Most of us have the same complaint; Although we brush our teeth frequently, their color is not as white as we would like! It is the process of whitening teeth by removing the discoloration or stains on living and dead teeth.
Reasons for dark teeth
- Excessive consumption of coffee, tea, cola drinks,
- The use of tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars,
- Depending on age,
- Old restorations in teeth and teeth with root canal treatment,
- Taking Tetracycline-like antibiotics, which were used frequently in the past, during the growth and development of teeth,
- Excess fluoride intake
- Loss of vitality of the dental nerve due to any impact or clenching teeth for many years can be counted as the most important reason. There are many methods to whiten teeth, from whitening toothpaste to laser technology. The application of peroxide substances achieves the best whitening, and the application should be made by a dentist or under his control. The process using Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide is called Bleaching.
How is teeth whitening done?
The procedure can be performed in a clinical setting or at home, in two ways that the patient can apply:
Teeth whitening method applied in the clinic:
With the consent of the patient, the color of the natural teeth in your mouth is determined. This determination is essential in terms of monitoring how white the teeth are after the treatment is finished.
The tooth whitening drug is applied to the teeth by the dentist and hardened by irradiation for 15 minutes with the help of a unique tool. This process is repeated three times.
Since the peroxide ratios of the bleaching agents used in the bleaching process performed during the examination are higher, the Bleaching is faster, and the permanence is longer.
At-home teeth whitening method:
At-home teeth whitening is performed using bleaching agents with a lower percentage of Carbamide Peroxide.
In the patient’s first visit, the color is determined again, the teeth are measured, and a special plaque is prepared.
In the patient’s second visit, the prepared plaque and tubes containing the whitening agent are given to the patient, and he is told how to apply them to his teeth. The patient uses the drug by the dentist’s recommendations, two times a day for two weeks or only at night for 1-2 weeks while sleeping. With weekly controls, the progress of the treatment is monitored, and necessary changes are made.
The dentist and the patient should decide together which method will be applied to the patient.
How successful is teeth whitening?
It is much more comfortable to lighten teeth, especially tea, coffee, cigarette, and age-related discoloration. Studies show that 96% of such patients are satisfied with the procedure. However, it cannot obtain outstanding results in colorations due to drugs or excessive fluoride.
The primary colors of the teeth also affect success. For example, if the primary color of the teeth is yellow, whitening is more successful. Brown-colored teeth whiten less, while gray-colored teeth rarely whiten.
The teeth whitening process does not affect the colors of the old fillings and coatings in the mouth.
How long does the whiteness last after the teeth are whitened?
Depending on the factors that vary from person to person, the whiteness of the teeth continues between 3 months and 3-4 years.
People who have more cigarette, tea, and coffee habits have a shorter lifespan of the whiteness gained. Color can return 30-40%. In other individuals, the life of the whiteness lasts longer; the recycling of the stain remains at 10-20%.
Repeating the process once every six months or a year before the teeth return to their old colors ensures longer-lasting whitening, shortens the duration of the second whitening and is economically advantageous.
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What side effects can teeth whitening have?
Medicines used for whitening may cause hot-cold sensitivity in the teeth during treatment. This sensitivity will usually pass within 1-2 weeks after the end of treatment.
Temporary complaints such as discoloration or burning in the gums may occur due to the contact of the whitening drug with the gums.
During home treatment, the patient’s application of the whitening gel for more than the recommended time may cause abrasions on the tooth enamel.
Should keep In-home Bleaching, the syringes containing the bleaching gel out of reach of children and pet friends at home.
During the 1.5-2 weeks after the treatment, other treatments such as filling and coating should not be applied to the teeth that have been whitened. Because the effect of the whitening drug continues, the retention of these restorations will be less.
There is no bleaching process for pregnant women and milk teeth.
Teeth Whitening Cost
The cost of teeth whitening can vary quite significantly from product to product, procedure to procedure.
Professional, in-office teeth whitening is the most expensive option, with a national average of $650 per visit (pricing can vary between $500 to $1,000). However, it does have the benefit of being performed by an experienced dental professional, helping to ensure that you get the sort of results you’re looking for.
Spectrums are over-the-counter strips and trays at the other end of the cost that you can buy at your local pharmacy or grocery store. These products can range from $20 to $100, making them an attractive option for those looking for a bit of smile enhancement without the higher cost of professionally administered whitening. However, it’s essential to remember that results can vary drastically when using these cheaper, low-concentration peroxide whiteners.
If you’re looking for a middle-ground between professional whitening and over-the-counter products, you might be a good candidate for professionally dispensed take-home kits. Prescribed by a dentist, these kits range in cost from $100 to $400 and can potentially deliver results similar to those you’d get in-office at the hands of a dentist.