Teeth Whitening in Korea

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at removing stains and discoloration from teeth, making them appear lighter and brighter. Minish Dental Hospital offers teeth whitening treatment without side effects not only for discolored teeth but also for discolored gums and devitalized teeth. The objective is to enhance the appearance of teeth and boost confidence in one’s smile.

Types of Teeth Whitening in Korea

Depending on the degree of discoloration and the shade of white you desire, various whitening options are available.

1. In-Office Whitening

In-Office whitening involves the direct application of highly concentrated bleaching agents onto the teeth after ensuring the gums and mouth are properly protected. This method is known for delivering significant whitening results, making it a popular choice for those seeking immediate improvements in the brightness of their smile. The process is safe, effective, and monitored by medical staff to ensure the health and safety of the patient’s teeth and gums throughout the procedure

How It Works?

STEP 1: Assessment of teeth condition with photographs taken by our dental hygienist

STEP 2: Pre-Treatment Consultation with the doctor. (X-ray scan required)
STEP 3: Confirm the final treatment plan and start pre-whitening teeth cleaning.

STEP 4: Application of agents for gum protection followed by the whitening gel.

STEP 5: Whitening ray exposure to activate the whitening gel.

2. At-Home Whitening

Home whitening involves the use of lower-concentration bleaching agents, typically around 10-15% hydrogen peroxide, to gradually whiten teeth over a period of time. This method allows individuals to apply the treatment in the comfort of their own home, using custom-made whitening trays provided by Minish Dental Hospital. These trays ensure the whitening agent is evenly distributed across the teeth and minimizes gum exposure to the chemicals. By following a prescribed regimen patients can achieve significant whitening results. This approach to teeth whitening is appreciated for its convenience and the ability to control the level of whitening over time.

How It Works?

STEP 1 – Fill
Squeeze the whitening agent into the tray.

STEP 2 – Apply
Place the whitening tray on your teeth.

STEP 3 – Remove
Remove the tray and brush your teeth.

STEP 4 – Store
Clean and store the whitening tray.

3. Gum Bleaching

Gum Bleaching, also known as gum depigmentation, is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at improving the aesthetic appearance of the gums by removing or lightening excessive melanin pigmentation. The process involves the careful removal or treatment of the gum’s outer layer where the melanin is accumulated, often using laser technology or other specialized techniques. The objective is to reveal a more uniform, bright red coloration that is often associated with healthy gums. This can enhance the patient’s smile and boost their self-confidence.

When to Consider Gum Bleaching:

What To Expect?

1. Before & After

2. How Long Does It Last

The duration of teeth whitening effects can vary significantly with an average span of about one year. This longevity is influenced by personal habits such as diet, oral hygiene, and tobacco use, with substances like tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking known to accelerate the re-staining process. To maximize the whitening effects, maintaining good oral hygiene and minimizing exposure to staining agents are recommended.

3. Best Candidates

Teeth discoloration, results from various factors, contributes to the varying shades of discoloration observed in teeth, prompting individuals to seek teeth whitening or other dental treatments to restore their natural color.

The causes of teeth discoloration

1. External Causes:

Food and Beverages: Consuming certain foods and drinks like black tea, coffee, wine, and chocolate, which contain pigments that can stick to the surface of the teeth, leading to stains.

Smoking: Nicotine and tar from cigarettes deposit on the teeth with each smoke, resulting in a yellow or darker shade over time.

2. Internal Causes:

Aging: As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, revealing the naturally yellower dentin beneath, giving teeth a more yellow appearance.

Trauma: Physical damage to the teeth can lead to the internal staining of teeth. This can happen when blood cells break down internally, causing discoloration from the inside.

Root Canal Treatments: Imperfect or failed root canal treatments can leave behind necrotic tissue or bacterial infections inside the tooth cavity, leading to internal staining. Discoloration can also occur from the dental materials used in the procedure.

Medications: Certain medications, drugs, and heavy metals can interfere with tooth coloration during the formation stage of the teeth. Common culprits include tetracycline antibiotics and excessive fluoride, which can cause dental fluorosis.

Patients who have white spots on their teeth are generally advised against undergoing teeth whitening procedures, as these treatments can make the white spots even more noticeable. This is because the whitening process uniformly lightens the color of the entire tooth surface, thereby exaggerating the contrast between the normal tooth enamel and any white lesions present. Instead, dental veneers are recommended as a more suitable solution for such cases. 

White spots are even more highlighting after teeth whitening

Other treatments like Minish Veneers are recommended

In-Office Teeth Whitening
Precautions

  • You do not have to prepare anything for the whitening treatment in advance
  • Do not smoke for 48 hours after whitening procedure.
  • Avoid foods and beverages that stain after whitening procedure. ( red sauce, blueberries, juice, coffee, tea, etc. )
  • Mild sensitivity to hot or cold liquids may occur after whitening procedure. This usually passes within 1 ‒ 2 days. If sensitivity persists, we recommend taking over the counter pain medication.
  • If you experience gum sensitivity after whitening procedure, do not brush the afflicted area while brushing your teeth.
  • Immediate whitening results can be quite dramatic due to minor dehydration of your teeth. It is normal for the color to tone down somewhat after treatment when your teeth rehydrate to a natural white tone.
  • Long term results vary from patient to patient. This can depend on the original shade of your teeth and include habits such as smoking or drinking colored beverages. ( red wine, coffee, tea, etc. )
  • Existing fillings, crowns, bonding, etc. will not whiten. Therefore, these may need to be changed in order to match your new smile.