Short answer: Teeth whitening can be done in the office under clinician supervision or at home with custom-made trays. In both, the whitening gel aims to lighten stains on the teeth. The degree of result varies from person to person, and temporary sensitivity may occur. In situations such as pregnancy, active decay or gum disease, whitening may be postponed.
Why does tooth colour change?
- Drinks such as tea, coffee, cola and red wine
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Thinning of the enamel and yellowing of the dentine with age
- Some medicines, fluorosis and past dental trauma
- Darkening of a tooth that has had root canal treatment
For the effects of smoking, you can have a look at our article on how smoking affects teeth.
In-office whitening
- An examination is carried out, decay and gum condition are checked, and the tooth shade is recorded.
- The gums are covered with a protective barrier.
- A high-concentration gel is applied to the teeth; depending on the product, a light or an additional application may be used.
- The gel is renewed at set intervals and then cleaned off.
It may be completed in a single appointment; in some cases more than one session may be recommended.
At-home whitening
A custom tray is prepared from an impression of the mouth. The patient uses a low-concentration gel in the tray for as long as the clinician instructs. It is usually applied daily and its effect is seen within a few weeks. It is important to follow the correct dose and duration.
Which one should be chosen?
- Office: Quick and under clinician supervision; however, sensitivity may be more pronounced.
- Home: Slower and gradual; it may be easier to control sensitivity.
- In some people the two methods are applied together.
For the general framework of the methods, you can look at our page on teeth whitening methods.
Will there be sensitivity?
During and after whitening, temporary sensitivity to heat, cold and air contact may be seen. It generally decreases within a few days. To reduce sensitivity, the clinician may recommend fluoride products, desensitising toothpastes or a change in the application interval. For more information, you can have a look at our article on tooth sensitivity.
Who may not be suitable?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (generally postponed)
- Untreated decay, fractures or leakage at the edge of an old filling
- Gum disease and marked gum recession
- Excessive tooth sensitivity
- A history of allergy to the gel ingredients
- Children and teenagers whose teeth are still developing
- Fillings, crowns and veneers do not whiten; a colour difference may arise
How long does the effect last?
The duration varies from person to person; eating and drinking habits and smoking can speed up the return of discolouration. In the first days after whitening, it is recommended to avoid dark-coloured drinks and tobacco. For whitening after braces treatment, you can have a look at our article on whitening after braces.
Products on the market that are not under clinician supervision can harm the teeth and gums; a clinician should be consulted before using them.
Before starting whitening
- A dental examination and, if needed, an X-ray are carried out.
- Decay and old, leaking fillings are treated.
- Scaling may be done; surface stains can be reduced this way.
- Expectations are discussed; the natural colour of the teeth and the type of stain affect the result.
For information on scaling, you can look at our article on dental scaling (detartrage).
In the first days after whitening
- Avoid colouring drinks such as tea, coffee, cola and red wine.
- Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products as much as possible.
- Stay away from very hot or very cold foods.
- Use the desensitising products your clinician recommends.
Why is clinician supervision important?
The concentration of the gel, the duration of application and the protection of the gums affect the safety of whitening. The clinician assesses the condition of the teeth and fillings before the procedure and changes the method if a problem arises. This monitoring helps reduce the risk of gum burns and excessive sensitivity seen with uncontrolled applications.
Realistic expectations
Not every tooth lightens by the same amount. Yellowish tones generally respond better, whereas greyish tones or medication-related stains may be more resistant. For this reason, rather than promising a result, it is important to discuss the possible options at the examination according to the condition of your teeth.
Whitening and other aesthetic options
Whitening only aims to lighten the colour of the natural tooth structure. Other approaches are needed for tooth shape, gaps or alignment problems. If the arrangement of the teeth affects the smile, you can read the information on our page on orthodontics and whitening. For more marked colour, shape and size problems, options such as laminate veneers can be discussed with the clinician.
Common mistakes in whitening
- Using products bought online without an examination
- Applying for longer or more often than recommended
- Starting while there is decay or a gum problem
- Neglecting care and check-ups after the result
Frequently asked questions
Does whitening harm the enamel?
When done under clinician supervision at a suitable concentration and duration, permanent damage is generally not expected; however, temporary sensitivity may occur.
How many times can whitening be done?
The frequency varies from person to person; the clinician’s assessment is needed for repeating it.
Do natural methods whiten the teeth?
Home applications such as baking soda and lemon can cause enamel wear and sensitivity; for this reason they are not recommended.
How can you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by examination and clinical assessment. For appointments and directions, you can look at our contact page. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together.
