Yaksu Station Dental Clinic: Can a single visit for teeth whitening be effective? (feat. One-Day Whitening)

Hello.

I'm Dr. Kim Tae-young, director of Bareunyoung Dental Clinic at Yaksu Station!

Recently, as COVID-19 restrictions have eased, we're spending more and more time without masks.

With the mask mandate largely lifted, and more time spent conversing without masks,

we've seen a recent increase in inquiries about teeth whitening.

Today, I'd like to show you before-and-after cases of whitening performed at our clinic and briefly discuss teeth whitening.^^

Some people are hesitant about whitening, worrying that it might weaken or damage their teeth quickly.

However, whitening does not involve shaving down or harming the teeth;

it is a method that only removes discolored substances from the outer layer of the tooth through the action of medication.

This image shows a cross-section of our tooth.

Tooth discoloration exists on the hard outer surface called enamel, and whitening removes only that area,

it does not weaken the tooth.

So, why do teeth have different colors for different people?

We can divide this into extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.

Extrinsic Discoloration

1. Consumption of foods that cause tooth discoloration

Tooth discoloration can occur from foods we commonly know, such as coffee, tea, curry, wine, etc.,

and although not food, nicotine staining from smoking is also a cause.

2. Inadequate oral hygiene

When efficient brushing is insufficient, plaque and tartar adhere to the teeth,

and pigmentation caused by bacteria also occurs.

Intrinsic Discoloration

A typical example of intrinsic discoloration is the use of an antibiotic called tetracycline.

The degree of tooth discoloration varies depending on the duration, dosage, and age of administration during infancy or when teeth are forming,

As shown in the photo, while intrinsic discoloration caused by medication can lighten, it is impossible to erase the parts that appear as dark bands.

In addition, reasons such as abnormal morphology, diseases during tooth formation, genetic disorders, hypoplasia of enamel/dentin, and compositional abnormalities

can cause the color of teeth to differ.

Furthermore, tooth abrasion and aging can also make teeth appear yellowish.

Now, to proceed with whitening, a basic oral examination and assessment of tooth color are necessary.

We take photos using a shade guide to assess the tooth color and easily explain the post-treatment color change.

I want to whiten my teeth.

This patient came for cavity treatment but wanted whitening due to an important job interview.

When I first consulted about whitening, I explained that their teeth weren't particularly dark, so whitening might not be absolutely necessary,

but since the patient's subjective criteria are absolute for whitening, we proceeded with the treatment to make them even brighter.

Based on the shade guide I use, the tooth color of Koreans is typically around A3~A4.

The reason for an oral examination before whitening is that patients with tartar or periodontal disease must undergo preliminary treatment for swollen gums,

and any sensitive areas due to tooth abrasion or exposed tooth roots must be resolved before proceeding with whitening.

This is a photo after whitening.

You can clearly see that they are much whiter than before.

Immediately after whitening, there might be some white spots or streaks, but these disappear after a few days.

Therefore, for those undergoing whitening before an important event, we recommend doing it a good 1-2 weeks in advance.

Whitening products have specified usage times and recommended frequencies,

and in our dental clinic, we perform 2 cycles during a single visit. This type of one-day whitening is what many people refer to as ‘one-day whitening’ these days.

These are photos of another patient.

You can see that they have brightened by about one shade,

and as such, the degree of brightening varies depending on the composition of the teeth.

In such cases, repeating the treatment within a frequency that does not cause tooth sensitivity can yield better results.

Professional whitening performed at a dental clinic uses a higher concentration of medication than at-home whitening,

and since it is performed within a range that does not cause hypersensitivity to the teeth, the effect is good,

and you can maintain the effect by receiving whitening treatment once every 6 months to a year.

Whitening is not always possible, and in some cases, preliminary treatment may be required depending on your oral condition,

so we recommend visiting us for a consultation before making a decision.

As we begin to live without masks these days, I also feel a bit awkward without one.

I hope that with whitening, you will also find a brighter smile.^^

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does teeth whitening damage teeth?

No, teeth whitening does not damage teeth. It is a method that does not shave down or harm the teeth, but rather removes only the discolored substances from the outer layer of the tooth through the action of medication.

Why do teeth become discolored?

Tooth discoloration can be divided into extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration occurs due to food consumption (coffee, tea, curry, wine, tobacco) or inadequate oral hygiene, while intrinsic discoloration is caused by antibiotic use, genetics, disease, and aging.

Are there any precautions before teeth whitening?

Yes, an oral examination is essential before whitening. If you have tartar or periodontal disease, you must receive preliminary treatment, and any sensitive areas due to tooth abrasion or exposed roots must be resolved before whitening.

Can one-day whitening be effective?

Yes, one-day whitening can be effective. At the dental clinic, we perform 2 cycles of whitening treatment during a single visit, and the degree of brightening may vary depending on the individual's tooth composition.

How long do the effects of whitening last?

The effects of professional whitening typically last for about 6 months to 1 year. To maintain the effect, it is recommended to receive whitening treatment once every 6 months to a year.

When is the best time to whiten teeth before an important event?

If you are whitening your teeth before an important event, it is recommended to have the procedure a good 1-2 weeks in advance. Immediately after whitening, there may be temporary white spots, but these will disappear after a few days.