A bright white smile is often perceived as the epitome of health, beauty and self-confidence. Many people resort to methods of tooth whitening because their teeth become discolored over time. Therefore, in this blog post, we would like to introduce the most common bleaching methods and give an overview of their advantages.
Professional teeth whitening at the dentist
In-office bleaching
- First, the dentist covers the gums with a protective gel or splint to protect them from the bleaching agent.
- After that, a whitening agent gel, which usually contains hydrogen peroxide, is applied to the teeth.
- Moreover, the expert activates the bleaching gel by special UV or LED lamps, which increases the effect.
- Then after about 30 to 60 minutes, the teeth are visibly whiter.
- Instantly whiter teeth after just one session.
- The procedure lightens the tooth color by several levels.
- A professional supervises the procedure, which increases safety.
- The procedure is expensive, one session can cost several hundred euros.
- Possible side effects for the oral health such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
- The results are not permanent and must be repeated after a few months or years.
Professional home bleaching
Home bleaching is supervised by the dentist, but it is done at home. Additionally, the dentist provides individually adapted dental splints and the appropriate bleaching gel.
- The dentist makes an impression of the teeth, on the basis of which a custom-fit splint is made.
- The patient applies the bleaching gel to the splint and wears it according to the dentist’s instructions. Usually for several hours a day or overnight.
- In conclusion, home bleaching usually takes several days to weeks.
- Individually adapted splints ensure even whitening.
- You can carry out this dental care treatment out comfortably at home.
- Less invasive and harmful to the gums compared to in-office bleaching.
- The results are not immediately visible, but only after several applications.
- The effort is greater because the splints have to be worn regularly.
- Costs can also be in the mid to high three-digit range.
Internal bleaching
This method is used when individual teeth have become darker, for example after root canal treatment. In other words, the expert introduces the bleaching agent directly into the tooth.
- The dentist drills open the tooth and places the bleaching agent inside the tooth.
- After a few days, the agent is removed and the tooth is sealed.
- Specifically suitable for individual, heavily discolored teeth.
- Effective method for whitening heavily discolored teeth.
- Only applicable to dead or root-treated teeth.
- The procedure is invasive and requires several visits to the dentist.
Teeth whitening for home use
Whitening strips
- The patient applies the strips to the teeth for a set amount of time, usually 15 minutes.
- You have to apply the Oral B whitening strips daily for a period of one to two weeks.
- Easy to use and inexpensive.
- Good results for mild to moderate staining.
- Not all tooth surfaces are evenly covered, especially between teeth.
- Pain or irritation may occur if you have sensitive teeth.
- Not recommended if you have any gum diseases.
Whitening toothpaste
- The toothpaste for a brighter smile is used like a normal toothpaste.
- But the whitening occurs slowly over several weeks.
- Cheaper than other treatments and easy to use.
- No additional tools required.
- The effect is limited as it usually only removes superficial discoloration.
- Prolonged use can wear down the tooth enamel and make teeth more sensitive.
Teeth whitening sets with LED light
- The patient applies the bleaching gel to the teeth or in the tray.
- After that, you hold the LED light in front of the mouth for a few minutes to intensify the whitening process.
- Fast and visible results.
- Similar principle to professional in-office bleaching, but more cost-effective.
- The effect is usually less strong than with professional procedures.
- If used incorrectly, teeth can become more sensitive.
Natural home remedies for white teeth
Baking soda works through its abrasive structure and can remove superficial discoloration. The patient mixes a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and apply to the teeth. Then brush and rinse thoroughly. Be aware, that regular use can damage tooth enamel and make teeth more sensitive.
Oil pulling is a method that uses plant oils such as coconut oil to clean teeth naturally and make them look whiter. You swish a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for about 10 to 20 minutes and then spit it out. Oil pulling with coconut oil can help improve oral hygiene and prevent discoloration, too.
Also lemon juice combined with baking soda is sometimes used as a natural whitening substitute. Apply the mixed paste to your teeth and rinse out after a few minutes. But lemon juice is acidic and can attack tooth enamel. Therefore, regular use can lead to tooth damage.
Teeth whitening in Turkey
The Cosmedica Dental dental clinic in Turkey offers various professional procedures. One of the most common methods is laser teeth whitening with a bleaching gel, usually based on hydrogen peroxide. This bleaching can whiten teeth by up to 8 shades. The whitening effect usually takes about an hour and leads to immediately visible results.
Another popular procedure is Zoom Whitening. The expert applies the gel to the teeth and activates it by a special light. This method enables fast and effective tooth whitening, which produces good results especially in cases of severe discoloration.
Additionally, for patients who prefer a more flexible solution, the clinic offers individual bleaching trays for home use. The kits contain a bleaching gel and a dental tray.
In addition to tooth whitening, Cosmedica Dental also offers comprehensive aesthetic dental treatments to achieve a complete “Hollywood smile”. In summary, the treatments include veneers and tooth reshaping, among others, which provide a perfect result when combined.
Benefits of teeth whitening at Cosmedica Dental
The clinic places emphasis on the safety and comfort of its patients. We carry out examinations and professional teeth cleanings before each whitening. In addition, our experts follow strict sterilization guidelines and use high-quality materials.
Overall, the teeth whitening in Turkey at Cosmedica Dental is safe and efficient. Thanks to the lower costs in Turkey, the treatments are also cheaper.
Conclusion
The choice of method depends on several factors, including the degree of discoloration and the desired duration. In fact, professional teeth whitening procedures offer the fastest and visible results, but are also more expensive and potentially more invasive. But also home remedies and over-the-counter products are a good alternative, but you should use them with caution.
In conclusion, we advise everyone to consult a dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment. A healthy and bright smile can significantly increase self-confidence, but dental health should come first.