TEETH WHİTENİNG

A healthy smile is a white smile. Unfortunately our beloved foods and beverages can
damage, stain and discolour our natural teeth. The enamel on our teeth is porous and
susceptible to acids and staining. Oranges, tomatoes, some berries, sports drinks, soft
drinks, wine and candies contain acids that can wear away at our enamel. The protective
layer on the outside of our teeth. Acids strip our enamel and staining chemicals are free to
discolour teeth. Even when we take these things out of our diets, our teeth remain stained
and discoloured. Despite our best oral hygiene habits, we can’t seem to improve the
whiteness of our teeth. Professional teeth whitening could be the answer you’re looking for,
with immediate and gradual results. After our professional teeth whitening treatment, patients
have an improved whiter smile. Over the next week, patients can also experience further,
gradual whitening.

Am I suitable for laser teeth whitening?

The daily consumption of staining discolouring foods and beverages like tea and coffee can
leave us insecure about our smile. If this sounds like you, you could benefit from professional
teeth whitening. 

Tooth whitening is suitable for patients without crowns, veneers, fillings and root treatments
on their front teeth. Calcium deposits should also be addressed before treatment as the
whitening process can highlight these areas, although usually settle in a few weeks. If you
have gum disease or receding gums, whitening treatment is also not advised.

How does professional teeth whitening differ from at-home teeth whitening?

Home-whitening kits and whitening strips contain a few different bleaching chemicals such
as: Chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide. Usually
these chemicals are between 10%-15% concentration to avoid sensitivity. Whitening
toothpastes can contain these chemicals and/or contain abrasive materials designed to
damage the top layer of enamel. 

Clinics in the European Union are only able to provide teeth whitening solutions with up to
6% bleaching concentration. Here at Dentares Smile Clinic, in Turkey, we are able to use a
powerful 30-40% bleaching solution to tackle the heaviest of stains.

What is the teeth whitening process?

Patients receive a free panoramic x-ray for the doctor to firstly screen for any dental decay or
infection of the gum and or teeth. Previous root treatments and fillings are able to be seen on
the x-ray. Provided the patient’s oral status is good health, the doctor can start preparations
for the bleaching. 

Patients will have a descale of their front and lateral incisors, canines and premolars.
Bacteria, plaque and tartar build-up is removed. The teeth are then polished. A thin line of
protective gel is carefully set in place on the gum line. A drop of whitening chemical is then
placed on each tooth. The patient is now prepared to receive laser treatment. The patient
wears ultra-high UV protective glasses and the doctor aligns a blue light at an appropriate
distance from the mouth and a timer is set. The light is set and the patient remains still for the
remainder of the treatment. Whitening time can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Once
the time is up, the doctor turns off and removes the light. The bleaching chemical is then
cleaned from the tooth and the protective gel removed from the gum line. The treatment is
complete.

Patients will experience hyper-sensitivity for the remainder of the day and will gradually
decrease over the week. This is normal.

What is the after-care advice for teeth whitening?

Patients that have had professional teeth whitening at the clinic can expect hyper-sensitivity
for about a week and should avoid hot and cold foods and beverages. Drinking with a straw
is recommended to avoid direct contact with liquids. A sudden inhale can induce sensitivity,
so nasal breathing is advised.

The bleaching chemical opens the enamel therefore, susceptible to staining & discolouring
foods and beverages. So it is highly advised to avoid drinking coffee, tea, orange juice, wine
and acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries and curries for the next 7 days.

Can I whiten my crowns/veneers?

Bleaching chemicals only affect the natural enamel so it’s not advised for those with
crowns/veneers. Smile makeover patients that will have Emax crowns/veneers can consider
teeth whitening treatment to enhance a naturally white smile. Emax is translucent and so the
colour of natural teeth will be observed after treatment, so teeth whitening can be advised in
most emax smile makeover cases.

How much whiter can my smile go?

Patients can expect to see an improvement of multiple shades of white. However, the
amount of whitening can depend on the patients’ original condition. Factors include:
 Years of smoking
 Continuing to smoke after treatment
 Original enamel condition
 Current and post-treatment diet of acidic and staining foods/beverages. 

How long does laser whitening last?

Professional teeth whitening can last from 6 months to 2 years depending on the patient.
Steering clear of acidic & staining foods and beverages as a sure way to preserve the effects
of teeth whitening.

How many times can I get laser whitening treatment?

Patients are often pleased to see the effects of professional teeth whitening and wonder
when they can get the treatment again. Due to the corrosive nature of teeth bleaching and
enamel repair, it is advised to have teeth whitening once in a year. Repeated treatments can
lead to long-term hypersensitivity. A smile makeover is a great option for people looking for a
permanent whitening solution and correcting minor positional issues.