Teeth may lose their whiteness over the years due to food, drinks (coffee, wine and tea) and cigarette consumption. To correct this situation, teeth whitening (bleaching) process can be done. Compared to porcelain veneers, the whitening process is easy, durable, economical and more protective because the teeth are not abraded.
Why Is Teeth Whitening Needed?
The appearance of the teeth is valuable for individuals who care about their personal care. Form and discoloration of teeth can even cause mental disorders. Many color, state and position disorders can be resolved quickly, thanks to the development of aesthetic and restorative aspects in dentistry, as well as natural whitening procedures that can be applied in the residential environment using herbal methods.
Who Can Have a Teeth Whitening Process?
Anyone who does not have any mania or gum disease can have a whitening treatment, but a dentist must be examined before whitening. Those who have advanced cavities and gum disease in their mouth should have the whitening process applied after they have been treated by their physician. Apart from this, it is not recommended to apply the bleaching process to people who have not completed their growth and development, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Is The Whitening Process Faithful Or Is It Harmful?
Researches and microscopic studies; It has been shown that there is no waste in the use of 10 percent whitening solution. There is not even a single study that shows structural changes and permanent damage to the teeth due to whitening. Different concentrations of drugs can also be used to whiten teeth, but the dentist should definitely decide how and how much to use them.
Staining and Color Change in Teeth
It is unique to the individual such as tooth color, eye color and hair color. The ratio of the elements contained in the tooth relative to each other determines the color of the tooth. The enamel surface has a porous (invisible small hole) structure. For this reason, the natural color of the tooth may change over time due to external factors.
How is the treatment applied?
There are two types of treatment techniques to choose from. The first of these is the method with faster results in your dentist’s office (Office bleaching), and the other is the method that you will apply in your home (Home bleaching).
How Long Does the Effect of Whitening Last?
The result of the whitening process varies depending on the tooth structure of the person and remains constant in the middle of about 6 months-2 years. Of course, this respite also depends on the person himself. During and after whitening, at least two weeks should be avoided.
If you are also having problems with the color of your teeth, you can apply to your dentist for a whitening treatment, and if your teeth are found suitable for whitening as a result of the examination, you can have your process done as soon as possible.
Are There Any Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?
All whitening gels cause more or less sensitivity in the teeth. This sensitivity to cold-hot drinks and air can cause discomfort to individuals. This is a normal and expected side effect of the application. If the sensitivity does not go away within 24-48 hours, the use of bleach may need to be discontinued. In case of sensitivity, fluoride that your dentist will apply and toothpaste or creams that you will recommend will reduce this tooth sensitivity. Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate can also be used as another option to reduce sensitivity.
Discolorations Caused by Aging
In advancing age, the enamel layer in the tooth erodes and reflects the dark color of the underlying dentin layer. At the same time, internal and external coloration can also be seen over the years. In such cases, successful results can be obtained from the bleaching process.
Discoloration in Root Canal Treated Teeth
The tooth treated with root canal loses its vitality, may lose its bright and vivid color over time, and may turn yellow or discoloration may occur due to the material placed in the tooth. In this type of discoloration, the whitening spy placed in the pulp chamber is kept on the tooth for a few days. The process is repeated until the desired result is achieved. In this way, dark colored teeth left alone, especially in the anterior region, are whitened. Often positive results are obtained.
A discontinuous whiteness is obtained with all the applied bleaching procedures. Depending on the structure of the teeth, the nutritional habits of the person and how much attention is paid to the post-process offers, it may need to be repeated after 2-3 years. It is not applied to patients who are in pregnancy or breastfeeding period. Not recommended under the age of 18. It is not recommended for those who have tooth root surfaces, gingival disease, dental caries, arm sensitivity that are exposed as a result of gingival recession, without treating these problems.
How long should I stay away from beverages such as tea, coffee after bleaching?
After bleaching, it is necessary to stay away from tea, coffee, cigarettes, cola, red wine, acidic beverages and colored foods for about 2 days, ie 48 hours (ideally 7-10 days), because the effect of the whitening continues in the dentin tubules. During this period, colored foods and beverages should be avoided.