Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening (Bleaching): What You Need to Know for a Bright, Healthy and Attractive Smile

Our smile is one of our strongest expressions in social communication. Over time, however, the foods we consume, ageing or genetic factors can cause teeth to lose their natural whiteness and turn yellow. Teeth whitening (bleaching), one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry, removes discolorations that have penetrated the enamel and dentin layers by means of special gels and lightens the natural color of the tooth by several shades.

Are Tartar Cleaning and Teeth Whitening the Same Thing?

These two procedures are often confused, but they are completely different. Tartar cleaning (scaling) is the mechanical removal of plaque, tartar and surface stains attached to the tooth surface; it does not lighten the tooth's own color. Bleaching, on the other hand, uses special chemical agents (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to break down the dark-colored molecules in the inner structure of the tooth through oxygenation and lighten the tooth's base color. For successful whitening, tartar cleaning must always be done beforehand.

What Are the Teeth Whitening Methods?

Today, teeth whitening is applied in two main ways, depending on the patient's needs and the degree of discoloration:

1. In-Office Whitening (Fast Results in the Clinic): This is the fastest and most effective method, performed by the dentist in the clinic. After the gums are covered with a special protective barrier, a high-concentration whitening gel is applied to the tooth surfaces. The gel is activated with a laser or special light sources to speed up its effect. A clear lightening of the tooth color is achieved in a single session (two sessions if necessary) lasting about 45-60 minutes.

2. At-Home Whitening (With Custom Trays): The dentist takes an impression of the patient's mouth and prepares custom-made clear trays. The patient squeezes the lower-concentration whitening gel provided by the dentist into these trays and wears them for about 4-6 hours a day (usually overnight while sleeping). Reaching the desired whiteness generally takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Note: The most effective and lasting results are generally achieved with "Combined Whitening", in which in-office and at-home whitening are used together.

Is the Whitening Process Harmful?

One of the things patients wonder about most is whether the tooth enamel will be damaged. Professional whitening performed under the supervision of a specialist dentist, using gels at the right concentration, does no harm to the tooth enamel or the structure of the tooth. Uncontrolled products sold on the market or online, however, can cause permanent scratches and wear on the enamel.

It is perfectly normal to experience temporary sensitivity (to hot and cold) in the teeth during or after the procedure, and this usually disappears on its own within 24 to 48 hours.

How Long Does the Effect of Whitening Last?

The durability of teeth whitening varies from person to person. For the first two weeks after the procedure, it is very important to avoid staining foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and sour cherry juice, as well as tobacco products. Depending on oral hygiene and staining habits, the whiteness achieved lasts between 1 and 3 years. When necessary, this period can be extended considerably with small at-home touch-ups every 6 months.

The Right Address for Teeth Whitening in Ankara

If you want a brighter, younger and more confident smile, trusting professionals is the right step for your oral health. In teeth whitening in Ankara, we carry out a detailed examination and determine the whitening protocol best suited to your teeth. At Klinik 99 Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we look forward to welcoming you to make your smile shine again with modern technology and safe, effective gels. You can contact us for detailed information and an examination appointment.

Klinik 99 Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic Address: Güvenevler, Güvenlik Cd. No: 99 A-B, 06690 Çankaya/Ankara Phone: 0540 640 6006

Highlights of This Service

• Fast results
• Safe procedure
• Lasting effect
• Painless application