Many people want bright, attractive teeth, which leads them to visit the dentist for teeth whitening and to achieve a whiter, more appealing smile.
Have you ever thought about the latest ways to whiten your teeth? What exactly is laser teeth whitening? How is it done? And what are its main advantages? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about laser teeth whitening.
How Is Laser Teeth Whitening Done?
Laser teeth whitening is performed by a qualified dentist as follows:
– The dentist examines your teeth to make sure they are healthy.
– The teeth are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
– A protective barrier is applied to the gums to shield them from the whitening gel.
– The whitening agent is applied to the teeth.
– A laser light is directed at the teeth to activate and enhance the whitening agent.
– The whitening gel is removed, revealing the final result.
Advantages of Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is often recommended because of several benefits:
– It is considered a safe procedure and does not harm the tooth structure.
– It provides faster results compared to many other whitening methods.
– The results are immediate and usually noticeable after just one session.
– Laser teeth whitening is generally painless and does not require anesthesia.
Disadvantages of Laser Teeth Whitening
Despite its benefits, laser teeth whitening has some drawbacks:
– It is more expensive than many other teeth whitening options.
– It does not change the color of existing fillings, veneers, or crowns on the front teeth.
– The results are not permanent, so you may need repeat treatments over time.
– It can cause temporary tooth sensitivity during and shortly after the session.
Side Effects of Laser Teeth Whitening
You may experience some temporary side effects after laser teeth whitening, which vary from person to person:
– Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drinks.
– Mild gum irritation.
How Many Laser Teeth Whitening Sessions Are Needed?
– Laser teeth whitening is typically done over three sessions.
– Each session usually lasts about 15 minutes.
How Long Do Laser Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The duration of results varies from one person to another. Common questions about how long laser whitening lasts include:
– Laser teeth whitening does not last a lifetime.
– Results may last for about 6 months.
– To maintain results for as long as possible, it is recommended to avoid smoking and to cut down on foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.
Is Laser Teeth Whitening Painful?
– Laser teeth whitening is generally considered painless and safe.
– It is a non-surgical procedure and usually does not require local anesthesia because it is not painful for most patients.
Tips Before Laser Teeth Whitening
Here are the most important tips to follow before starting laser teeth whitening:
– Choose a qualified and experienced dentist.
– Have your teeth examined to ensure they are healthy.
– Ask your dentist whether laser whitening is suitable for your teeth.
– Inform your dentist if you have tooth sensitivity or any chronic medical condition.
– Have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar before the whitening procedure.
Does Dental Anesthesia Affect the Lip?
– You may experience temporary numbness in your lip, which goes away once the anesthesia wears off.
– Dental anesthesia does not harm the lip; however, you may injure it if you bite down on it due to numbness and anxiety during the anesthetic effect.
Tips After Laser Teeth Whitening
After laser teeth whitening, it is recommended to:
– Limit coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks to reduce staining.
– Avoid very cold drinks that may trigger sensitivity for at least two days.
– Cut down on foods that can stain teeth, such as chocolate and heavily colored sauces.
– Avoid smoking.
– Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to help preserve the whitening results.
– Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Cost of Laser Teeth Whitening
The cost of laser teeth whitening varies depending on several factors, including:
– The country.
– The dental clinic.
– The dentist’s experience.
– The type of laser system used.
Dr. Al Anoud Al Hilali
– Specialty: Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry and Oral Surgery
– University: Al Farabi
– Experience: 2.5 years in the field of dentistry.
