With the development of aesthetic and restorative materials in dentistry, many color, shape and position disorders can be easily resolved. Bleaching of discolored teeth is cheaper, more practical and harmless compared to other restorative methods.
Teeth Whitening (Bleaching) Methods
Teeth whitening (bleaching) methods are collected in three main groups:
1) Chemical Teeth Whitening
2) Photothermal Teeth Whitening
3) Photochemical Teeth Whitening
Chemical Teeth Whitening
In this technique, tooth whitening gel is applied to the teeth with the help of specially made tooth molds. However, it should be noted that chemical teeth whitening technique may have some negative effect on tooth enamel. These chemicals, which can also be sold among various cosmetic products, must be used under the supervision of a dentist.
Photothermal Teeth Whitening
In this method, a certain amount of special gel is also used. However, unlike the previous method, it is applied with the help of a special high-energy beam. The light source may consist of a series of LEDs or a diode-laser. Again, this method should be done under the supervision of a dentist, as there may be possible negative effects.
Photochemical Teeth Whitening
In this method of teeth whitening, the whitening gel is activated using a UV-lamp (blue light) or a KTP laser (green light). The feature that distinguishes this method from others is that the light source used also has a tooth whitening effect (photooxidation). This application provides a deeper whitening on the teeth. When using UV-Light, the surrounding tissues (lips, gums, tongue, etc.) should be well protected against possible burn injuries. There is no risk of burning when using the KTP laser, but the gums must be protected against leakage of the whitening gel (gingiva block). A great advantage of whitening with KTP laser is; As a result of extensive scientific research, side effects on tooth enamel have not been observed. Fluoride application after teeth whitening strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay.
What is a laser and how is it obtained?
Lasers are devices that produce monochromatic, flat, intense, single-phase monochromic light. It can be colorless as well as colored. Visibility is related to wavelength. This wavelength and power determine its use in medicine.
With the help of the laser, electromagnetic waves are strengthened and aligned. Thus, a high-energy light beam with a cutting and burning effect is obtained in the area to be treated.
The usage areas of lasers vary according to the wavelengths they have.
At different wavelengths, all tissues have different absorption rates. Therefore, the choice of laser depends on the process to be performed. For example, the KTP laser has a wavelength of 532nm. The KTP laser beam is well suited for small and delicate surgical procedures, as it can be highly absorbed by hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin.
The working principle of the laser: The energy obtained by giving light from the outside, passing an electric current or by a chemical way reaches the atoms in the environment. Some of them absorb this energy. Excess energy makes atoms unstable. An excited and unstable atom that hits itself with a photon gives off excess energy by emitting a photon. Photons likewise allow other photons to be emitted. Photons in the environment increase with excitations. When almost all of the atoms start to emit photons, a stronger beam is formed. This is the laser beam. Since laser beams are of high frequency, they have sunray properties. However, laser beams are single-frequency.
How Long Do Whitened Teeth Stay White?
Teeth whitened with different bleaching methods stay white for a few years. But this time varies from person to person. Eating and drinking habits, smoking and brushing habits affect the whiteness of the teeth.
It should be noted that bleaching may not always provide the whiteness you want. The whitening rate depends on the tone of your teeth before the whitening process and varies from person to person. Therefore, you should discuss your expectations with your dentist in advance.
Teeth Whitening or teeth bleaching, although a widely practiced procedure in general dentistry, is actually the field of Aesthetic/Cosmetic Dentistry. Many people find a smile made with white teeth very attractive. Generally, milk teeth are whiter than adult teeth. As a person ages, the color of their teeth also gets darker over time. This darkening is due to the change in the mineral structure of tooth enamel. Teeth can also be exposed to discoloration from bacterial pigments and tobacco use.
Since white teeth are associated with youth, they are highly desired by people who want to be aesthetically pleasing. However, we should point out that an exaggerated whiteness may not be aesthetic in most cases. The natural tone that suits your face and mouth structure will always be more aesthetic.
