Get a Brighter, Whiter Smile with Advanced Laser Teeth Whitening!
Laser teeth whitening is a technique that lightens teeth to a whiter and brighter color. Laser whitening has been performed in Europe and the U.S. for almost 2 decades and is regarded as one of the best techniques for whitening of teeth. Whiter teeth look healthy and can transform a smile! A bright white smile affects both personal and professional success, which has been researched, documented and proven over the years. Laser whitening is an easy chairside procedure
WHAT IS LASER TEETH WHITENING?
Laser teeth whitening is a technique that lightens teeth to a whiter and brighter color with the use of a strong dental bleaching gel that is activated by a laser beam. Laser bleaching is done at dental offices, and it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour for the procedure to be completed.
HOW DOES THE TOOTH BLEACHING WORK?
Tooth bleach most often contains an active ingredient called carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in concentrations anywhere from 10 to 22 percent. This bleaching material removes deep stains in teeth and surface stains on teeth. The oxygen molecules in these whitening agents react with the dark and discolored molecules in the tooth enamel and break up the chemical bonds that hold teeth stains together and dissolve them. Teeth stains can be external types or internal type stains. External stains can be removed by toothpastes and are found on the outside of the teeth. Internal stains must be removed with tooth bleaching gel. The gel works to penetrate into the tooth layers to remove these internal stains.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO GET A LASER TEETH WHITENING PROCEDURE?
First, the laser dentist works to determine what the original shade of the teeth was before starting the procedure. After that is determined, a rubber-like material is applied to cover the gum tissue around the teeth to protect them from the bleaching gel. This rubber-like material is first put on the gum tissue in a liquid or gel form. Then after it’s in place, a curing light is directed at the tissue and it immediately hardens up to form a protective shell over the gum tissue and so only the tooth enamel where the laser teeth whitening will take place is exposed. It also will cover any exposed root surfaces if the patient has receding gums that leave the tooth root exposed. A plastic lip retractor is also placed to separate the lips from the area that is to be treated. After the protective gum layer is placed, the laser bleaching gel is placed on the teeth surfaces and the bleaching material is spread out evenly over all these tooth surfaces. Then the laser dentist directs the laser wand at the teeth to activate the laser bleaching gel which causes it to foam up and lift the dark stains away. The bleach also will penetrate into the enamel tubules and whiten the teeth below the surface. These enamel tubules remain open for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and then the tooth surface is re-mineralized. This is why it is important not to drink red wine or cola products right after the procedure because it can re-darken the teeth. Once the laser bleaching gel has been activated, the gel will be left on the teeth for several minutes and then it will be rinsed off and re-applied and the laser will again activate the new layer of bleaching gel. After the process is finished, the bleaching gel is rinsed off and then the rubber-like protective layer is removed. Also the plastic lip retractor is removed and the patient’s mouth is rinsed out. For those who want to whiten their teeth throughout the year, custom molds can be taken off the teeth, and patients can use traditional teeth bleaching in between laser teeth whitening procedures, if desired.
HOW DOES LASER TEETH WHITENING COMPARE TO TRADITIONAL TOOTH BLEACHING AT HOME?
Laser teeth whitening is done at dental offices by dentists. Dentists use a stronger product than those sold in pharmacies; therefore, they provide better results and are faster than regular bleaching trays used for home teeth whitening The results of laser teeth whitening are seen immediately after the procedure is finished right in the dental chair. The laser process is fast, safe, and comfortable…and the results are immediate. With conventional tray bleaching, the dentist will first take dental impressions and then later pour the impressions up in plaster. These plaster models are used to make the clear bleaching trays that will fit over the patient’s teeth. Then the trays are given to the patient along with the bleaching gel that they will use inside the clear bleaching trays. A small drop of bleaching gel is then placed in each tooth area on the bleaching tray. Then they will place the bleaching trays in the mouth for 30 minutes to one hour.
ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES OR RISKS IN LASER TEETH WHITENING?
In a very small percentage of patients, tooth sensitivity may manifest during laser teeth whitening. If this occurs, the dentist will stop and apply a desensitizing gel and discontinue the procedure if necessary. Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold can sometimes happen afterwards (particularly with take-home bleaching trays that are applied for too long). However, sensitivity is temporary (1-2 days), and it can be managed with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, or with anti-inflammatory medication if necessary. There also can be gum irritation if bleaching gel leaks through the rubber-like material. However, it is uncommon for this to happen. The bottom line is that tooth sensitivity from laser teeth whitening is temporary, and relief occurs usually in a matter of minutes after the teeth are rinsed off.
IS USING A LASER SAFE ON TEETH?
Absolutely! Our laser unit at Dental Lavelle is manufactured by Biolase, (California, USA). BIOLASE is the world’s leading innovator in dental lasers, manufacturing state-of-the-art dental lasers that deliver unparalleled precision, efficiency, and patient comfort with minimally invasive solutions for optimal outcomes. The unit at Dental Lavelle is a portable diode laser called “Epic X” with a special handpiece specifically designed for laser whitening.
All the Dentists at Dental Lavelle have undergone formal training on how to use the Biolase Epic X. We follow international safety measures to ensure a smooth, comfortable and efficient outcome.
