Bleaching (Whitening)

 

Whitening is the process of removing the coloring of the teeth (enamel and dentin layer). There are currently two known methods of whitening.  The first is a method that the patient can perform on their own. 

The stages are as follows:

·    Preparing thin rubber molds that can be taken by mouth and fitted on teeth

•  Puttingmedication into the special mold prepared for the patient, attaching the mold to the teeth to be whitened and leaving for at least 6 - 8 hours per day (preferably overnight),

• Termination of treatment within 1 to 4 weeks

The second method is whitening by a dentist in the clinic, which is applied as follows:

• The bleaching medication is placed on the teeth by a dentist who has experience with this procedure.

• A white light source is held on the corresponding thread for a certain period of time

• When finished, the result can be immediately seen.

Although both methods are effective, preference depends on the degree of coloration, how quickly treatment should be terminated, and the opinion of the dentist.

Why do undesirable stains occur in the teeth?

There may be many reasons for this. The most common are: ageing, substances that stain teeth (coffee, tea, cola, cigarettes, etc.), trauma, old dentures, coatings, fillers.  The use of antibiotics (tetracycline) or excessive fluoride consumption during the formation of the teeth can also lead to coloration of the teeth. 

This situation may arise from the structure of the tooth as the coloring of dental factorsdue to antibiotics or fluoride in developmental period or ageing;  it may also be caused by a blow to the tooth.

For whom is Bleaching applicable?

Almost everyone! However, there are some cases in which treatment cannot be effective. Your dentist will determine if the teeth are suitable for this procedure with a complete oral checkup and diagnosis. If your teeth are healthy, it is an ideal solution for whiter and natural smiles.

Is Bleaching difficult and laborious?

No! Thanks to advances in oral health technology, your teeth can be bleached safely and effectively in a very short time. 

Is it safe?

Yes! According to the research, the whitening of the teeth under the supervision of your dentist is extremely effective and safe. The teeth and gums are not damaged in any way.

How long is the application period?

After the bleaching agent is applied, the laser beam is emitted for 20 minutes. Optionally, a further 10 minutes may be emitted at the end of this period.

Will the teeth be restored after whitening?

Teeth will always be whiter than before. However, depending on the habits and oral care of the patients, it may be necessary to have follow up treatment twice a year.

In summary, what is important for this treatment to be successful?

• The brand and content of the medication used

• Whether you are being treated by a dentist who is experienced in this area

• Method of use and duration of treatment

What will I experience during treatment?

If you smoke, do not smoke while the rubber mold is in your mouth (applies to home bleaching).Anyminor cold/hot sensitivity will be eliminated by treatment.

Bleaching Methods

Bleaching methods are grouped into three main groups:

1.    Chemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)

2.    Phototermal Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)

3.    Photochemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)

Chemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)

In this technique, the tooth whitening gel is applied to the teeth with the help of specially made tooth molds. However, it should be borne in mind that chemical tooth whitening technique may have some negative effect on tooth enamel. These chemicals, which can also found in various cosmetic products, must be used under the supervision of a dentist.

Phototermal Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)

In this method, a special gel is used. However, unlike the previous method, high energy is applied with the help of a special beam. The light source may consist of a series of LEDs or diodes-lasers. Again, this method should be done under the supervision of the dental surgeon, possibly because of possible negative effects.

Photochemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)

In this tooth whitening method, the bleaching gel is activated using a UV lamp (blue light) or a KTP laser (green light). The feature that distinguishes this method from others is that the light source used also has a tooth whitening effect (photo-oxidation). This application provides a deeper whitening of the teeth. When using UV-Light, the surrounding tissues (lips, gums, tongue, etc.) should be well protected against possible burn injuries. When using the KTP laser, there is no risk of burns, but the gums should be protected against leaks of the bleaching gel (gingiva block). A great advantage of whitening with the KTP laser is that, according to extensive scientific research, no side effects on dental enamel were observed. Fluoride application after the ooth whitening process strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay.

What is a laser and how is it produced?

Lasers are monochrome, flat, dense, single phase monochromic light producing devices. They may be either colorless or colored. Visibility is related to wavelength. This wavelength and strength determine the area of ​​use in medicine.

With the help of a laser, electromagnetic waves are strengthened and aligned. Thus, a high-energy light beam with a cutting and burning effect is obtained in the area to be treated.

The usage areas of lasers vary according to their wavelengths.

At different wavelengths, all tissues have different absorption rates. Therefore, laser selection depends on the process to be performed. For example, the KTP laser has a wavelength of 532nm. The KTP laser beam can be absorbed at a high rate from hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin, making it very suitable for small and sensitive surgical procedures.

The working principle of the laser: from an external source, the energy obtained by passing through the electric current, or obtained by chemical methods, reaches the atoms in the environment. Some of them absorb this energy. Excess energy makes atoms unstable. A photon multiplier of  excited and unstable atomsreleases photons of excess energy. The photons likewise allow the propagation of other photons. With stimulation, the photons in the environment increase. Almost all of the atoms are emitted when the photonsare emitted. This is the laser beam. Since the laser beams are high frequency, they have the characteristics of sunlight. However, laser beams are single frequency.

How long do the whitened teeth remain white?

Teeth whitened by different teeth bleaching methods remain white for several years. But this period varies from person to person. Eating and drinking habits, smoking and brushing habits affect how long the teeth staywhite.

It should be noted that bleaching may not always provide the whiteness you desire. The degree of whitening depends on the tone of your teeth before applying the whitening process and varies from person to person. Therefore, you should discuss your expectations with your dentist in advance.

Teeth Whitening or tooth bleaching is a field of aesthetic / cosmetic dentistry, although it is a widely applied procedure in general dentistry. Many people find a smile produced with white teeth very attractive. In general, milk teeth are more white than adult teeth. As the person ages, the color of their teeth becomes darker over time. This darkening is caused by the change in the mineral structure of tooth enamel. The teeth may also be exposed to colorings caused by bacterial pigments and tobacco use.

Because white teeth are identified with youth, they are highly desired by those who want to appear attractive. However, it should be noted that an exaggerated whiteness may not be attractive in most cases. A natural tone in harmony with your face and mouth will always be more attractive.