In modern societies, individuals now care about the appearance of their teeth, so people’s aesthetic demands are increasing. Teeth, which have an important role in reflecting the facial expression of the person, can cause some problems in the society due to the defects in their shape and color. Even these problems in the teeth can cause problems up to psychological disorders in the person. However, today, with the development of aesthetic and restorative materials used in Dentistry, many color, shape and position disorders can be easily resolved.
Teeth discoloration is a very common problem. The causes of tooth discoloration depend on many factors and are generally divided into two as internal and external discolorations. Some mouthwashes, beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine, cola, iron drugs cause external discoloration. Some diseases and factors such as drugs, bruises and smoking are shown as the cause of internal discoloration. With the teeth whitening method, the teeth that have lost their true colors and stained can be brought to a pure white appearance.
Teeth whitening is the process of lightening teeth by using hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide in various concentrations. The gel used enters the enamel and dentin and creates an oxidation reaction. Molecules that cause discoloration move away from the tooth, thus lightening the color of the teeth.
Studies show that whitening agents are safe if used carefully. For this reason, it is recommended to be applied by experienced people.
The whitening process is applied in two different ways on live teeth:
Home Whitening : It is a simple method that whitens the teeth by using a transparent plaque prepared for the patient’s own mouth. Whitening gels are given to the patient. The patient keeps the whitening gels in the mouth for a few hours after applying the whitening gels as described by the physician. Generally, the color of the teeth becomes white in 7-10 days.
Advantages of this system;It can be counted as providing simple and fast use for patients, being economical, generally a painless procedure, and seeing the results in a short time.
The disadvantages are;The patient is actively involved in his own treatment, the color does not reach the desired whiteness if the individual does not apply it for a sufficient period of time, the motivation of the patients may decrease, the bleaching is open to abuse in such a way that it is done more than necessary, and the patients cannot accept the application of the whitening plate to their mouth.
In-Office Whitening: It is based on the application of the whitening gel by the physician by giving a heat or light source. The gels used in this method are more active substances. After the patient’s gums are covered and protected, the whitening gel is applied to the teeth. Processing time is 1-1.5 hours. After the patient gets up from the chair, he sees that his teeth are whitening. Some people may need a second session.
Advantages;The results of whitening are seen in a much shorter time, it effectively whitens the heavy discoloration of the teeth, there is no obligation to put a foreign body in the mouth such as a whitening plaque, and the whitening process is directly under the control of the physician.
Disadvantages;It is an expensive method and the patient’s sitting time is long.
Studies show that more successful results are obtained when both methods are used in combination. In both methods, sensitivity may occur in the teeth, but this is temporary.
Whitening of Root Canal Treated Teeth: Teeth undergoing root canal treatment change color over time due to both the filling material used and the loss of vitality of the tooth. Because these teeth look dark, they disrupt the aesthetics of the smile. The color of these teeth, which have undergone discoloration as a result of root canal treatment, can be lightened with the bleaching method applied inside the canal. Depending on the type of bleaching agent used, the desired whiteness is achieved in one or more sessions.
