discolorations are difficult to whiten. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. If you have used one brand of whitener, it will not make much difference if you use another brand. When whitening teeth with tetracycline, sometimes uneven whitening or vertical lines with tetracycline may appear. In some cases, the teeth whitened properly, satisfying the user. Accepting the use of whitening products means accepting all the risks that come with the use. For teeth stained with tetracycline, it is recommended to see a dentist before cleaning, and it may take several months to see results.
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21. How long can I whiten my tetracycline-stained teeth?
Up to 6 months of whitening is acceptable for normal teeth. Although some studies say that teeth stained with tetracycline can be whitened for up to 6 months, we believe that 8 weeks will suffice. If your teeth are not whitening anymore, this is a good time to stop.
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22. If I have a bridge or orthodontic wire in my tooth, is it okay to have teeth whitening?
If the mold material gets stuck under the wire or bridge, you may loosen your bridge or wire and have difficulty removing the mold. In addition, it is more appropriate to whiten teeth after your orthodontic (wire) treatment is finished. If you have a bridge prosthesis, it will not be a problem if it is in the posterior region, but if it is in the anterior region, this may cause a problem as your teeth will whiten and your porcelain will remain darker, in this case it would be more appropriate to renew your bridge or crown if the time has come, and to do it according to the newly whitened color.
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23. My children have mottled teeth. Does whitening work?
Mottled teeth are caused by excess fluoride during tooth development. This condition is called fluorosis. While they may not look perfect, these teeth are extremely resistant to decay. Spots can also be seen after orthodontic treatment. In the case of this decalcification caused by inadequate hygiene, these areas are more susceptible to caries.
No research has been done on children and whitening, but whitening procedures have been performed with no side effects except for temporary tooth sensitivity. For whitening, we recommend waiting until the teeth are fully erupted, otherwise the areas that have not erupted will not be whitened. Although the white dots whiten faster, the difference disappears as the area around them becomes whiter. White dots are more difficult to discern as the surrounding areas will be whiter. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed.
In general, if the pulp chamber (the part where the dental nerves are located) is too large in children, teeth whitening is not recommended.
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24. What is the difference between Opalescence F and Opalescence?
F stands for fluoride and PF stands for fluoride and potassium nitrate. Both are included in the whitening gel against tooth sensitivity. PF is more effective as it contains both potassium nitrate and fluoride. Although both whiten the same amount, PF is known to cause less sensitivity.
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25. It is very difficult to spread the bleach on the molds I have made. Do you have any advice for distributing the gel more evenly?
All you have to do is spread the bleach in a long thin line on the inside of the outer surface of the container, so that the stringy gel does not overflow. When you place the cup on your teeth, it will spread the tooth whitener.
You can see the places where the whitener covers the teeth, and if it is less in some places, you can play with the pot a little and make the gel spread evenly. The gel should always be dense and fluid. The gel is made more fluid, making it easier to spread on the tooth, thus providing a better whitening.
If you keep the product in the refrigerator, it is recommended to keep it at room temperature for a few hours to make it more fluid.
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26. How do we prevent Teeth Whitener from leaking from its cap?
You can reduce the hydraulic pressure in the syringe by pulling the back of the syringe a little after use. This will prevent overflow.
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27. I have Molds for teeth whitening, can I process new whitening gels?
It is not recommended for those who have molds and need a whitening cup to start the whitening process without visiting the dentist.
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28. During the whitening, my gums started to burn and now some parts are white. Is this from using too much gel?
The cups are either above the gums or too full. All you have to do is put a small drop of gel in the cup on each tooth or whitening line. The gums return to normal in a few hours and the whiteness disappears. Avoid re-whitening or bitter and spicy foods until the gums have healed. Use less time next time and increase gradually.
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29. Do ready-made teeth whitening strips cause sensitivity in the teeth?
Yes, all whitening products cause sensitivity, but the sensitivity disappears after a few days of use. If your teeth are sensitive, use the strips once and repeat when the sensitivity subsides. Remember that all whitening agents cause sensitization.
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30. Even though the teeth whitening gels I use at home are used 2 times a day, as recommended by my doctor, not exceeding 1 hour each, I fell asleep 2 times during use. Now I feel that some parts of my teeth are straight and some parts are rough. Have I damaged my tooth enamel and if so is there a way to fix it?
Most research on bleaching has been done with 10% solution. Although manufacturers believe that higher solubility is not harmful, there is a demineralization of the tooth, such as when a person ingests acidic food and drink. There are toothpastes on the market that provide remineralization containing essential minerals believed to be absorbed by the tooth surface. At the same time, we recommend the use of such toothpastes, which are known to be good for sensitivity, during whitening. In addition, in such a case, fluoride and similar supplements to be applied by your dentist will be beneficial.
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31. I always wanted my teeth to be very shiny, but I think it’s an expensive procedure. I’ve been brushing my teeth with baking soda for a few months now and my teeth are very sensitive right now. At my annual checkup, my dentist said that my teeth did not have gum recession or gum disease. What would you recommend for teeth whitening?
Dentist Onur Öztürk from Plusdent Dental Clinic recommends reading these frequently asked questions. It is not normal to have sensitive teeth and they can be diagnosed and corrected. In order not to be responsible for this issue, it is best to go to the dentist, we recommend you to use any toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for tooth sensitivity on your own, these are usually “sensitive teeth” etc. in the markets. Sold under the titles. Note that the recommended expiry times of these toothpastes are a few weeks. Nowadays, there are remineralization toothpastes that not only treat tooth sensitivity but also minor cavities thanks to remineralization.
Whitening creates and increases tooth sensitivity, so we recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste a few weeks before teeth whitening.
We would like to thank Onur Öztürk, Dentist from Plusdent Dental Clinic, for the information he provided.
