Laser teeth whitening is a fast and popular method in cosmetic dental clinics in Turkey that uses a dental laser to remove stains and make them whiter and brighter.
The laser whitening technique is performed in the dental clinic by the doctor and is distinguished from other whitening methods by using laser light in addition to the whitening gel. We generally resort to whitening when there is discoloration and change in the appearance of the teeth caused by many factors, including:
- Some colored foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea
- Use of tobacco and smoking
- Aging
- Some dental injuries, such as nerve death
- Some medications, such as chemotherapy
All of the above factors may cause staining of your teeth, and when you want to beautify and restore your natural teeth whiteness, you must know what the laser teeth whitening process is. What are its advantages, and does it harm? What does the use of dental lasers add to whitening, and what is its role? We will answer all of the above through the article.
What is laser teeth whitening?
The laser teeth whitening process is a professional cosmetic procedure that must be performed in a dental clinic.
In this procedure, a whitening gel called peroxide is placed in high concentrations on the surface of your teeth. Then a laser device is directed at the mouth, activating the chemicals in the gel so that it can penetrate the teeth better, which leads to changing their color quickly.
Although it is called laser teeth whitening, the laser itself does not whiten the teeth; it is only important to accelerate the effectiveness of the concentrated chemical whitening gel.
Advantages of teeth whitening with laser dental technology vs home whitening molds
Both laser teeth whitening and other whitening methods – such as home teeth whitening – share the materials used in whitening, which are based on hydrogen peroxide.
The main difference between different teeth-whitening methods is that the whitening materials used in laser teeth-whitening are more concentrated than those used in other methods.
Higher concentrations mean that they whiten the teeth faster and thus achieve the final result in less time, but they require a specialist to apply them exclusively.
Unlike home bleaching molds and strips, which are in low concentrations and therefore safer, but take longer to achieve the same result, in addition to increasing the possibility of gum sensitivity.
It is also important to know that using laser teeth whitening can dissolve stains from both the outer enamel and inner dentin layers of the tooth, while using most other bleaching methods limits stains to the outer surface layer.
Laser teeth whitening procedures
Laser teeth whitening procedures are performed in a specialized dentist’s clinic, and the session takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes, the doctor may need to clean your teeth of any deposits before starting the whitening.
The technique is then carried out through a few simple steps, some of which may vary depending on your needs:
- The dentist will place a plastic or rubber mouth opener in your mouth to keep it open
- You will wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser light
- The dentist will place a protective layer on your gums to protect them from the whitening gel and prevent irritation and burning, which is a very important step
- Once the protective layer is in place, the whitening gel is carefully applied to your teeth
- After a few minutes, a pen-like laser light will be directed to activate the gel
- The gel will turn into foam, which means that it has become effective and works to remove stains from the teeth
- The gel is left on the teeth for a few minutes
- Then the dentist will remove it using a small tool similar to an electric brush and will rinse your mouth and remove the protective layer from your gums
The dentist will repeat these processes three or four times until the teeth reach the desired whiteness.
Advantages of laser teeth whitening
You can start noticing the lightening of the color shades within one whitening session
- The results of whitening are very fast compared to other methods
- The specialist does all the work in the clinic, so you do not have to use any materials or techniques at home
- Having a dentist perform the procedure reduces the risk of complications such as soft tissue burns or nerve damage inside the tooth
The harms and disadvantages of laser teeth whitening
Teeth whitening using a laser is safe and effective if the correct method is applied, but there may be some drawbacks to it compared to other whitening options, including:
- Laser teeth whitening is more expensive than other whitening methods, but it is a method worth the price for the comfort, speed of reaching the result, and the long-term effect that can be achieved through it.
- There is a slight risk that the heat from the laser may cause damage to the tooth nerve or other tissues, so you should choose a professional doctor carefully. You can contact us to book an appointment with the most skilled doctors from all specialties at the Bimaristan Center in Turkey.
- Whitening treatment may not be recommended if the patient has silver amalgam fillings, as the whitening gel can release mercury from the fillings.
- You may experience tooth sensitivity, but do not worry, it will go away after a short period. It is preferable to inform your dentist if this happens before continuing the treatment so that he can make the necessary adjustments to ensure the greatest possible comfort for you.
These side effects are rare but possible. It is often recommended to avoid eating anything very hot or cold for a few days following teeth whitening to prevent any discomfort.
How long does laser whitening last?
The laser teeth whitening process reduces tooth discoloration very effectively and gives a faster effect than other home whitening treatments, such as toothpaste and whitening strips, because they contain high concentrations of whitening materials.
Regardless of the whitening method used, the whitening process itself has a temporary result that goes away over time and needs to be repeated after a period, according to your doctor’s discretion.
However, laser teeth whitening results are considered more permanent than those of all other methods and may even last for three years for many people.
Generally, the results of laser teeth whitening and their duration depend on many factors, including:
- The original color of your teeth before whitening
- The duration of commitment to repeating the sessions
- The nature of your food and drinks
The optimal result usually requires three to four whitening sessions in total.
Post-treatment tips: How do I maintain the color of my teeth after laser teeth whitening?
There are many instructions and modifications to your routine that you can make to get a bright smile for the longest possible period, the most important of which are:
- Drink clear liquids such as water for at least two hours after the laser teeth whitening session
- Reduce or completely stop smoking and tobacco consumption
- Avoid colored foods and drinks that work, such as coffee, tea, and wine
- Avoid soft drinks, pickles, and other foods or drinks that contain acids, as after teeth whitening treatment, the tubes or pores in the tooth enamel open, which weakens the teeth and makes them vulnerable to stains and decay
- Avoid dental injuries that may lead to nerve death and tooth discoloration
- Adhering to a healthy dental care routine of brushing with toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day helps protect them from discoloration
Foods that I can eat immediately after laser whitening
48 hours after whitening, you can eat many foods that are beneficial to dental health as part of the post-treatment care.
Many foods help in cleaning the teeth instinctively while eating and thus ensure that they remain white for a longer period of time, as they enhance the secretion of saliva that cleans the teeth and resists acids, in addition to helping them remove stains before they stick to the teeth.
These meals include fruits and vegetables that are acceptable in hardness, especially apples, celery, carrots, and green beans.
But be careful if these vegetables or fruits are dark in color, you should rinse your mouth with water after eating them so that your teeth do not become stained.
Also, eating dairy and cheeses that contain a high percentage of calcium and other nutrients and minerals will help you maintain dental health and protect them from decay.
Therefore, we find that laser teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that must be performed by a licensed specialist in a dental clinic, in which whitening materials are used with much higher concentrations than home teeth whitening products, which may cause minor and short-lived side effects.
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