Whitening treatment is the process of lightening the existing color of the teeth. After whitening treatment, teeth look more hygienic, cleaner, and healthier. This can make people appear younger and can easily boost their confidence.

Staining that occurs on teeth is one of the major obstacles to achieving an aesthetic appearance. Staining is divided into two main groups: extrinsic (external) staining and intrinsic (internal) staining.

The following factors can lead to extrinsic (external) staining:

Poor oral hygiene, plaque, tartar, bleeding gums, agents with staining properties such as coffee, tea, cola, tobacco products, bacteria and fungi, frequent use of chlorhexidine and similar mouthwashes, antibiotics such as erythromycin and amoxicillin, and iron supplements.

Intrinsic (internal) staining, on the other hand, may develop due to systemic factors such as genetic diseases, hematological diseases, liver and kidney diseases, or local factors including dental tissues and dental treatments.

The most important advantage of teeth whitening treatment is that it allows the removal of some discolorations on the teeth without any invasive procedure.

Teeth whitening can be applied as home bleaching, which is applied by the patient at home under the control of the dentist, or as office bleaching, which is applied in an office environment by the dentist.

In office-bleaching procedures that are performed under the supervision and control of a dentist, it is possible to use stronger whitening agents. This allows for noticeable results to be achieved even in a single session.

Before teeth whitening, existing tartar must be cleaned to obtain more effective results.

When the decision is made to start the treatment of the patient, the first step is to place a retractor in the patient’s mouth to keep the soft tissues as far away from the teeth as possible. The gums are covered with a barrier to protect them from damage. Then, a whitening agent (gel) is applied onto the teeth by the dentist. A special light source, such as a laser or LED light, is used to activate the gel.

Office bleaching procedures typically last for 2 or 3 sessions.

For Home bleaching applications, the first step is to take an impression of the patient’s mouth to prepare a transparent plate for the patient. The whitening agent is then placed onto the prepared transparent plate according to the dentist’s instructions to the patient and used accordingly.

The longevity of whitening treatment can vary from person to person. However, in patients, who take proper care, the effect can last for 1-2 years.