Tooth colour varies from person to person. Cigarette smoking, excessive tea, coffee and acidic beverage consumtion, the lack of sufficient attention to dental hygiene and care can lead to yellowing or staining of the teeth. In some cases, structural defects in the womb or in childhood, or continuous use of medication may also cause dental colour variations. Teeth whitening process is the expeditious and most economical procedure for all such cases.
At Akdeniz İnci Dental Clinic, we use two treatment methods for teeth whitening;
- Laser Teeth Whitening (In-Office Bleaching)
- Teeth Whitening at home (At-Home Bleaching)
Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist. Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if there's no dental professional present, and it may put your oral health at risk.
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Laser whitening, also known as chairside bleaching, is a type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth, a protective gel or rubber shield is applied to your gums to protect them and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.
The dentist will take an impression of the patient’s teeth and prepare special trays, a bleaching gel is added for later use. In this case, the dentist will give you instructions on how to place the bleaching solution in the tray and for what length of time. This may be a preferred option if you feel more comfortable whitening in your own home at a slower pace, but still with the guidance of a dentist. Out-of-office bleaching can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Generally the patient will keep a prepared tray in the mouth for four to ten hours daily, with the treatment lasting between two to three weeks.
Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.
Teeth whitening doesn't work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.
No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel. Overuse of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions and talk to your dentist.