Dentist
Can Altuğ Kaya
Practicing aesthetic dentistry, laser-assisted dentistry and implant-supported prostheses in Alsancak, İzmir. Founding dentist of Dentorion Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
- Born
- 1962 · Zara
- Graduated
- 1984 · Ege University
For many years, the whiteness of their teeth has been people's greatest concern about their smile. Research shows that 7% of people avoid smiling just so their teeth won't show. The quest for whiter teeth started with baking soda and went as far as porcelain and grinding procedures that seriously damage tooth enamel. Yet the search for a lasting whitening method that does not harm the teeth never ended. The biggest step in this search was the development of teeth whitening gels.
İçindekiler
- Laser Use in Teeth Whitening
- I have no dental problems, but I would like whiter teeth. Is that possible?
- How is the at-home whitening gel used while sleeping?
- What is the difference between in-office and at-home whitening?
- Can I do it myself?
- My teeth turned yellow because of tetracycline treatment when I was a child. What results can I expect?
- Which whitening gel should be used?
- Does whitening gel cause sensitivity as a side effect?
- I'm pregnant. Is it safe?
- My teeth are sensitive. Can I have the treatment?
- Does it affect fillings and dentures?
- Can this method also be used by people who have previously had fillings, prostheses or root canal treatment?
- I whitened my teeth with another whitening product, but the color came back. How will water-based teeth whitening gel be applied?
- Will the color come back?
- Does teeth whitening gel have any side effects?
- How many days does treatment take?
- How many shades lighter will my teeth get?
- How long do whitening results last?
- Do whitened teeth show pathological changes in the pulp?
- What factors affect how long the results last?
The main difference between water-based whitening gels and similar products is that they restore the teeth's healthy, natural whiteness in the most lasting way without damaging the enamel. And they do this without inconvenience for the patient, either in the clinic in 1 hour or at home while sleeping, within a short period of about 3–6 days on average.
Water-based whitening gels keep the enamel from drying out and so prevent cracks. Because fluids and foods trapped in the gaps of the teeth cause discoloration, oral hygiene must be maintained after whitening and the dietary habits that cause staining should be adjusted under your dentist's guidance. This keeps the whiteness lasting.
Laser Use in Teeth Whitening
With a diode laser, effective whitening can be achieved with only a very small risk of sensitivity, as the laser activates the applied gel without heating the tooth.
I have no dental problems, but I would like whiter teeth. Is that possible?
Yes, it is possible...
How is the at-home whitening gel used while sleeping?
The whitening gel is placed in a custom-made vinyl tray.
Before going to bed, after brushing their teeth, the person places the vinyl tray in their mouth and wears it for 2–6 hours. Used this way, except in tetracycline cases, it is possible to achieve bright white teeth either in 1 hour at the clinic or in 3–6 days at home.
What is the difference between in-office and at-home whitening?
In-office whitening is performed by the dentist and gives results in a shorter time.
Can I do it myself?
To whiten your teeth with a whitening gel, your dentist must first examine you in the clinic and treat any decayed teeth or teeth with cracked enamel. You will then need a vinyl tray custom-made for your mouth. Once the tray is ready, the person who wants whiter teeth applies the gel at bedtime. However, dental supervision during this process is essential.
My teeth turned yellow because of tetracycline treatment when I was a child. What results can I expect?
Tetracycline stains can also be whitened with whitening gel. However, treatment takes a little longer in these cases and is completed in about 14 days on average.
Which whitening gel should be used?
Thanks to their water content, water-based whitening gels do not cause tooth sensitivity, do not dry out the enamel and cause cracks, and the whiteness they create is natural and lasting because water replaces the staining agents. Provided, of course, that you maintain good oral hygiene and change dietary habits involving staining foods...
Does whitening gel cause sensitivity as a side effect?
Whitening gel has no known side effects. In 2% of cases, temporary sensitivity may occur that will not stop you from having cold or hot drinks; if you let your dentist know, it will end immediately with a Flor-Opal application that takes a minute or two.
I'm pregnant. Is it safe?
Although no cases have been reported, under the general principle of avoiding medication during pregnancy, it is best to postpone the treatment until after pregnancy.
My teeth are sensitive. Can I have the treatment?
In this case, teeth whitening before applying the gel, fluoride is applied for as long as your dentist deems necessary to relieve the sensitivity, after which whitening can begin. In some cases, sensitivity may be caused by gum recession due to hard brushing. These areas can be isolated by the dentist and the treatment can continue.
Does it affect fillings and dentures?
Teeth whitening gel has no positive or negative effect on existing fillings or prostheses in the mouth. However, if there are decayed teeth or loose fillings in the mouth, these must be fixed before treatment. Since teeth whitening gel only works on tooth enamel, fillings and crowns in the mouth will not be whitened.
Can this method also be used by people who have previously had fillings, prostheses or root canal treatment?
Teeth whitening gel has no positive or negative effect on existing fillings or prostheses in the mouth. However, if there are decayed teeth or loose fillings, they must be fixed before treatment. Since teeth whitening gel only works on tooth enamel, fillings and crowns will not be whitened.
I whitened my teeth with another whitening product, but the color came back. How will water-based teeth whitening gel be applied?
If you have used another whitening product, be sure to tell your dentist. Because other whitening agents dehydrate the enamel, you will need a day or two of prior treatment with Flor-Opal to minimize the damage to your enamel.
Will the color come back?
According to a study by Hacettepe University on teeth whitening gel, no color relapse was found in check-ups two years after whitening.
Does teeth whitening gel have any side effects?
No side effects have been observed to date in patients treated with water-based teeth whitening gel. At the end of a 6-day treatment, its effect on your teeth is less than that of a glass of cola. Very rarely, there may be mild sensitivity that does not prevent you from drinking a hot cup of tea or a cold drink; another advantage is that this is a simple issue your dentist can resolve right away. That is why it is used safely all over the world. However, under the general principle of avoiding medication during pregnancy, experts recommend postponing the treatment until after pregnancy.
How many days does treatment take?
For in-clinic laser whitening, two separate sessions of 15 minutes each are sufficient. For home bleaching, the treatment time is statistically 3–6 days, and 14 days for tetracycline staining. For very dark teeth and tetracycline discoloration, in-clinic treatment and home bleaching can be combined.
How many shades lighter will my teeth get?
Depending on the severity of the discoloration and the response to the whitening gel, results are often much better, but teeth will become at least 2 shades lighter.
How long do whitening results last?
A study by Hacettepe University Faculty of Dentistry, one of Turkey's leading universities, reported no relapse in cases followed for 2 years. In addition, John BAILEY of Ohio University stated that although no color relapse is expected, it is beneficial for patients to change dietary habits that cause tooth staining, even if extrinsic.
Do whitened teeth show pathological changes in the pulp?
In a study published in JADA in October 1994 and reported to have been carried out with teeth whitening gel, teeth were followed for 60 days (authors' note: if chemical or physical trauma occurs in a tooth, symptoms appear within 30–60 days), and no difference was observed in pulpal responses before and after bleaching.
The authors also point out that the study was carried out with a whitening gel containing 20% water, and remind that different pulpal reactions may occur due to dehydration when other, water-free materials are used.
What factors affect how long the results last?
Because whitening with this gel involves no heat or acid, the method is atraumatic, so the fluoride-rich, best-mineralized surface enamel is preserved. The preservation of the surface enamel, and the pure water in the gel's chemistry replacing the colored fluid drawn out of the interprismatic area and thereby preventing the penetration of oral fluids, are the factors that prevent relapse.