Teeth Whitening

Vital bleaching, also known as professional teeth whitening, is the procedure of removing organic and inorganic discolorations that have penetrated the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth by using special chemical agents, and permanently lightening the tooth shade without disrupting its natural structure. This minimally invasive treatment, which is the most frequently applied in aesthetic dentistry, restores smile aesthetics by targeting intrinsic stains that cannot be removed by brushing or scaling. Based on an oxidation mechanism, this procedure not only cleans the tooth surface but also eliminates darkening caused by genetic factors or dietary habits, providing a much brighter and more vibrant appearance.

How does the teeth whitening procedure work?

Although our teeth look like smooth porcelain from the outside, when examined at the microscopic level they actually have a porous structure. Just like the pores in our skin, there are thousands of microscopic tunnels on the tooth enamel as well. Over the years, the coffees, teas, fruit juices we drink and the colored foods we eat seep into these tunnels. These color pigments settle in dentin, the inner layer of the tooth, and darken the overall color of the tooth.

Professional whitening is essentially an “oxidation,” that is, an oxygenation process. When the special gels we use come into contact with the tooth surface, they release active oxygen molecules. These molecules enter through those tiny tunnels in the enamel and break down the chains of dark pigments that have accumulated for years. When the pigments are broken down, the tooth’s ability to reflect light increases and our teeth appear much whiter. In this process, there is no loss of substance from the tooth, the tooth does not wear; only the structure of the molecules that give the color changes.

What is the difference between retail products and professional teeth whitening?

Today, you may come across many products sold on social media or on supermarket shelves under the name “teeth whitening.” However, there is a fundamental difference between these products and clinical applications. Whitening toothpastes or powders sold in stores generally work on the principle of “abrasion.” They aim to scrape off stains on the tooth surface with the large particles they contain. In the long term, this can damage the enamel and dull the tooth.

Clinical applications, on the other hand, are based on the principle of chemical dissolution. Dentist-supervised gels do not scratch the tooth structure; they act directly on the color molecules. In addition, the concentration and activation methods of professional products include a technology that is not possible to find in retail products:

In general, the situations in which retail products are limited but professional treatment is effective are as follows:

• Genetic tooth yellowing
• Age-related darkening
• Antibiotic-induced intrinsic staining
• Post-trauma color changes
• Fluorosis-related stains

How is in-office teeth whitening (clinical setting) applied?

For those who want fast results, the ideal method is in-office whitening. Also known as “Power Bleaching,” this method takes place entirely in the dentist’s chair and under the dentist’s supervision. The process usually takes less than an hour, and a noticeable lightening of the tooth color is observed when the patient leaves the clinic.

Before the procedure, a detailed scaling is performed. Then, protecting the gums is the most critical stage for us. Since the whitening gels used are high-concentration, they must not come into contact with the gums. Therefore, the gums are covered with a special barrier material and isolated. After preparation is completed, the gel is applied to the tooth surface and is usually activated with blue light or a laser. The light accelerates the activation of the gel, shortening the process. When the procedure is finished, the gels are cleaned off and the barriers are removed. Since the result can be seen immediately, it is a method with very high motivation.

Is the at-home teeth whitening system safe?

When at-home whitening is mentioned, standard trays ordered online should not come to mind. The system we are referring to is the “Home Bleaching” protocol that proceeds entirely under dentist supervision. The biggest secret to this method being safe and effective is the custom-made trays.

Your dentist takes an impression of your mouth, and thin, transparent trays that fit your teeth exactly are prepared in the laboratory. It is very important that these trays do not press on the gums. Your dentist provides you with special gels with a lower concentration than the in-office type along with these trays. The patient places the gel into the trays and wears them on the teeth for certain hours each day (usually at night while sleeping or in the evenings for 4–6 hours).

This method provides a slower and more gradual whitening. Generally, the desired result is achieved within 1 to 2 weeks. Because it is low concentration, the risk of sensitivity is lower, and since it lightens the tooth color gradually, its longevity is quite high.

Why must teeth whitening be performed under dentist supervision?

