Although more expensive than other professional tooth whitening and bleaching treatments, laser teeth whitening can be more effective at whitening teeth stained from foods, smoking, and certain medications. Home and professional teeth whitening methods take time to produce results while laser teeth whitening can give you the whiter, brighter smile you want within just an hour or two. When deciding whether laser teeth whitening is for you, it may help to understand more about the procedure.
How the process works:
Teeth whitening can cause temporary teeth sensitivity; therefore, your dentist may recommend taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication prior to the procedure, especially if you already suffer from sensitive teeth.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth to remove plaque and any surface stains before beginning the whitening process. If you have cavities, filling them will prevent the bleaching agent from penetrating through a cavity into the inside of your tooth.
You may have to consider other alternatives for whitening your teeth if your gums have receded to the point of exposing the tooth root. Since roots of teeth are resistant to bleaching, your teeth can bleach unevenly.
A gel that hardens to a rubber-like layer is applied on your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. Some dentists place a rubber dam (sheet of latex) over your gums instead. Your dentist also may provide you with protective eye wear for the procedure.
A whitening/bleaching agent -- generally a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel – is applied to your teeth.
A laser, which delivers light energy, is used to activate the whitening gel, remove stains, and penetrate teeth enamel to speed the whitening process.
After using the laser to bleach your teeth, your dentist will allow the bleaching agent to remain on your teeth for a few minutes and then clean it off with a special tool. The bleaching agent may be reapplied up to three times before the procedure is complete. Your dentist will then rinse out your mouth and remove the protective barrier from your gums.
Usually, the process takes only one treatment for you to see immediate results. Yellowed teeth whiten more easily, but if your teeth have dark, tobacco stains or stains from tetracycline (an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections), it may take more than one treatment to make teeth white.
While laser teeth whitening is an non-invasive and generally painless procedure, possible side effects may include:
Sore gums
Painful teeth caused by the bleaching agent -- usually a temporary side effect, the tingling sensation normally disappears within 2 or 3 days following treatment
Increased teeth sensitivity, which can last longer
Laser whitening treatment isn't permanent. How long it lasts depends on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits; however, whitening can last anywhere from a few months up to several years.
To learn more about teeth whitening, contact a dental office like Elma Family Dental.
Share13 May 2015
Do you remember the last time you looked at your smile and really loved what you saw? A few years ago I started spending more time analyzing my appearance, and I noticed that my teeth were seriously lacking. I knew that I had to do something to improve the situation, so I began focusing on loving my smile by getting some work done. I started talking with a dentist about how he could help, and it was really incredible to see the simple difference that he was able to make. Within a few years, my smile looked and felt completely different, and I was really pleased with the results. Check out this blog for great information on making your smile more beautiful.
