Tooth whitening is the process of removing the discoloration of the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth. Tooth discoloration can occur due to antibiotics taken during development, excessive fluoride intake, root canal treatments, filling restorations, excessive consumption of certain dyes (coffee, tea, red wine), mineralization disorders and trauma.
This application is not performed in patients with eroded enamel, in cases of enamel defects, in the presence of inflamed gums, in the presence of caries, in the presence of sensitivity to the neck. It can be applied after the necessary treatments are done.
Teeth whitening can be applied by the physician in the office (Office bleaching) or by the patient at home (Home bleaching).
Home bleaching:
After the physician takes an oral impression, personalized transparent and elastic molds are prepared. The patient can apply the bleaching agent by placing it in the chambers in these molds. It should be applied for 6-8 hours a day. The patient can do this at home while sleeping, so that his social life is not interrupted. This application should be done regularly every day. It is applied for a period of 10-14 days.
However, patients should stay away from dyes (coffee, tea, red wine) during this treatment. Otherwise, more intense coloration can be observed.
Teeth whitening in the clinic (Office bleaching):
It is a procedure performed by the dentist in the clinic and usually takes 45-55 minutes. It can be applied in a controlled manner by the physician. It has a higher concentration than the household agent. During the application, first the gums are protected with a special gel, then the whitening agent is applied to the tooth surfaces. By using a special beam, the whitening process is accelerated.
Considering the degree of discoloration and how long it takes to complete the treatment, one of the two systems is preferred. However, the color obtained with the bleaching process is not permanent for life. In particular, the continuity of the factors that cause coloration and the frequency of use (consumption of coloring foods such as coffee) determine the longevity of the result obtained.
