Teeth whitening in Turkey
Teeth Whitening Methods Explained
Teeth whitening is a commonly requested procedure in dental practice. Brushing alone cannot get rid of stain accumulation completely, thus the demand for over-the-counter teeth whitening products continues to grow. However, bleaching your teeth without your dentist’s guidance can do more harm than good.
For one thing, it can cause shade mismatch, especially if you have dental restorations such as crowns or veneers. You may need to replace your restorations after bleaching, which may add greatly to the cost of your treatment. Always consult your dentist first before trying out any teeth bleaching products in the market.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that involves bleaching the teeth to make them whiter. It is also used to remove food stains and improve tooth discolorations caused by certain oral conditions, medications, and aging.
The basic method in bleaching the teeth is with the use of chemical agents, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide can be further activated by light in the dental office. Your dentist can treat you in the clinic or teach you how to bleach your teeth at home.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth bleaching was popularized by Dr. Van Haywood and Harald Heymann in 1989 when they published a protocol on using custom-fabricated trays with carbamide peroxide to lighten teeth.
While the procedure has been modified through the years, the basic principles remain the same.
Hydrogen peroxide is a potent tooth whitening agent and is the active ingredient in most dental bleaching products. It is delivered via bleaching gels, liquids, toothpaste, and mouth rinses, penetrating the teeth through the enamel and dentin.
The enamel is the outer hard layer of the teeth, and the dentin is the inner layer. Hydrogen peroxide reacts with stain molecules through a process called oxidation. It steals the electrons that hold the atoms of stain molecules together, causing them to break into smaller molecules.
It can get rid of stains within the tooth, including those on external surfaces. Discolorations in the enamel are more amenable to treatment while those in dentin could take longer to bleach.
Brighten someone’s day with your smile !
Discolorations or stains can make teeth look dull and unhealthy. While it is often unavoidable, there are different ways to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile. Teeth whitening in Turkey is safe, effective, and affordable. Book an appointment with us and say goodbye to yellow teeth once and for all.
Causes of Teeth Discoloration/Stains
Teeth discolorations may be intrinsic or extrinsic. Some stains are more responsive to treatment than others. It is important to assess the cause of teeth staining to better predict the rate and degree to which whitening can improve tooth color.
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains are formed from the accumulation of color-producing substances on the external surfaces of the tooth. These stains are localized in the protein-based layer that covers all exposed surfaces of the teeth called the pellicle. They are usually generated by the reaction of sugars and amino acids from food.
Causes of extrinsic stains
- Cigarettes
- Tea, coffee, soda, and other foods
- Poor oral hygiene/plaque
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains are caused by changes in the structure or composition of the teeth’ inner layer (dentin). These deep-set stains are more difficult to remove than extrinsic stains. The most common cause of intrinsic stains is aging.
The tooth produces dentin continuously for its lifetime. The secondary dentin is darker than the primary dentin. As you age, your tooth’s enamel gets thinner and the secondary dentin becomes more visible, resulting in darker teeth.
Causes of intrinsic stains
- Aging
- Enamel cracks
- Tetracycline
- Excessive fluoride ingestion
- Dental decay
- Genetic conditions
- Traumatic pulpal changes
Medical conditions that cause teeth discoloration
- Amelogenesis imperfecta (yellow/brown stains)
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta (yellow-brown/violet/brown stains)
- Phenylketonuria (brown stains)
- Porphyria (black stains)
Who Needs Teeth Whitening?
The presence of noticeable tooth stains can affect a person’s self-confidence, attractiveness, and employability. Even patients with healthy teeth may complain of yellowing or darkening of the teeth.
When performed correctly, teeth bleaching is one of the safest and most effective conservative treatments available for dental patients today. Teeth that have not had a root canal therapy are excellent candidates for external bleaching.
Almost all patients can have their teeth whitened, but not every case will lead to a successful outcome. Brown stains, such as those produced by nicotine, are more difficult to bleach. But they generally respond well to longer bleaching regimens.
People who may not be good candidates for teeth whitening:
Indications
- Generalized staining
- Aging
- Stains from food and drinks
- Smoking
- Overexposure to fluoride (fluorosis)
- Tetracycline stains
- Damaged pulp
Contraindications
- Patients with unrealistic expectations
- Elderly patients with yellow roots and severe gum recession
- Pregnant patients
- Dental caries
- Sensitive teeth
- Cracks and exposed dentin
Methods for Bleaching Teeth
There are two forms of teeth whitening: vital and non-vital. Both techniques use peroxide-based products to change the color of the teeth. The commonly used bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Commercial bleaching products also contain inactive ingredients such as thickeners, carriers, surfactants, preservatives, and flavoring.
Vital whitening techniques
These are the most common methods of bleaching natural teeth. It could take two or more sessions to treat moderately discolored teeth. In addition to in-office bleaching, the dentist may give you home whitening kits, so you can bleach your teeth at your own convenience.
In-office bleaching
In-office whitening, also known as power bleaching, is carried out in the dentist’s office. The dentist will use high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which is often activated by light energy or laser.
