Dr.Elchin Gaziyev
What is teeth whitening and methods of teeth whitening in the clinic
1. Teeth Whitening - LED (Zoom) Whitening
Among teeth whitening methods, the technique utilizing the Philips Zoom 4 device is considered the most effective. In this procedure, a special gel applied to the teeth is activated using modern LED light lamps.
In just a single session (45-60 minutes), Zoom 4 whitening safely lightens the color of the teeth by 5 to 8 shades.
2. Laser Teeth Whitening
High-concentration laser beams are used to activate the whitening agent.
It penetrates the deepest stains without damaging the tooth enamel and provides long-lasting whiteness. This teeth whitening method is frequently requested by patients.
3. Teeth Whitening - Chemical Method
This procedure is performed using only the internal reaction of specialized gels, without the use of any light or laser devices.
For patients with sensitivity to light systems, this teeth whitening option is a gentler and more budget-friendly choice.
Internal Teeth Whitening - Endodontic Whitening
The method applied not to the entire mouth, but only to a single tooth that has darkened after a root canal treatment, is called the endodontic (internal) whitening method.
In this teeth whitening technique, the bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth, and its original color is restored over a few sessions.
The greatest advantages of whitening teeth in a clinic rather than at home are safety, fast results, and the protection of tooth enamel. Unsupervised home whitening procedures can cause serious damage to teeth. You can visit the RealDent clinic for all types of professional teeth whitening.
Advantages of In-Office Teeth Whitening
Safety and Enamel Protection
A professional teeth whitening procedure performed in a clinic is completely safe and protects the enamel layer:
Dentist supervision: The dentist evaluates the condition of your teeth beforehand.
Gingival protection: Your gums are protected from chemical burns using special materials.
Harmless concentration: The dosage of gels used for teeth whitening is adjusted to prevent damage to the enamel.
Single-session effect: Results are achieved in just 45-60 minutes at the clinic.
Maximum whiteness: Teeth are lightened from 3 to 8 shades.
Durability: The effect of professional whitening lasts much longer compared to home methods.
Pre-Treatment Problem Resolution
For a successful and painless teeth whitening result, existing problems must be resolved before the procedure:
Caries clearance: When a whitening agent touches a decayed tooth, it causes severe pain and nerve damage. This risk is eliminated beforehand in the clinic.
Dental calculus removal: Whitening performed without removing tartar and plaque leaves spots on the teeth.
Differences Between Laser Teeth Whitening (Bleaching) and Philips Zoom 4
When choosing a teeth whitening (teeth bleaching) method in a clinic, it is highly important to know the differences between laser technology and the Philips Zoom 4 system. Although both methods are professional, they differ in terms of technology and results.
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Light Source
• Laser whitening (Bleaching): Focused, pinpoint laser beams are used.
• Philips Zoom 4: A specialized cold blue LED lamp is applied. -
Mechanism of Action
• Laser whitening: Teeth are whitened individually or in small groups.
• Philips Zoom 4: All teeth in both jaws are whitened simultaneously. -
Enamel Protection
• Laser whitening: Standard protection is provided depending on the gel composition.
• Philips Zoom 4: Strengthens tooth enamel at a micro-level with its patented ACP (Amorphous Calcium Phosphate) formula. -
Heat and Sensitivity
• Laser whitening: It can generate heat, which may cause temporary sensitivity.
• Philips Zoom 4: Filters out infrared rays, does not generate heat, and minimizes sensitivity. -
Shade Lightening Degree
• Laser whitening: Lightens by an average of 4–6 shades.
• Philips Zoom 4: Offers teeth whitening up to 8–10 shades. -
Teeth Whitening Procedure Duration
• Laser whitening: Can take longer because teeth are treated individually; it is a simpler and more classic method.
• Philips Zoom 4: 45–60 minutes (usually three 15-minute stages); a more modern, fast, and powerful result-yielding system.
Does severe pain or sensitivity occur during or after the Teeth Whitening procedure?
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Patient Anxiety: The sudden shooting twinges in the teeth (sensations similar to an electric shock) are the primary source of fear for patients.
The Reality: Because the light intensity level can be fully adjusted on modern Zoom 4 devices, sensitivity is kept to an absolute minimum, and any mild twinge that does occur completely fades away within a maximum of 24 hours.
How long does the effect of whitened teeth last?
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Patient Anxiety: The sudden shooting twinges in the teeth (sensations similar to an electric shock) are the primary source of fear for patients during or after teeth whitening.
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The Reality: Because the light intensity level can be fully adjusted on modern Zoom 4 devices, sensitivity after teeth whitening is kept to an absolute minimum. Any mild twinge that does occur completely fades away within a maximum of 24 hours.
Do fillings, veneers, or crowns also whiten with Zoom?
Patient Anxiety: Individuals with restorations on their front teeth fear that their teeth will look multicolored after the procedure.
The Reality: No artificial material (fillings, ceramics, veneers) whitens with bleaching gels; therefore, the teeth must be whitened first, and then the old fillings should be replaced to match the new shade.
Does the teeth whitening procedure damage tooth enamel?
Patient Anxiety: People fear that whitening gels and LED light will erode their teeth and cause them to decay quickly in the future.
The Reality: Zoom teeth whitening performed under dentist supervision in a professional clinic does not damage the tooth enamel because it does not alter the structure of the enamel; it only breaks down the pigments inside it.
Can toothpastes and charcoal powders whiten teeth like in a clinic?
Patient Anxiety: People ask whether advertised whitening toothpastes or trending charcoal powders can replace professional whitening.
The Reality: Whitening toothpastes and charcoal powders do not change the internal color of the tooth; they simply clean surface cigarette and coffee stains through mechanical friction. Since they do not provide internal teeth whitening, they do not deliver the results of clinic-based Zoom or Laser treatments; moreover, frequent use of charcoal powders scratches and damages the tooth enamel.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe During Pregnancy?
One of the most common topics of interest for expectant or new mothers is whether the teeth whitening process during pregnancy can harm the baby. Clinical research shows that the use of professional teeth whitening gels is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding).
The main reason for this is that the risk of peroxides contained in whitening agents entering the blood or breast milk through the gums has not been fully studied. If you desire an aesthetic appearance, the safest step is to postpone these types of teeth whitening procedures until the end of the breastfeeding period, and in the meantime, settle for just harmless mechanical cleaning.
What Determines the Prices of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening prices in dentistry are not fixed and vary based on several factors. First and foremost, the technology applied directly influences the price; for instance, the Philips Zoom 4 system falls into a more premium service category compared to classic chemical methods or certain laser devices. On the other hand, whether preparatory stages are required prior to the bleaching procedure—such as caries treatment in the oral cavity or dental calculus removal with an ultrasound device—also alters the overall budget. For an accurate assessment, a dentist must individually analyze the tooth enamel and color shade.