Teeth whitening procedure of polishing teeth while removing stains and discolorations. The teeth whitening process is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it improves the appearance of teeth. Products used in teeth whitening typically contain one of two active dental ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These bleaches break down stains into smaller pieces and make the color less concentrated, resulting in brighter teeth.
Types Of Teeth Whitening
In-Clinic Teeth Whitening: In-clinic whitening is the most common type of whitening. During an in-office procedure, the dentist uses a powerful whitening gel with a special light that makes whitening happen faster. A whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth of the aesthetic area and left for about 15-30 minutes. The bleaching gel is absorbed or washed off and the gel is applied for an additional 15 to 30 minutes or more. In-office whitening is performed on teeth with live nerves.
Home teeth Bleaching: Home bleaching is a method performed outside the clinical setting, at home or at work, using custom-made ready-to-use plates or devices. Special whitening plates are prepared according to the measurement function perceived by the lower and upper jaws. The whitening gel suitable for the patient is selected by the dentist and the dose is adjusted. During the specified time, the person wears the forms in which the whitening gel is placed on the teeth. This practice is usually best done at night as it is more useful.
Care should be taken not to apply too much whitening gel in-home teeth whitening procedures. The gel can irritate the gums. In such a situation, it is recommended to wash the gums immediately and apply a cream containing vitamin E. Home bleaching is used to treat internal staining of teeth and is most commonly used on a tooth that has had a root canal treatment.
Teeth Whitening Advantages and Disadvantages
Brown, gray, and black teeth caused by discoloration, injury, or drug therapy in crowns, caps, veneers, and fillings also do not typically respond to whitening methods. Some discoloration on the teeth is a sign of a more serious problem. When you notice these teeth stains, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible.
Dentin, which is the hard, inner part of the teeth, is responsible for tooth color. As we age, our enamel thins and our dentin darkens. This causes our teeth to appear yellower. Yellow tooth discoloration typically responds well to teeth whitening products. Yellow teeth are easier to whiten than other tooth colors.
Teeth Whitening Advantages:
- Improvement of appearance: The main reason for wanting to have a bright white smile is to improve appearance.
- Some discolorations caused by smoking or drinking too much coffee or tea can get rid of stains.
- Affordable home whitening kits: It is the only dental procedure that can be done at home and is also inexpensive. But of course, advice from the dentist is needed first to know the best whitening kit to use.
- Not harmful to teeth: Although whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, it has been proven safe to use as long as the instructions are followed properly.
- Immediate results: Unlike some dental procedures, teeth whitening provides instant results, especially if in-office bleaching is used. In less than 2 hours, a very noticeable change is seen.
Teeth Whitening Disadvantages:
- Tooth Sensitivity: For those with sensitive teeth, using a whitening product may feel uncomfortable.
- Not Permanent: The whitening effect varies from person to person. The effect will be shorter in people who smoke and consume a lot of coffee and tea.
- Change in Food Consumption: It may be necessary to avoid certain foods and beverages to protect the white teeth that result from the procedure. It is also recommended not to smoke.
- Does not change the color of your veneers/crowns: If the teeth have been veneered or crowned, the teeth will have an uneven color when the teeth whitening process is continued.