Ultimate Guide to Teeth Whitening in Turkey
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that is available in many dental clinics in Turkey. Turkey is known for providing high-quality dental care at a lower cost compared to many other countries, making it a popular destination for dental tourism
What is bleaching?
Bleaching is a procedure that involves lightening the color of your teeth. Over time, your teeth can become stained or discolored due to various factors such as aging, certain medications, tobacco use, and consumption of certain foods and beverages. Teeth whitening can be done in a dental office or at home using over-the-counter products. In-office teeth whitening typically involves the use of a special light or laser to activate a whitening gel that is applied to your teeth. This procedure can usually be completed in one or two appointments, and can result in significant whitening. At-home teeth whitening products include whitening toothpastes, strips, gels, and trays. These products typically contain peroxide-based whitening agents that work to remove surface stains and penetrate the enamel to lighten the color of your teeth. The results of at-home whitening products can vary, and may take longer to achieve than in-office treatments. It is important to note that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, and you may need to touch up your treatment periodically to maintain your desired level of whiteness. Additionally, teeth whitening may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to talk to your dentist before starting any whitening treatment.
Who is good candidate for teeth whitening?
Most people are eligible for teeth whitening, but there are some factors that may affect your candidacy for the procedure. It is important to consult with a dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment to determine if it is the right choice for you. Generally, individuals with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for teeth whitening. However, if you have tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental issues, these issues must be addressed before undergoing any whitening treatment.
It is also important to note that teeth whitening may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under the age of 16, and individuals with certain medical conditions. In addition, if you have restorations such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, these will not whiten with the teeth, and you may need to consider other options to match their color with your natural teeth after the whitening.
Your dentist can evaluate your dental health and discuss your options for teeth whitening based on your individual needs and circumstances.
The person who is not suitable for teeth whitening:
While most people are good candidates for teeth whitening, there are some cases where the procedure may not be suitable. Here are some examples of situations where teeth whitening may not be recommended:
- Teeth whitening is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because the effects of the whitening agents on the developing fetus or nursing baby are unknown.
- If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to the ingredients in the whitening products, you may not be a candidate for teeth whitening.
- If you have dental issues such as cavities or tooth decay, these issues must be addressed before undergoing any whitening treatment.
- If you have gum disease or other gum issues, it is important to address these issues before undergoing any whitening treatment.
- Teeth whitening may not be effective on dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. In addition, the whitening agents may not match the color of the restorations, resulting in an uneven appearance.
- Teeth whitening may not be as effective on older individuals or those with thinning enamel due to aging or other factors.
- Teeth whitening may not be effective for individuals with discoloration caused by certain medications or medical conditions such as fluorosis.
What should I care before teeth whitening?
If you are planning to undergo teeth whitening treatment, here are some steps you can take to prepare:
- Schedule a dental exam
Before undergoing any whitening treatment, it is important to have a dental exam to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for the procedure.
- Clean your teeth:
Make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your whitening appointment to remove any surface stains or plaque buildup.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks:
In the days leading up to your whitening treatment, try to avoid consuming foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries.
- Give up tobacco use:
If you smoke or use tobacco products, try to avoid them in the days leading up to your whitening appointment, as tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.
- Talk to your dentist about sensitivity
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity during or after whitening treatment. If you are concerned about sensitivity, talk to your dentist about your options.
- Follow your dentist's instructions
Your dentist may provide you with specific instructions to follow before and after your whitening treatment. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results.
By taking these steps to prepare for your teeth whitening treatment, you can help ensure that the process is as safe and effective as possible.
What are teeth whitening procedures?
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Teeth whitening at home
Teeth whitening at home can be done using a variety of products, including whitening toothpaste, strips, gels, and trays. Here is a step-by-step guide for at-home teeth whitening:
- Choose a whitening product
There are many different types of at-home whitening products available, so choose one that is appropriate for your needs and budget. Whitening toothpaste is the simplest form of at-home whitening, while whitening trays and gels tend to be more effective but also more expensive.
- Follow the instructions
It is important to read and follow the instructions carefully for the product you have chosen. Overuse or misuse of whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity or damage.
- Brush and floss
Before applying any whitening product, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to remove any surface stains or plaque buildup.
- Apply the whitening product
Depending on the product you have chosen, you may need to apply the whitening gel or paste directly to your teeth using a small brush or pen, or apply whitening strips or trays to your teeth.