Although the whitening procedure may seem like a simple cosmetic application, it is actually a serious medical procedure. Uncontrolled procedures can put tooth and gum health at risk. Dentist supervision is mandatory for the safety of the procedure.

First of all, not every tooth may be suitable for whitening. If there are cavities, cracks, or gum recession, whitening gels can reach the tooth nerve through these areas and cause severe pain. A dental examination ensures that these risky areas are identified and treated. In addition, the dosage and duration of the agents used must be adjusted according to the person’s enamel structure.

The possible problems that incorrect applications performed without dentist supervision may cause are as follows:

• Gum burns
• Permanent tooth sensitivity
• Roughening of the enamel surface
• Irritation of the lip and cheek tissue
• Color mismatches
• Root surface damage

Does tooth sensitivity occur during the procedure?

One of the issues patients are most concerned about is sensitivity. It should be clearly stated that experiencing some sensitivity during the procedure or within the first 24 hours afterward is an expected situation. Since the pores of the tooth are cleaned, the tooth temporarily becomes more sensitive to temperature changes. Patients usually describe this as a momentary “sharp twinge” or “ache” when they drink something cold or breathe in.

However, this is completely temporary and does not mean the tooth has been damaged. Modern whitening gels now contain special desensitizing agents. In addition, after the procedure, your dentist relieves you by applying fluoride or desensitizing varnishes to the tooth surface. With desensitizing toothpastes to be used at home, this process can be managed very comfortably.

Do crowns and fillings also lighten with teeth whitening?

This topic is the most important part of treatment planning. Whitening gels are effective only on natural tooth structure. Porcelain veneers, zirconium crowns, or composite fillings are not affected by this procedure and their color does not change.

If you have existing fillings or crowns on your front teeth, after whitening your natural teeth will become whiter while these restorations will remain in their old color. This leads to a color mismatch. In such a case, whitening is usually performed first, and after the tooth shade has stabilized (approximately 10–14 days later), the existing fillings or crowns are renewed according to the new tooth color.

What is the white diet after the procedure and what does it include?

The most critical stage that determines the success and longevity of the treatment is the first 48 hours after the procedure. We call this the “Critical 48-Hour Rule.” After the procedure, the pores in the enamel are still open, and the tooth is ready to absorb color like a sponge. During this period, it is essential to avoid colored foods.

The foods that should absolutely not be consumed during this 48-hour sensitive period are as follows:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Sour cherry juice
• Turnip juice
• Cola
• Tomato paste
• Soy sauce
• Beetroot
• Curry
• Chocolate
• Blackberries

Instead, the foods on the list we call the “White Diet” should be preferred. The foods you can safely consume during this period are as follows:

• Yogurt
• Milk
• Ayran
• Cheese
• Boiled chicken
• White fish meat
• Rice pilaf
• Pasta
• Cauliflower
• Banana
• Pear
• Oatmeal

How long does the achieved whiteness last?

The result of the whitening procedure is not permanent for life, but its effect is long-lasting. This duration varies entirely depending on the person’s dietary habits and oral hygiene. On average, a longevity of between 6 months and 2 years is expected.

While relapse may be faster in individuals who consume a lot of tea, coffee, or cigarettes, whiteness is preserved much longer in individuals who pay attention to oral care and brush regularly. When the color begins to return, instead of repeating the procedure from start to finish, whiteness can easily be restored to its previous level with short 1–2-night touch-up doses or single-session in-office maintenance.

Does teeth whitening thin the enamel?

A common urban myth is that whitening thins the enamel or strips off the tooth layer. This information is absolutely wrong. It has been proven by scientific studies that whitening procedures performed with professional products and correct protocols do not cause a permanent change in enamel hardness or thickness.

The procedure is not a physical scraping but a chemical stain removal process. After the procedure, the enamel quickly recovers with minerals in saliva and the fluoride supplements used. It may even become more resistant than before thanks to fluoride application. Therefore, dentist-supervised whitening is a safe aesthetic procedure that does not threaten dental health. When performed with the right techniques in safe hands, this procedure is the key to a bright smile that refreshes your self-confidence.