Professional teeth whitening in Antalya, Turkey

What whitening can and cannot change

Whitening gel releases oxygen into the enamel and dentine and breaks down the coloured molecules that make teeth look yellow. It works on natural tooth structure only.

• Works well: yellow teeth, age-related darkening, staining from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking
• Works less well: grey staining from medication such as tetracycline, white spots, a single dark root-canal-treated tooth
• Does not work: crowns, veneers, bridges, composite bonding and tooth-coloured fillings

If you have visible fillings or crowns on your front teeth, they will stay the same colour while the teeth around them become lighter. They may need replacing afterwards to match. A dark root-canal-treated tooth often responds to internal whitening; otherwise a veneer or bonding may be better.

In-office or home whitening?

Both use the same principle and reach similar results. In-office whitening is faster and fits a short trip. Home whitening is slower and gives you more control. Many patients use a home kit later to refresh the result. Ask whether trays can be made during your stay or whether to arrange them with your dentist at home.

Who should not whiten, or should wait

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: whitening is not recommended.
• Untreated decay, cracks or leaking fillings: the gel can reach the nerve and cause pain. These are treated first.
• Gum disease or receded gums: exposed roots become very sensitive and do not whiten. Gum treatment comes first.
• Under 18: whitening is generally not offered for cosmetic reasons.
• Very sensitive teeth or a known allergy to peroxide.

If your teeth are healthy and only yellow, whitening is the most conservative way to brighten your smile: nothing is drilled and nothing is added.

Your visit in Antalya, step by step

1. Check-up: your dentist looks for cavities, cracks, old fillings and gum problems, and notes your starting shade.
2. Cleaning: plaque and tartar are removed so the gel reaches the enamel evenly.
3. Gum protection: a protective barrier is placed on the gums, and lips and cheeks are kept away from the teeth.
4. Whitening: the gel is applied in several cycles of about 15–20 minutes, activated with light where indicated.
5. Result: the gel is removed, the new shade is compared with the starting shade, and you receive aftercare instructions.

The whole visit takes about 60–90 minutes, so whitening fits into one day. It can be combined with other treatment on the same trip.

Sensitivity and other side effects

• Sensitivity to cold is the most common side effect. It usually lasts 1–2 days, occasionally a little longer. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth, used for a week before and after, helps.
• Gum irritation: white, sore spots where gel touched the gum can appear; they fade within a day or two.
• Uneven result: white spots can look more visible for a few days until the tooth rehydrates.

Tell your dentist if sensitivity is severe or lasts longer than a few days.

Whitening before veneers, crowns or bonding

Veneers, crowns and composite are matched to the colour of the teeth around them, and they will not change colour afterwards. If you want lighter teeth, whiten before the restorations are made.

• The shade settles over about two weeks after whitening, so the final colour match is done after that.
• Bonding also holds better once this period has passed.
• In a Hollywood smile with upper teeth only, the lower teeth are usually whitened first so both jaws match.

What affects the cost

The price depends on whether you choose in-office whitening, a home kit or both, whether cleaning or small fillings are needed first, and whether old front fillings need replacing afterwards. Your plan states the price before you travel. See prices.

How long it lasts and aftercare

• For 48 hours avoid coffee, tea, red wine, cola, curry, beetroot and smoking.
• Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed.
• The result typically lasts 1–3 years. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking shorten it.
• A short touch-up with a home kit refreshes the colour when it starts to fade.
• Keep regular check-ups and professional cleaning; removing surface stains helps the result last.