Balsan Dental Clinic Tooth Whitening Process and What to Watch Out For: Smoking and Coffee

Hello.

I am dentist Yeo Sang-ho from Balsan Dental Clinic.

Many people consider tooth whitening

and wonder,

"Will it really be effective?"

In fact, tooth discoloration

affects the teeth for more complex reasons than many people think.

The beverages we drink every day,

such as coffee, tea, and wine,

and strongly pigmented foods

such as curry and kimchi

are major causes.

These substances

seep into the tiny tubules on the tooth surface,

and discoloration gradually progresses.

If you look at the surface of a natural tooth under a microscope,

it may appear smooth to the naked eye,

but in reality, it contains countless tiny pores.

As pigments accumulate in these small tubules,

the tooth’s original brightness gradually fades.

On top of that,

there are natural changes that occur with age.

The dentin inside the natural tooth thickens,

and the enamel covering the outside becomes thinner,

which makes the overall yellow tone more noticeable.

Smoking, taking certain medications, and trauma

can also accelerate discoloration.

That is why simple surface care has its limits,

and why a systematic, professional approach is necessary.

Balsan Dental Clinic Dr. Yeo Sang-ho

Examination

Before starting treatment, the important thing is

to understand the current condition accurately.

During the initial visit, above all else,

we carefully examine overall oral health.

If there is tooth decay or gum disease,

those problems should be addressed first

rather than whitening the teeth.

After that, we measure the current shade accurately.

Using a standard shade guide,

we establish an objective reference point

under natural light or standardized lighting.

Knowing this exact starting point

allows us to compare later and see

how much improvement has been made^^

We also check the condition of any existing restorations or fillings in the mouth.

The important point is that

these restorative materials do not become lighter.

Because of this, after tooth whitening,

there may be a color difference between the natural teeth and existing restorations,

so we explain this in advance

and make a plan.

The process of analyzing the cause and degree of discoloration in natural teeth

is also essential.

We distinguish between intrinsic discoloration (originating inside the natural tooth)

and extrinsic discoloration (caused by external factors),

and determine the treatment method and number of sessions

based on the extent of discoloration.

We also evaluate each person’s oral hygiene,

lifestyle habits, and usual level of sensitivity,

and use this as basic information for creating a customized treatment plan.

Balsan Dental Clinic

Plan

By combining the results of the initial examination,

we establish an individualized treatment plan.

The cause and degree of natural tooth discoloration,

the patient’s expectations, and overall oral condition

are all considered when determining the treatment method.

One part many people are curious about is,

"Will it become white after just one session?"

To be honest,

it is difficult to expect satisfying results from a single procedure.

Of course, there are individual differences,

but in general, that is the case.

That is why most medical institutions offer

same-day tooth whitening as a package.

This means exactly what it sounds like:

performing the procedure multiple times in one day

to achieve a satisfying result on the same day.

The reason it is usually done about three times on average

is because we need to effectively remove pigments that have penetrated deep into the natural tooth.

In the first procedure,

a material that can protect the gums is applied,

and mainly surface pigments are removed.

As the second and third procedures are carried out,

pigments in deeper areas are gradually broken down and removed.

The interval between each procedure

is usually set at about 1–2 weeks

to allow enough time for the teeth to recover.

The plan includes everything,

such as intensity adjustment, exact timing,

and post-treatment care methods.

In particular, if sensitivity is high,

we take measures such as using a low-concentration whitening agent

or shortening the treatment time.

Balsan Dental Clinic Dr. Yeo Sang-ho

Procedure

First, we check the oral cleanliness before treatment,

and if necessary, remove surface stains

through scaling.

The tooth surface must be clean

for the whitening agent to work effectively.

Before applying the whitening agent,

the important thing is to protect the gums and soft tissues.

If a high-concentration whitening agent touches the gums,

it can cause irritation,

so a protective barrier is installed.

After that, a professional material

is applied evenly to the tooth surface.

The whitening agent used at this stage

is different in concentration

from over-the-counter self-use products.

Typically, hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate

at a concentration of 15–35% is used,

which is a strong concentration

for ordinary people to use.

After applying the whitening agent,

special light is used to promote the effect.

At the end of each cycle,

the existing material is removed and reapplied

to maintain a continuous effect.

At this time, temporary sensitivity

or mild discomfort may occur.

This is a normal reaction

and usually resolves naturally within 24–48 hours.

If excessive sensitivity appears during the procedure,

appropriate measures such as immediate adjustment

or temporary suspension are taken.

Balsan Dental Clinic Dr. Yeo Sang-ho

Completion

Once the tooth whitening treatment is complete,

the effect is checked immediately

and follow-up care begins.

Right after treatment, using a shade guide,

the before-and-after shade change is

measured and recorded objectively.

Balsan Dental Clinic Dr. Yeo Sang-ho

Precautions After Treatment

The 24–48 hours after completion is a period that requires caution.

During this period,

limit the intake of foods and drinks with strong colors.

Immediately after treatment, the tiny pores in the teeth

have not fully closed,

so the risk of re-staining is very high.

Coffee, tea, and wine, of course,

as well as foods such as curry and kimchi,

are best avoided.

As much as possible, it is recommended to drink colorless beverages

such as water or milk.

Many people are also curious about

how long the effect lasts.

This varies depending on a person’s lifestyle habits

and oral care condition.

If you receive treatment regularly again,

you can maintain the effect for longer^^

Smoking, excessive intake of pigmented beverages,

and neglecting oral hygiene

can make the effect fade more quickly,

so it is good to keep that in mind.

Temporary sensitivity after treatment

is a normal reaction.

To help relieve sensitivity,

we recommend using fluoride gel or toothpaste designed for sensitivity.

This was dentist Yeo Sang-ho from Balsan Dental Clinic.

Thank you for reading this long post.

Same-day treatment: 2025.05.25 ​