Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the color of human teeth. It is generally performed when teeth become discolored for various reasons. Whitening can be achieved by changing the intrinsic or extrinsic color of the enamel. While daily brushing and oral care can contribute to whitening, professional treatments are more effective.

At our clinic, whitening can be done with laser-assisted sessions lasting 1–2 hours, or at home using a whitening kit prepared specifically for you. Daily habits such as coffee, tea, and smoking can cause discoloration of teeth, which is why many people are dissatisfied with their smile. Whitening helps patients regain confidence and satisfaction with their smile.

Types of Teeth Whitening

There are five methods of whitening:

Home Whitening
Office Whitening (in-clinic)
Single-Tooth Whitening (internal bleaching)
Combined Whitening (both home and office treatments)
Biological Whitening (in-clinic)

Which Whitening Method is Suitable for Me?

If your teeth are already close to white and you want to lighten them by a few shades, home whitening or laser whitening may be sufficient.
If teeth are heavily stained by smoking, coffee, or tea, combined whitening is often the most effective method.
A clinical examination is necessary to determine the most suitable whitening option for you.

Home Whitening

Custom trays are prepared after taking impressions of the patient’s mouth.
Whitening gel (10–15% carbamide peroxide) is placed into the trays.
The trays are worn for 4–6 hours daily over a treatment period of 10–15 days.

Important Note: Do not overfill the trays with gel. Excess gel may irritate gums. If irritation occurs, rinse immediately and apply vitamin E cream. Always consult your dentist in such cases.

Office Whitening (Laser Whitening)

Performed in a dental clinic, suitable for patients with limited time.
Shorter treatment duration with the same results.
Whitening gel is applied to teeth and activated by UV light or laser.
Average procedure time: about 1 hour.

Combined Whitening

A combination of in-clinic (office) whitening and at-home treatment.
After the office procedure, whitening is supported with home trays for 2–3 days.

Biological Whitening

Provides whitening while simultaneously repairing enamel, reducing the risk of sensitivity.
Works by using nano-hydroxyapatite crystals in the whitening gel, which fill micro-cracks and pores in enamel.
As a result, sensitivity during and after treatment is minimal.
Especially recommended for patients who already experience dental sensitivity.

Whitening for a Single Tooth (Internal Bleaching)

Applied to teeth discolored after root canal treatment.
The filling is removed, whitening gel is placed inside the tooth, and the cavity is sealed with a temporary filling.
Sessions are repeated until the desired shade is achieved.

Possible Side Effects

Whitening may cause temporary sensitivity to air, hot or cold foods and drinks.
This sensitivity usually disappears within 24–48 hours.
If any unexpected reaction occurs, consult your dentist immediately.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Natural physiological discoloration over time
Amalgam fillings
Use of antibiotics during childhood
Discoloration from root canal treatments
Surface stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, or long-term mouthwash use
Trauma leading to bleeding within the tooth

Duration & Effectiveness

Average whitening treatment takes 2–3 weeks.
Teeth with yellow discoloration respond better than those with grayish tones (such as tetracycline stains), which require longer treatment.
Whitening results last 6–12 months, depending on lifestyle habits.
Touch-up sessions every 4–6 months can help maintain results.

Post-Treatment Care

For at least two weeks after whitening, avoid tea, coffee, red wine, colored drinks, acidic beverages, and smoking.
Poor compliance can reduce the effectiveness of whitening.
Whitening trays must be cleaned with mild soap and water, rinsed thoroughly, and stored dry in their case.

Does Whitening Damage Teeth?

When performed under dentist supervision, teeth whitening does not damage teeth. Otherwise, we would not recommend it for our patients.