Teeth Whitening & Teeth Cleaning
What is Teeth Whitening & Teeth Cleaning?
Over time, various organic and inorganic substances accumulate on the surface of teeth, causing discoloration in the enamel. These discolorations can be attributed to factors such as dietary habits, consumption of tobacco and alcohol products, certain medications, aging, and genetic factors. There are several consecutive methods to remove the yellowish or brownish plaque that hardens over time and reveal the natural color of the underlying teeth.
The first step is dental scaling, which involves the removal of hardened foreign plaque from both the front and back surfaces of the teeth. This procedure, also known as dental tartar cleaning or prophylaxis, visibly enhances the tooth surface. To achieve teeth whitening, an oxidation-reduction reaction is created, allowing the release of oxygen and the replacement of the foreign substances that cause discoloration with colorless agents.
Teeth whitening (bleaching) procedures can result in a lightening of teeth color by a few shades. The extent of this lightening or whitening may vary depending on the individual’s tooth structure, natural color, the materials used in the procedure, and the duration of the treatment. If the desired outcome is not achieved in a single session, additional sessions can be performed.
What Causes Tooth Yellowing?
Neglecting oral and dental care, consuming foods and beverages that cause staining on the outer surface of the teeth, regular use of tobacco products, the use of certain antibiotics and iron supplements, trauma to the tooth, the natural wearing down of the enamel layer as one ages, and an individual’s genetic makeup are the main causes of tooth discoloration. The primary factors that contribute to tooth discoloration can be listed as follows:
Frequent consumption of tea and coffee
Consumption of acidic beverages
Consumption of spices, red pepper, and certain red fruits
Consumption of chocolate, various sauces, and foods containing food coloring
Use of tobacco products and alcohol consumption
Use of iron supplements
Prolonged use of antibiotics
Tooth damage
Weakening and wearing down of the enamel layer in older age
Individual’s genetic makeup
How Tooth Yellowing Passes?
In-office teeth whitening procedures are performed by expert dentists in dental clinics. Before the teeth whitening (bleaching) procedure, the dentist examines the patient to determine how many sessions of treatment will be needed. Depending on the condition of tartar and colored stains on the teeth, the teeth whitening process may require a single session or multiple sessions. In cases of mild discoloration, a single session may be sufficient, while teeth covered with greenish-gray stains that have penetrated deeper layers may require more sessions and applications.
The stages of the teeth whitening (bleaching) procedure are as follows:
First, a dental cleaning is performed to remove tartar and plaque formed by organic and inorganic substances on the teeth. This creates the most suitable conditions for the teeth whitening process and enhances the effectiveness of bleaching.
After determining the tooth color, a protective gel is applied to the gums to prevent any damage during the procedure.
Then, bleaching gels are applied to the teeth and allowed to penetrate the teeth under an activating light for a certain period of time.
Once the treatment time is completed, the bleaching gels are removed, and if the patient experiences sensitivity in the teeth, a fluoride application is performed.
After the teeth whitening (bleaching) procedure is completed, the teeth continue to whiten and reach their final shade within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening & Teeth Cleaning
First, the patient is examined by the dentist, and typically the procedure starts with dental cleaning, which involves removing tartar and plaque that surround the teeth. Dental cleaning creates the optimal conditions for the teeth whitening process. Then, a protective gel is applied to the gum line to prevent any damage during the procedure. Bleaching gels are then applied to the teeth, and an activating light is used to enhance the penetration of the gels into the teeth. After the procedures are completed, the gels are removed from the teeth and gum line, and final checks are performed.
In cases where the teeth are covered with yellowish-grayish plaques and the form of the tooth becomes unclear and creates a blocky image with the neighboring teeth, first of all, tartar cleaning and then teeth whitening can be applied.
While all teeth can be whitened, bleaching is usually applied to the visible parts of the front.
If dental cleaning is neglected, it can create an unhealthy environment for dental and oral health. The teeth gradually become more yellowish in color, and in some cases, it can lead to gum recession. If teeth whitening procedures are not performed, deep-seated yellow stains may persist and continue to be visible, creating an unfavorable aesthetic appearance.
The dental stone cleaning process takes an average of 20 minutes; the teeth whitening process takes an average of 45-60 minutes.
There is no pain felt when performing tartar removal and teeth whitening procedures. But discomfort may be felt based on a high amount of sensitivity in the teeth. In this case, the dentist intervenes and performs sensitivity-relieving procedures.
After the teeth whitening and tooth cleaning treatment is completed, the patient can immediately return to his daily life. However, the full recovery period takes an average of 48 hours.
You can drink water 1 hour after teeth whitening and teeth cleaning procedures.
You can brush your teeth 1 day after the Teeth Whitening and Teeth Cleaning process.
have reached the age of 18; Anyone who does not have a high degree of sensitivity in their teeth can have tartar cleaning and teeth whitening procedures.
Teeth cleaning and teeth whitening treatment in all seasons; can be applied without any difference.
A more hygienic environment is provided in the patient's dental and oral region. By cleaning the tartar, further yellowing of the teeth is prevented and potential gingival recession is prevented. Thanks to the bleaching application, a more aesthetic appearance is gained and the yellowing of the teeth is controlled.
There is no bad breath after teeth whitening and tartar cleaning treatment. On the contrary, if there is bad breath in the current situation thanks to the hygienic environment provided in the mouth; this may be prevented.
The teeth and gums are checked by a general dental examination by the dentist; determines which actions will be applied.
Dental calculus cleaning and teeth whitening (bleaching) treatments do not have any harm if appropriate medical conditions are provided by the dentist.
Dental cleaning can be performed on all teeth that have formed tartar.
Teeth cleaning is completed in a single session. Teeth whitening treatment may take one or more sessions depending on the structure of the teeth and the condition of the yellow stains.
There may be a small amount of bleeding while the tooth cleaning process is applied. If there is still bleeding after the procedures are completed; The patient should consult the dentist.
You can eat 2 hours after teeth whitening and teeth cleaning.
After applying tartar cleaning and teeth whitening procedures, the sensitivity felt decreases and disappears within 2 days.
It is recommended not to consume acidic beverages for 2 days after tartar removal. After the teeth whitening process is applied, it is necessary to take a break from acidic drinks for 10 days.
First of all, it is necessary to constantly pay attention to the general hygiene of the teeth and mouth. Teeth should be brushed for 2 minutes at least 2 times a day and mouthwash should be used. During the first 10 days after the procedures, tea, coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and dark foods that can color the teeth should not be consumed.
Pregnant patients should get approval from their doctor before having teeth whitening and calculus removal.
You can do sports whenever you want after tartar cleaning and teeth whitening treatment.
There is no risk when the dental calculus cleaning and teeth whitening treatment is performed by the dentist by providing the necessary medical conditions.
The persistence of tartar removal and teeth whitening (bleaching) applications ranges from 6 months to 36 months, depending on dental care and the fulfillment of the necessary conditions.
According to the structure of the teeth and the rate of penetration of the stains into the teeth, the result that can be obtained in a single session varies from person to person. However, if a sufficient number of sessions are applied, the success rate can be quite high.
If you do not have any discomfort after the procedures are applied, you do not need to go to the control. However, 6-month routine controls should not be neglected.