Tooth whitening is a dental aesthetic procedure applied to the enamel surface of teeth that have become discolored or yellowed for various reasons. It is performed not only for medical or necessary reasons but also for individuals who are dissatisfied with the natural color of their teeth. Teeth whitening is an oxidation process performed without damaging the natural structure of the teeth, using specially prepared bleaching gels and sometimes assisted by light technology.
What is Tooth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the color of the enamel and dentin layers of teeth when they become yellowed or stained due to intrinsic or extrinsic causes. During this procedure, gels containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide penetrate the pores of the tooth enamel and react with the pigments that cause discoloration. This procedure removes colored organic and inorganic substances that accumulate within the porous enamel structure of the teeth. Unlike dental cleaning, it aims to change the tooth’s intrinsic color by targeting color molecules within its chemical structure, giving the teeth a brighter appearance.
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What Are Tooth Whitening Methods?
In addition to aesthetic concerns, teeth whitening can also positively affect a person’s self-confidence and when performed under the supervision of a qualified dentist, it whitens the teeth without damaging the dental tissues. The following are the different teeth whitening methods applied depending on the current tooth color and the desired level of whiteness:
- Office Type Tooth Whitening: It is a method performed in a clinical setting by a dentist, typically taking 45-60 minutes and providing fast results.
- Home Type Tooth Whitening: It is the application of dentist-recommended gels at home for specified periods using custom-made trays.
- Combined Tooth Whitening: It is the combined use of in-office and at-home whitening methods to achieve longer-lasting and more effective results.
- Single Tooth Whitening (Internal Whitening): It is an internal whitening procedure applied to root canal-treated teeth that have discolored from within, in which a whitening gel is placed inside the tooth.
Why Does Discoloration In Teeth Occur?
Factors that cause teeth to lose their natural color can vary and may be biological, environmental, or related to personal habits. The reasons of teeth discoloration or yellow are listed below:
- Nutritional behaviors: The consumption of strong tea, coffee, red wine and tomato-based foods can lead to staining on the enamel layer.
- Tobacco usage: Tar and nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products cause persistent yellow and brown stains on teeth.
- Age factor: Over time, the enamel thins and the underlying more yellowish dentin layer becomes more visible.
- Medication use: Certain antibiotics used during pregnancy or childhood (such as tetracycline) can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth.
- Traumas: Hard impacts to a tooth can cause the nerve tissue inside it to die, which may lead to the tooth turning gray.
- Insufficient Oral Hygiene: Plaque and tartar that accumulate on teeth that are not regularly brushed can gradually increase discoloration over time.
How Is Tooth Whitening Treatment Performed?
The teeth whitening process begins with a thorough oral examination and dental cleaning. For optimal results, it is essential that dental calculus has been removed. The stages of tooth whitening treatment are as follows:
- Preparation: The tooth surfaces are cleaned and dried. To protect the gums from damage, a gingival barrier (gum dam) is applied and set in place.
- Gel Application: A whitening agent (peroxide-based gel) is applied homogeneously to the tooth surfaces.
- Light Technology: Blue light or laser technology is used to enhance the effect of the gel and accelerate the whitening process.
- Check-up: After waiting for a specific period, the gels are removed, the gums are uncovered and the achieved shade is evaluated.
What Should Be Considered Before Tooth Whitening?
Before deciding on a teeth whitening procedure, all existing oral health issues must be treated. In patients with gum recession or deep dental caries, these conditions should be treated first. The key points to consider before teeth whitening are as follows:
- Tartar removal: Professional dental cleaning is essential to allow whitening gels to fully penetrate the enamel.
- Filling and prosthesis check-up: Whitening gels do not whiten fillings or porcelain restorations; therefore, after the procedure, the compatibility between existing fillings or prostheses and the new tooth shade should be evaluated.
- Sensitivity evaluation: In individuals with highly sensitive teeth, the use of desensitizing toothpaste may be recommended prior to treatment.
- Age factor: Teeth whitening is generally not recommended for individuals under the age of 18 because their dental nerve chambers are larger.
What Should Be Considered After Tooth Whitening?
The first 48 to 72 hours after teeth whitening is a sensitive period and dietary restrictions should be followed during this time. Things to consider after tooth whitening are as follows:
- After the procedure, the pores in the tooth enamel remain open for a while. Therefore, foods and beverages with strong pigments such as coffee, tea, red wine, tomato-based dishes and cherry juice should be strictly avoided.
- Smoking should be avoided, especially during the first few days, as it shortens the longevity of the treatment.
- Due to possible temporary sensitivity in the first few days, it is recommended to avoid excessively hot or cold beverages.
Are There Side Effects Of Tooth Whitening Procedure?
In professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dentist, no permanent tissue damage is observed; however, some temporary effects may occur. The most common side effect is increased sensitivity of the teeth to air or temperature changes, which usually resolves on its own within 24 hours. In some patients, a temporary stinging sensation in the gums may occur due to gel leakage but it typically resolves within a few days. Unregulated, non-professional products can cause enamel loss and chemical burns in the gums and should therefore be avoided.