What is it?
About the treatment
Teeth whitening, clinically known as bleaching, is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments in the world. It uses professionally formulated hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels to break down stain molecules that have accumulated within your tooth enamel, restoring teeth to a significantly lighter and brighter shade. Unlike over-the-counter strips and trays, professional whitening is performed under direct clinical supervision with higher-concentration gels that deliver faster, more uniform, and longer-lasting results.
There are two primary approaches to professional whitening. In-office whitening is performed entirely in the dental chair. A high-concentration gel is applied to your teeth and activated with a specialised LED or laser light, producing visible results in approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays and a lower-concentration gel that you wear for a prescribed period over one to two weeks. Many clinics, including BestDent, offer combination protocols that start with an in-office session for immediate impact and continue with take-home trays for gradual deepening of the shade.
Whitening gels have improved a lot since earlier generations. Today's gels include desensitising agents like potassium nitrate and fluoride. These reduce post-treatment sensitivity, which used to be the most common patient complaint. When performed correctly, professional whitening does not damage tooth enamel. Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that the procedure is both safe and effective when supervised by a qualified dentist.
Results vary depending on the type and severity of staining. Extrinsic stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco respond best and can often be lightened by 3 to 8 shades in a single session. Intrinsic stains caused by medications (such as tetracycline), fluorosis, or ageing may require additional sessions or complementary treatments like veneers for optimal results. Your dentist will assess your stain type during the consultation and set realistic expectations.
Who is it for?
- Anyone with teeth stained or yellowed by coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use
- Patients experiencing age-related darkening or yellowing of their natural tooth colour
- Individuals preparing for a special occasion, such as a wedding, graduation, job interview or photoshoot
- Patients who want to brighten their smile before starting veneer or bonding treatment
- Those who have tried over-the-counter whitening products without satisfactory results
- People with generally healthy teeth and gums who want a quick aesthetic boost
- Patients who had braces removed and want to even out any colour differences
- International visitors looking to combine teeth whitening with a holiday in Istanbul
- Professionals and public speakers who want a polished, confident appearance
Treatment Process
- 01
Oral Health Assessment
Before whitening, your dentist examines your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy and free of untreated cavities or active gum disease. Any existing issues are addressed first, because whitening gel applied to compromised teeth can cause discomfort.
- 02
Professional Cleaning
A thorough scale and polish removes surface plaque, tartar, and superficial stains. This step ensures the whitening gel makes direct, even contact with your enamel for uniform results across every tooth.
- 03
Shade Assessment and Goal Setting
Your current tooth shade is recorded using a standardised shade guide, and you discuss your desired level of whiteness with your dentist. This sets a clear, realistic target and gives you a reference point to measure your improvement.
- 04
Gum Protection
A liquid rubber dam or protective gel is carefully applied along the gum line to shield the soft tissue from the whitening agent. This barrier ensures the high-concentration peroxide gel contacts only the tooth surfaces.
- 05
Whitening Gel Application and Activation
Professional-grade hydrogen peroxide gel is applied evenly across the front surfaces of your teeth. A specialised LED light is then positioned to activate the gel, accelerating the oxidation process that breaks down stain molecules within the enamel.
- 06
Multiple Cycles
The gel is typically applied in two to three 15-minute cycles within the same session. Between cycles, the gel is removed and reapplied fresh. This phased approach maximises whitening effect while keeping sensitivity to a minimum.
- 07
Post-Treatment Shade Check
After the final cycle, the gel and gum protection are removed and your new shade is measured against the baseline. Most patients see a 3 to 8 shade improvement. Your dentist documents the result and takes comparison photos.
- 08
Aftercare and Maintenance Plan
You receive detailed instructions for the first 48 hours. This is the so-called 'white diet' period, when you avoid dark-coloured foods and drinks. If take-home trays are part of your plan, your dentist provides custom trays and gel syringes with clear usage guidelines.
Benefits
- Achieve 3 to 8 shades whiter teeth in a single one-hour session
- Clinically proven and safe: no damage to tooth enamel when professionally applied
- Modern gels include desensitising agents to minimise post-treatment sensitivity
- Completely non-invasive with no drilling, injections, or tooth reduction required
- Immediately visible results you can see the moment you leave the chair
- Custom take-home trays allow you to maintain and refresh your shade at home
- Boosts self-confidence and makes a noticeable difference in photographs and first impressions
- Quick treatment that fits easily into a lunch break or a busy travel schedule
- Can be combined with other cosmetic treatments for a comprehensive smile makeover
- Long-lasting brightness: results typically hold for 1 to 3 years with basic maintenance
Health Tourism
How Treatment Works
We stay in touch before, during and after your visit
- 011-2 days
Online Consultation
Send X-rays via WhatsApp. Free evaluation within 24 hours.
- 022-3 days
Treatment Plan
Detailed plan with transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
- 03Variable
Travel Planning
We assist with flights, visa letters, and hotels.
- 04Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
VIP airport transfer and hotel check-in.
- 053-7 days
Treatment Days
Treatment with our specialist team.
- 06Ongoing
Aftercare
Follow-up support from home via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does professional teeth whitening damage enamel?
No. When performed by a qualified dentist using approved products, professional whitening is clinically proven to be safe for enamel. The peroxide gel works by oxidising stain molecules within the enamel without altering its structure. BestDent uses only CE-marked, dentist-grade whitening systems.
How long does the whitening effect last?
Results typically last between 1 and 3 years, depending on your diet and habits. Regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco will accelerate restaining. Using the take-home maintenance trays every few months can extend your results significantly.
Will I experience sensitivity after whitening?
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity to cold for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Modern whitening gels contain desensitising agents that greatly reduce this effect. If you have naturally sensitive teeth, your dentist can adjust the protocol accordingly.
Can teeth whitening remove all types of stains?
Whitening is most effective against extrinsic stains from food, drinks, and tobacco. Intrinsic stains caused by tetracycline antibiotics, fluorosis, or trauma may only partially respond. In those cases, your dentist may recommend veneers or bonding as complementary solutions.
How white will my teeth actually get?
Most patients achieve a 3 to 8 shade improvement. The final result depends on your starting shade, the type of staining, and your enamel's natural characteristics. Your dentist sets realistic expectations during the shade assessment so there are no surprises.
Is in-office whitening better than at-home kits?
Professional in-office whitening uses higher-concentration gels and controlled activation, producing faster and more visible results in a single session. Over-the-counter kits use weaker formulations and generic trays, which often leads to uneven whitening and slower progress.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings, crowns, or veneers?
Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. It will not change the colour of existing restorations. If you have visible fillings or crowns, your dentist may recommend whitening your natural teeth first and then replacing the restorations to match the new, lighter shade.
Who should not get teeth whitening?
Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children under 16, or for patients with untreated cavities, severe gum disease, or extremely worn enamel. A pre-treatment assessment ensures the procedure is appropriate for you.
Why choose Turkey for teeth whitening?
Professional whitening at BestDent uses the same premium products and LED technology found in top UK and European clinics, but at a fraction of the cost. Many international patients combine whitening with other cosmetic treatments during their visit to Istanbul, making the trip both efficient and rewarding.
What is the 'white diet' after whitening?
For 48 hours after treatment, you should avoid dark-coloured foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, soy sauce and curry. Your teeth are slightly more porous immediately after whitening, so they absorb colour more readily during this window. Stick to light-coloured foods and water.
