Things to Consider After Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening stands out as one of the most preferred procedures in aesthetic dentistry. Over time, the color of the teeth may naturally darken due to plaque that forms on the teeth, consumed food and drinks, and even smoking. Teeth whitening is a procedure performed to restore the natural color of the teeth and obtain a whiter, brighter smile. In addition to the aesthetic appearance, this procedure helps people beautify their smile by increasing their self-confidence. Modern dentistry offers a variety of methods for teeth whitening, providing a suitable solution for every individual.
How is whitening done?
Teeth whitening is an aesthetic treatment method used to lighten the natural color of the teeth and remove stains. This procedure aims to obtain a brighter and whiter smile by reducing plaque, stains and yellowing accumulated on the teeth. Teeth whitening can be done by a professional dentist or by some methods that can be applied at home. Although both methods are effective, the materials used and the application process may differ.
1. Professional Teeth Whitening Methods
Professional teeth whitening is a procedure performed under the supervision of a dentist and usually produces faster results. Dentists can whiten your teeth more safely and effectively by using strong bleaches for whitening. Some whitening methods;
a. Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is a technique that uses a special laser beam to whiten your teeth. The laser beam interacts with the whitening gel applied to your teeth and allows the gel to penetrate deeper into the teeth. This method gives you very fast results and is usually completed within an hour.
b. Office Type Teeth Whitening
Office whitening is a whitening process performed by dentists in a clinical setting. A whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated by a UV light or a special light source. This process usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour and allows you to achieve effective results. After the whitening process, you can have teeth a few shades whiter.
c. Whitening Gels and Trailers
Another whitening method performed by the dentist is to use whitening cups specially prepared for the teeth. These cups are designed to fit your teeth perfectly and whitening gel is applied to them. This gel acts on the teeth for a certain period of time, usually several hours. It is usually worn before going to bed at night and removed in the morning.
2. Teeth Whitening Methods at Home
Home teeth whitening methods can usually be used with the recommendation of the dentist. These methods generally use less powerful whiteners and can be easily applied at home. However, results may be slower and more limited compared to professional methods.
a. Home Whitening Kits
Home teeth whitening kits consist of whitening products recommended by a dentist and sold in pharmacies. These kits usually include whitening gel and specially designed trays to apply to the teeth. Whitening gel is placed in these trays and attached to the teeth. Using the kit can usually take a few days or weeks.
b. Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes can help reduce stains and yellowing on your teeth. These pastes remove external stains from teeth while gently cleaning them. However, these products provide limited effectiveness in whitening tooth enamel and are generally recommended for use with stronger whiteners.
c. Whitening Teeth Tapes and Strips
Whitening teeth strips, strips or pads are often a popular option to apply at home. These strips release a whitening gel when placed on your teeth. It is usually worn for 30 minutes and the treatment period can last several weeks. However, this method does not provide results as quickly as professional treatment.
Things to Consider After Whitening
There are some important points to consider after the teeth whitening process. Precautions to be taken before and after the procedure can increase the permanence, effect and patient comfort of the results.
a. Consult the Dentist
Each individual’s tooth structure is different and teeth whitening may not affect everyone the same way. Before starting the teeth whitening process, it is important to consult a dentist to learn about the suitability of your teeth and the most effective methods. Special whitening methods may be recommended especially for people with sensitive teeth.
b. Avoid Foods and Drinks After Whitening
After the whitening process, your teeth may be more sensitive to color changes. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid foods and drinks that can stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine and cola, for the first few days after whitening. Smoking can also cause yellowing of teeth, so smoking should be avoided.
c. Take Care to Protect Your Dental Health
To protect your dental health after whitening, do not forget to brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss. Additionally, if you experience extreme sensitivity in your teeth, you can get appropriate products and treatment recommendations from your dentist.
How to Get Rid of Sensitivity After Whitening
You can take a few simple precautions to reduce sensitivity after teeth whitening. First, using toothpastes designed specifically for sensitivity can provide relief by soothing dental nerves. Avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and drinks also helps prevent sensitivity.
Choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth allows you to clean without damaging tooth enamel. You can also strengthen your teeth by using a mouthwash containing fluoride. If the sensitivity does not decrease within a few days or the discomfort increases, it is recommended that you consult your dentist and get professional support.
Teeth Whitening Prices
Teeth whitening prices may vary depending on the method used, the clinic where the treatment is performed and the needs of the patient. Professional whitening procedures, usually in-office treatments with lasers or special gels, may be more costly than at-home whitening kits.
In addition, the city where the clinic is located, the quality of the technology used and the experience of the physician are among the important factors affecting the prices. The scope of the treatment, such as requiring multiple sessions rather than a single session, may increase the total cost. However, since teeth whitening is an aesthetic investment, the long-term benefits it provides by increasing the person’s self-confidence and satisfaction should be taken into consideration.