- Leave the product on for the recommended amount of time
The length of time you need to leave the whitening product on your teeth will vary depending on the product you are using. Follow the instructions carefully and do not leave the product on longer than recommended.
- Rinse and brush
After the recommended time has elapsed, rinse your mouth thoroughly and brush your teeth to remove any remaining whitening product.
- Repeat as needed
Depending on the product you are using and the level of whitening you are trying to achieve, you may need to repeat the process several times over the course of several days or weeks.
It is important to note that at-home whitening products may not be as effective as in-office treatments, and may cause tooth sensitivity if used improperly. It is always a good idea to consult with a dentist before starting any whitening treatment to determine which option is best for you based on your individual needs and circumstances.
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Office type teeth whitening
Office type teeth whitening, also known as in-office whitening or professional teeth whitening, is a cosmetic dental procedure that is performed by a dentist or dental professional in a dental office or clinic. Here is an overview of the process:
- Preparation
Before the whitening procedure begins, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy and that there are no issues that could be aggravated by the whitening process. Your dentist will also clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
- Application of whitening gel
Your dentist will apply a high-concentration whitening gel to your teeth, which contains a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This gel is then activated by a special light or laser, which helps to accelerate the whitening process.
- Multiple applications
Depending on the level of discoloration of your teeth and the desired level of whitening, your dentist may apply the whitening gel several times over the course of the appointment. Each application typically lasts for 15-20 minutes.
- Evaluation
Once the whitening process is complete, your dentist will evaluate the results to determine if any additional treatments are needed. Some patients may require a follow-up appointment to achieve the desired level of whitening.
- Post-treatment care
After the whitening procedure is complete, your dentist may provide you with instructions on how to care for your teeth to maintain the results. This may include avoiding staining foods and drinks, using a whitening toothpaste, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
Office type teeth whitening can produce faster and more dramatic results than at-home whitening treatments, but may be more expensive and may cause more sensitivity. It is important to discuss your whitening options with a dentist to determine which type of treatment is best for you based on your individual needs and circumstances.
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Combined teeth whitening
Combination teeth whitening, also known as mixed teeth whitening, involves a combination of in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments to achieve optimal results. Here is an overview of the process:
- In-office treatment
The process typically starts with an in-office teeth whitening treatment performed by a dentist or dental professional. This involves applying a high-concentration whitening gel to your teeth, which is then activated by a special light or laser. The in-office treatment usually lasts for 1-2 hours, and can result in significant whitening.
- Custom-fitted whitening trays
Following the in-office treatment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted whitening trays. These trays are used to apply a lower-concentration whitening gel to your teeth at home.
- At-home treatment
Your dentist will provide you with the custom-fitted trays and a supply of the whitening gel. You will then use the trays at home for a specified period of time each day, usually for a few weeks. The at-home treatment helps to maintain and enhance the results achieved in the in-office treatment.
- Post-treatment care
After the whitening process is complete, your dentist may provide you with instructions on how to care for your teeth to maintain the results. This may include avoiding staining foods and drinks, using a whitening toothpaste, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
Combination teeth whitening can be an effective way to achieve optimal whitening results, as it combines the fast and dramatic results of in-office treatment with the longer-term maintenance provided by at-home treatment. It is important to discuss your whitening options with a dentist to determine which type of treatment or combination of treatments is best for you based on your individual needs and circumstances.
What should be considered after teeth whitening?
Following teeth whitening, it's crucial to adhere to a few post-treatment care guidelines to get the best results and keep your teeth looking white. Following are some general principles: After teeth whitening, your teeth may be more prone to staining, therefore stay away from staining foods and beverages. Avoid ingesting meals and beverages including coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables that might leave stains. Try to rinse your mouth with water after consuming these meals or beverages. Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to help remove surface stains and stop new ones from forming. To keep your teeth looking white, use whitening toothpaste. To reduce contact between your teeth and stain-causing beverages, use a straw. Refrain from smoking because it can seriously discolor and stain your teeth. After tooth whitening, refrain from using tobacco products or smoking. Depending on the type of treatment you had, your dentist may advise setting up further sessions if necessary to monitor the development of your teeth whitening. After tooth whitening, some people may feel more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures as well as sweet or acidic foods and beverages. To assist ease any discomfort, your dentist might suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste or other remedies. The results of your teeth whitening procedure can be prolonged by following these post-treatment maintenance guidelines, which will also keep your teeth appearing white and healthy.