Teeth Whitening and Bleaching: procedure, benefits, side effects and cost

last update date : 2023-11-07

 Teeth whitening and bleaching are cosmetic dental procedures that can make your smile brighter and more attractive. They include placing a chemical agent on your teeth that breaks down stains and discoloration caused by food, drinks, smoking, or old age. Teeth whitening and bleaching can be performed in the dental clinic or at home, depending on your preference and budget. However, they are not durable solutions and may require touches or maintenance over time.

What is teeth whitening at the dentist?

 Teeth whitening can be done by a dentist in a professional setting or at home with a kit. Professional teeth whitening involves applying a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to your teeth and activating it with heat, light, or a combination of both. The bleaching agent penetrates the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth and breaks down the molecules that cause stains. Professional teeth whitening can make your teeth several shades lighter in one or more sessions.

Benefits of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence. Having whiter teeth can make you look younger, healthier, and more attractive. Teeth whitening can also enhance the effects of other cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers, crowns, or implants. Teeth whitening can also motivate you to maintain good oral hygiene habits, as you will want to preserve the results of your treatment.

Side effects of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is generally safe and effective, but it can cause some temporary side effects. The most common side effect is tooth sensitivity, which is mild to moderate pain or discomfort when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods or drinks. Tooth sensitivity usually lasts for a few days after the treatment and can be managed with desensitizing toothpaste, gel, or rinse. Another possible side effect is gum irritation, which is caused by the contact of the bleaching agent with your gums. Gum irritation can cause redness, swelling, or burning sensations in your gums. Gum irritation usually subsides within a few hours or days after the treatment and can be prevented by using a custom-fitted tray or applying a protective gel to your gums before the treatment.

Teeth whitening cost in Turkey

The cost of teeth whitening in Turkey varies depending on the type of treatment, the number of sessions, and the location of the clinic. the average cost of the best teeth whitening in Turkey ranges from $200 to $600.

Teeth whitening at home 

If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you can choose from a variety of products that are available over the counter or online. These products include strips, gels, trays, pens, and toothpaste that contain bleaching agents in lower concentrations than those used by dentists. At-home teeth whitening products are easy to use and affordable, but they may take longer to produce noticeable results and may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening. You should always follow the instructions on the product label and consult your dentist before using any at-home teeth whitening product.

• Teeth whitening products kit

There are many types of whitening products that you can use at home. here are some of the best teeth-whitening products:

• Teeth whitening strips  

 Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic that are coated with a bleaching gel. You apply them to your teeth for a specified amount of time, usually 30 minutes to an hour, once or twice a day for a few weeks. Teeth whitening strips are easy to apply and remove and can whiten your teeth by one or two shades.

• Teeth whitening gel

The teeth whitening gel is a viscous substance that contains a bleaching agent. You apply it to your teeth with a syringe or a brush and leave it on for a specified amount of time, usually 10 minutes to an hour, once or twice a day for a few weeks. Teeth whitening gel can whiten your teeth by two or three shades.

• Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains abrasive particles or chemical agents that help remove surface stains from your teeth. You use it like regular toothpaste, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Whitening toothpaste can whiten your teeth by one shade.

• Teeth whitening pen

 A teeth whitening pen is a small device that looks like a pen and contains a bleaching gel. You twist the bottom of the pen to release the gel and apply it to your teeth with the tip of the pen. You leave it on for a specified amount of time, usually 10 minutes to an hour, once or twice a day for a few weeks. A teeth whitening pen can whiten your teeth by one or two shades.