The advantage of chair-side bleaching is that you are likely to see a dramatic change after just one session. The procedure typically lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Your dentist may require at least two sessions with one week interval to achieve the maximum effects of the treatment.
At-home, dentist-supervised bleaching
To supplement in-office bleaching, especially if you have severe teeth stains, your dentist will suggest bleaching your teeth at home. At-home whitening kits include custom trays with whitening gels containing 10% to 30% carbamide peroxide.
Gels that contain more than 10% carbamide peroxide have added sodium fluoride to strengthen teeth and minimize sensitivity. Remember that these are professional-grade products and should not be used without your dentist’s supervision.
Over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching
OTC whitening products are more affordable and convenient. These products contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide and are applied to the teeth as strips, gum shields, or paint-on films.
Some products that claim to be a whitening treatment do not really bleach teeth. A whitening product must contain peroxide-based ingredients in order to lighten tooth color. For instance, whitening toothpaste often relies on abrasives such as silica to remove surface stains. Long-term use of these products can damage your teeth.
Non-vital whitening techniques
The methods are used to bleach teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy. The pulp, or the soft inner part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissues, is removed during a root canal procedure. A non-vital tooth is essentially a “dead” tooth, as the nerve is dead or dying and there is no longer any blood flow to it.
Walking bleach technique
This method involves sealing a bleaching mixture inside the pulp chamber of the affected tooth. It is left in the tooth for three to seven days to allow the bleach to work. On your next visit, the dentist will assess if you need further treatment. Once you are satisfied with the result, the bleaching mixture is removed and a permanent filling is placed after a few weeks.
Inside/outside bleaching
This is a combination of internal and external bleaching. Unlike the walking technique, the bleaching agent is not sealed and the pulp chamber is left open. The dentist will show you how to administer the bleaching paste into the open-access chamber. A root canal retreatment may be necessary to prepare the pulp space.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
After a teeth whitening procedure, you’ll want to protect the bright, white sparkle of your teeth. Your pearly whites will accumulate new stains along the way, so you have to be extra mindful about what you eat, your dental hygiene, and routine dentist appointments.
For one to two weeks following the whitening treatment, try to eat more light-colored foods such as chicken, fish, plain yogurt, oatmeals, tofu, bananas, cheese, and white chocolate. Drink clear beverages like coconut water, milk, white wine, and sparkling water.
1. Avoid food and beverages with strong colors:
- Colorful vegetables
- Dark-colored sauces
- Colorful spices
- Dark chocolate
- Artificially-colored candies
- Acidic fruits
- Red meat
- Coffee, red wine, soda, energy drinks
If you can’t quit soda or tea, use straws to minimize the contact between the liquid and your teeth.
- 2. Use products for sensitive teeth.
- 3. Brush your teeth gently using regular toothpaste.
- 4. Use whitening toothpaste once a week to remove surface stains.
- 5. Follow-up with your dentist.
Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of a teeth whitening procedure depends on the severity of the problem, the products being used, the dentist’s location, and the amount of time and materials required to achieve the desired results. Professional teeth whitening is more expensive than other bleaching procedures but is also the most effective. Dentists in the US charge between $600 and $1000 for teeth whitening. Teeth Whitening costs in Turkey at HLC start from 250 $
Teeth Whitening in Turkey at HLC Dental
If you are considering teeth whitening in Turkey, HLC dental is here to help you achieve a whiter, brighter, and healthier smile. We have a team of experienced dentists and technicians who are committed to delivering safe and effective bleaching procedures for all types of stains.
HLC dental offers whitening treatment that is tailored to the type of discoloration you have. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with us if you want to know more about teeth whitening options in Turkey.
Teeth Whitening FAQ
Teeth bleaching is generally safe when applied correctly. The hydrogen peroxide released in the mouth during the procedure is inactivated by saliva. Likewise, any bleaching gel that is swallowed is inactivated by your stomach acids. The hydrogen peroxide that is absorbed in the blood is quickly inactivated by red blood cells.
Existing fillings and restorations such as crowns, bridges, and veneers will not change color. If your natural teeth and restorations match prior to bleaching, they may appear darker after the procedure. Your dentist will suggest if you need to replace your existing restorations to match the color of your bleached teeth.
As with any cosmetic treatment, there is always the possibility of side effects. One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is sensitivity. Gum irritation can also be a problem. These side effects usually resolve without treatment once the bleaching sessions cease.
Note that irreversible tooth damage can occur through improper use of teeth bleaching products. Professional teeth whitening is worth the extra cost and lasts a lot longer than unsupervised bleaching options.
Teeth whitening is not permanent. With proper maintenance, you can keep your teeth white for at least three years. After that, you may need touch-ups or at-home whitening kits to ward off stains.
Both carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are effective bleaching agents. One does not work better than the other. Whitening products with the same amount of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide produce the same results.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster so you only need to wear the tray for a short period of time. In contrast, carbamide peroxide gradually releases hydrogen peroxide when it comes in contact with water. Thus patients can use carbamide peroxide at home for an extended period.
