[ Magok Teeth Whitening_01 ] One-Day Teeth Whitening: How Do Teeth Become Whiter?

Hello.

We are Seoul Dia Dental, responsible for healthy smiles in Magok-dong.

Starting today, we are beginning a new series. It is a topic that many people have shown interest in at least once, and one that has received a great deal of love at our clinic:

teeth whitening.

“I wish my teeth were a little whiter…”

“Could it be because I drink too much coffee…?”

“I tried whitening toothpaste, but it didn’t seem to work very well.”

There are actually many more people than you might think who have worried about yellowish tooth color.

But when people start looking into teeth whitening, there is often so much information that they end up not knowing what to do.

Professional whitening, at-home whitening, whitening toothpaste, self-whitening…

There are many different options, and people say their effects vary as well. Some also worry about whether their teeth will become sensitive.ㅠㅠ

So we have prepared this series: a guide to understanding teeth whitening properly before getting started.

Today’s first topic is: “How does teeth whitening make teeth whiter?”

Let’s find out together now.

Why do teeth become yellow?

Magok Teeth Whitening _ Yellowish Teeth

Before learning how whitening works, it is important to first understand why teeth become discolored.

Tooth discoloration is broadly divided into two types.

1. Extrinsic discoloration (external factors)

This is discoloration that occurs when staining substances build up on the surface of the teeth.

Coffee, black tea, red wine, curry…

It most commonly appears in people who frequently consume strongly colored foods and beverages.

Smoking is also one of the main causes, as nicotine and tar adhere to the surface of the teeth, turning them yellowish or brown.

2. Intrinsic discoloration (internal factors)

This occurs when the inside of the tooth itself has become discolored.

Examples include naturally darker tooth color, discoloration caused by taking tetracycline antibiotics, and teeth that have darkened after root canal treatment—

With this type of intrinsic discoloration, the whitening effect is often more limited than with external staining.

How does teeth whitening make teeth whiter?

Magok Teeth Whitening_How Whitening Works

Teeth whitening uses oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or carbamide peroxide.

These ingredients pass through the enamel on the surface of the teeth and penetrate into the dentin inside the teeth, breaking down the discolored pigment molecules.

Simply put, it works similarly to making a stained white shirt white again with bleach.

However, the difference is that it is used safely at a much lower concentration than that used to bleach fabric.

The effect varies depending on the concentration

Magok Teeth Whitening_Effects by Concentration

Here is one important point.

The concentration of the whitening ingredient is a key factor that determines the effect.

1. Professional whitening (performed at a dental clinic)

A high concentration of whitening ingredients is used, so you can expect fast and noticeable results.

Because the procedure is performed directly by a professional, it is carried out safely.

At Seoul Dia Dental, we use Osstem Beautis whitening agents.

The treatment consists of three whitening sessions in a single visit.

Because the three sessions are performed consecutively in one visit, there is no need to come in multiple times; it is completed in just one visit.

It provides good results while also saving time.

This method is especially suitable for people with busy schedules.

2. At-home whitening (performed at home)

Whitening trays or strips with relatively lower concentrations are used.

Although it takes more time for the effects to appear, you can see results with consistent use.

3. Whitening toothpaste

This method removes surface stains using abrasive ingredients.

Strictly speaking, it is closer to stain removal than to whitening.

We will cover the differences between each method in greater detail in Part 2.

Whitening is not effective for every tooth

Magok Teeth Whitening_When It Is Not Effective

Teeth whitening is a treatment that is effective for stained natural teeth.

It is not effective for prosthetic restorations (crowns, laminates, or composite resin), as whitening ingredients cannot penetrate them.

In addition, with intrinsic discoloration, especially deep discoloration such as tetracycline staining, there are cases that are difficult to resolve with conventional whitening alone.

We will organize and explain this point in greater detail in Part 3.

Now, shall we briefly summarize today’s topic?

• Tooth discoloration is divided into extrinsic discoloration (coffee, smoking, etc.) and intrinsic discoloration (natural factors, antibiotics, etc.).

• Teeth whitening works by using hydrogen peroxide to break down pigment molecules.

• The concentration of the whitening ingredient determines the effect.

• Professional whitening, at-home whitening, and whitening toothpaste differ in concentration and method.

• Whitening is not effective for prosthetic restorations.

In the next installment, we will discuss: “How do the different types of teeth whitening differ—professional whitening vs. at-home whitening vs. whitening toothpaste?”

Have a healthy day today, and enjoy a day filled with bright smiles. ^^

[ This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgeries and procedures. Infection and side effects may occur after surgery, so you should decide whether to undergo surgery or a procedure after sufficient consultation with a qualified medical professional. ]

[ Magok Teeth Whitening Series 1 - Basic Concepts ]

1. One-day teeth whitening: How do teeth become whiter?

2. Types of teeth whitening: How do professional whitening, at-home whitening, and whitening toothpaste differ?

3. Teeth whitening: In which cases is it effective or ineffective?

4. Why do teeth become sensitive after whitening? The reason for sensitivity and how to manage it

5. How long does the effect of teeth whitening last?