How Are Teeth Whitened?
Teeth Whitening is the process of removing colored organic and inorganic substances formed in the porous enamel structure on the surface of the teeth with tooth whitening gels.
Why Teeth Whitening
In modern societies, people care about the appearance of their teeth, and shape and color disorders in the teeth can cause psychological disorders in the person. With the development of aesthetic and restorative materials in dentistry, many color, shape and position disorders can be easily resolved. Whitening of stained teeth (bleaching) is more economical, easier and effortless compared to other restorative methods.
TOOTH WHITENING
What is Bleaching (Teeth Whitening) and how is it done?
Bleaching is the process of removing discolorations in the structure of the teeth (enamel and dentin layer). There are currently two different whitening methods known. The first of these is a method that the patient can apply on his own, the stages are as follows:
- The physician takes oral measurements and prepares thin rubber molds that you can put on your teeth,
- The patient puts medicine into a special mold prepared for him/her. placing this mold on the teeth to be whitened for at least 6 - 8 hours a day (preferably while sleeping),
- Termination of the treatment within an average of 1 - 4 weeks.
The second method is in the clinic. It is whitening performed by a physician and is applied as follows:
- The bleaching medication is placed on the tooth by a physician who has experience in this process.
- A certain white light source is placed on the relevant tooth. The time is kept.
- The result is observed immediately when the procedure is completed.
Although both methods are effective, the choice depends on the degree of discoloration, how quickly the treatment is desired to be terminated, and the opinion of the physician.
Why do unwanted stains occur on teeth?
There may be many reasons for this. The most common ones are; old age, consumption of substances that stain teeth (coffee, tea, cola, cigarettes, etc.), traumas, old dentures, coatings, fillings. Antibiotic (tetracycline) used during the formation of teeth Excessive fluoride consumption may also cause discoloration in the teeth.
This may be due to the structure of the tooth, or it may be caused by staining of the tooth, antibiotics or fluoride taken during the developmental period, old age, or a blow to the tooth.
To whom can Bleaching be applied?
Almost everyone! However, there are some situations where treatment may not be effective. Your dentist will determine whether the teeth are suitable for this procedure through a complete oral examination and diagnosis. If your teeth are healthy, it is an ideal solution for a whiter and natural smile.
Is the Bleaching process difficult and troublesome?
No! Thanks to advances in oral health technology, your teeth can be whitened safely and effectively in a very short time.
Is it safe?
Yes! According to research, teeth whitening is extremely effective and safe if done under the supervision of your dentist. Teeth and gums are not damaged in any way.
How long does the application take?
Generally, whitening begins with the first application. However, to achieve the ideal appearance, the application must continue for 10 - 14 days.
Do the teeth return to their previous state after whitening?
Teeth always look better than before. It will be whiter. However, depending on the patients' habits and oral care, reinforcement treatment may be required once or twice a year.
In summary, what is important for this treatment to be successful?
- Brand and content of the drug used
- Being under the treatment of a physician experienced in this field
- How the drug is used and duration of treatment
During treatment What will I have to endure?
If you smoke, you should not smoke while the rubber mold is in your mouth (valid for home bleaching). Slight cold and hot sensitivity will disappear after the treatment is completed. .
Bleaching Methods
Teeth whitening (bleaching) methods are three main. are grouped:
- Chemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)
- Photothermal Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)
- Photochemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)
Chemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)
In this technique, tooth whitening gel is applied to the teeth with the help of specially made dental molds. However, it should not be forgotten that the chemical teeth whitening technique may have some negative effects on tooth enamel. These chemicals, which can also be sold among various cosmetic products, must be used under the supervision of a dentist.
Photothermal Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)
In this method, some special gel is used. is used. However, unlike the previous method, it is applied with the help of a special high-energy beam. The light source may consist of a series of LED or a diode-laser. Again, since this method may have possible negative effects, it must be done under the supervision of a dentist.
Photochemical Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)
In this teeth whitening method, the whitening gel is a UV- The lamp is activated using (blue light)or aKTP laser (green light). The feature that distinguishes this method from others is that the light source used also has a tooth whitening effect (photo oxidation). This application provides deeper whitening on the teeth. When using UV-Light, the surrounding tissues (lips, gums, tongue, etc.) should be well protected against possible burn injuries. There is no risk of burning when using the KTP laser, but the gums must be protected against leaks of the whitening gel (gingiva block). Another great advantage of whitening with KTPlaser is; As a result of extensive scientific research, no side effects on tooth enamel have been observed. Applying fluoride after the teeth whitening process strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay.
What is laser and how is it obtained?
Lasers are monochromatic, flat, intense, They are devices that produce single-phase monochromic light. It can be colored or colorless. Visibility is related to wavelength. This wavelength and power determine its field of use in medicine.
With the help of laser, electromagnetic waves are strengthened and aligned. Like this, A high-energy light beam that has a cutting and burning effect is obtained in the area to be treated.
The areas of use of lasers vary depending on the wavelengths they have.
At different wavelengths, all tissues have different absorption rates. they have . Therefore, laser selection depends on the procedure to be performed. For example, the KTP laser has a wavelength of 532nm. KTP laser beam is very suitable for small and sensitive surgical procedures as it can be absorbed by hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin at high rates.
Working principle of the laser:
The energy obtained by emitting external light, passing electric current, or by chemical means reaches the atoms in the environment. Some of them absorb this energy. Excess energy makes atoms unstable. An excited and unstable atom that is struck by a photon gives up excess energy by emitting a photon. Photons cause other photons to be emitted in a similar manner. With excitations, the photons in the environment increase even more. When almost all atoms start emitting photons, a beam of light is formed that becomes stronger. This is a laser beam. Laser beams have the characteristics of sunlight because they are high frequency. However, laser beams are single frequency.
How long do whitened teeth remain white?
Those whitened with different teeth whitening (bleaching) methods Teeth remain white for a few years. But this period varies from person to person. Eating and drinking habits, smoking and brushing habits affect how long teeth stay white.
It should not be forgotten that bleaching may not always provide the whiteness you want. The whitening rate depends on the tone of your teeth before the whitening process and varies from person to person. That's why you should discuss your expectations with your dentist in advance.
Although teeth whitening or bleaching is a procedure widely applied in general dentistry, it is actually the field of Aesthetic/Cosmetic Dentistry. Many people find a smile with white teeth very attractive. In general, baby teeth are whiter than adult teeth. As a person ages, the color of his teeth becomes darker over time. This darkening is caused by the change in the mineral structure of tooth enamel. teeth It may also be exposed to discoloration caused by bacterial pigments and tobacco use.
Since white teeth are associated with youth, they are highly desired by people who want to have an aesthetic appearance. However, we should point out that exaggerated whiteness may not be aesthetic in most cases. The natural tone that suits your face and mouth structure will always be more aesthetic.
Read: 0
