The rise of teeth whitening:

People who are paying for brighter and whiter teeth are increasing day by day. It is because of the desire to have a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing smile. This desire is fulfilled by teeth whitening. According to research, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures along with other cosmetic dentistry procedures available among men and women today and this is because of its affordability and effective results.

A white, bright, and healthy smile has never been more desired by patients of all ages, especially as the effects of unhealthy eating habits such as the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and soda. This eventually show up as tooth discoloration. There are 2 types of discoloration, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic discoloration is natural and develops with time whereas extrinsic discoloration is actually staining due to smoking, coffee, wine and other materials.

Bleaching your teeth to make them look whiter and brighter is called teeth whitening. It also removes stains caused by smoking and excessive caffeine intake. Peroxide based bleaching agents are used for teeth whitening.  If there is higher percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, it should stay on your teeth for a shorter period of time. Keeping it on longer will dehydrate teeth and increase tooth sensitivity.

Teeth whitening methods include bleaching, sanding down stains, UV light therapy and more.

There are 2 options for teeth whitening

• At-home option
• In-office treatment

At-home option:

This option includes easily available over the counter gel filled trays or strips that can do a fine job in removing stains and lightening. Instructions are given on the pack and all you have to do is place the strip on your teeth and leave it on for the recommended time. These formulations include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, a chemical that contains hydrogen peroxide. The function is to break down molecules that cause discoloration caused by coffee, tea, red wine and smoking.

In-office treatment:

This is professional teeth whitening that can give you long lasting results in a shorter time span. In just few visits, you can achieve a beautiful and bright smile. In this treatment, higher concentration of active ingredients is used for better results. Sometimes laser therapy is also included in the session.

Benefits of teeth whitening: 

• Teeth whitening improves appearance of your teeth.
• It boosts self esteem that positively impacts all aspects of our life
• It can make you look youthful and vibrant.
• It helps boost your confidence level by providing a good look.
• It reduces gum diseases by removing plaque.

Risks of teeth whitening:

•  Most common side effect is tooth sensitivity, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Whitening products can temporarily or permanently damage the enamel which causes sensitivity.
• Gum irritation is the most common side effect of whitening kits used at home.
• The bleaching agents present in these products can irritate the gums and cause discomfort.
• teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Damage to enamel can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth

Precautions: 

Before opting for teeth whitening treatments, one must consult dentist to find the best approach for your specific needs. Its important to know the risks and benefits as well. Your dentist can also guide about alternative methods or some natural home remedies for teeth brightening. make sure that you follow instructions carefully and avoid using products excessively to prevent damaging tooth enamel. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene habits can help prolong the effects of teeth whitening treatments.

Post treatment care: 

It is important to take care of your teeth after the procedure to maintain its brightness. It’s better to avoid consuming any food or drinks that can cause staining for at least 48 hours after the treatment. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables. Using sensitivity toothpaste can help alleviate any discomfort or sensitivity in your teeth.

In addition to good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups to ensure the overall health of your teeth and gums. By following these post-treatment care steps, you can enjoy a brighter smile for months to come.

Additionally, for those seeking professional care, we welcome you to our clinic in Istanbul for expert teeth whitening services. Your brighter, healthier smile awaits!