Everything we need to know about laser teeth whitening
In recent years laser teeth whitening, the use of lasers in dentistry has gained significant momentum as it is considered an effective way to provide optimal dental care to patients. The innovative use of lasers in a dental setting has offered professionals an alternative to traditional instruments, allowing for more precise and less invasive procedures.
Laser technology has revolutionized several aspects of dental care and paved the way for faster healing times and reduced recovery periods for patients. This has resulted in increased patient comfort and satisfaction, increasing the reputation of the dental practice.
The advancement of technology has allowed lasers to be incorporated into most dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, and gum treatments, and restorative procedures, such as dental fillings in some cases.
Laser dentistry is a rapidly growing field that has seen a significant increase in interest from both professionals and patients. It is quickly becoming the preferred method in dental care as it is a minimally invasive and highly efficient technique that ensures precise treatment of dental problems.
What is laser teeth whitening?
Laser whitening is carried out by applying a gel directly to the surface of the tooth. This gel has components that lighten the shade of tooth enamel (usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) when exposed to light and heat from laser rays. The laser whitening treatment on vital teeth usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes and the results can be seen from the first session. However, it is recommended to consult regularly to maintain the desired shade.
There are certain aspects of laser teeth whitening that each patient should take into account. By using laser rays to activate the peroxide gel that is applied to whiten teeth, this treatment is not recommended for people with dental sensitivity, since the teeth can overheat and suffer some nervous alteration.
How long does laser teeth whitening last?
When patients follow their dentist’s instructions, the effects of whitening can last about two years. But it must be taken into account that the results vary from one patient to another and also depend on the diet.
Phases of laser teeth whitening
Laser teeth whitening follows a comfortable, quick, and simple procedure. Its phases depend on whether vital or non-vital teeth must be lightened, although in general terms both processes usually follow similar steps. They are the following:
1. First, a dentist who is an expert in aesthetic treatments will apply a substance that will protect the gums of each tooth during the whitening process.
2. Finally, a whitening gel will be placed on each tooth. If it is a treatment of vital teeth, the gel will be activated by laser rays.
Laser teeth whitening can only be carried out once per session. For this reason, and although the teeth will look whiter from the first appointment, the patient will surely need to return one more time to achieve the shade they want.
If perfect oral hygiene is maintained and certain bad habits are avoided (such as smoking, for example), the perfect white smile achieved after laser treatment can last between six months to a year.
laser teeth whitening on vital teeth
Laser whitening is carried out by applying a gel directly to the surface of the tooth. This gel has components that lighten the shade of tooth enamel (usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) when exposed to light and heat from laser rays. The laser whitening treatment on vital teeth usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes and the results can be seen from the first session. However, it is recommended to consult regularly to maintain the desired shade.
There are certain aspects of laser teeth whitening that each patient should take into account. By using laser rays to activate the peroxide gel that is applied to whiten teeth, this treatment is not recommended for people with dental sensitivity, since the teeth can overheat and suffer some nervous alteration.
Laser whitening on non-vital teeth
This type of laser whitening is the most common when seeking to lighten the tone of teeth that have undergone a previous root canal or other similar treatment. Because the tooth must be whitened from within, the process of this whitening is somewhat longer than the previous one.
Instead of being applied to the outside of the teeth, the whitening gel is placed inside them through a temporary filling. The whitening substance remains inside for several days until it penetrates the entire composition of the tooth. Depending on each case, the patient will have to visit the office during the days following the first appointment, since sometimes it is necessary to change the bleach to achieve the desired shade.
Advantages of laser teeth whitening
Laser teeth whitening is the treatment most chosen by patients looking for a whiter and more perfect smile. In addition to the aesthetic nature, laser whitening has more advantages that help maintain better health in our mouths. For example:
Improves our physical appearance and our self-esteem: There is nothing better than having a perfect, healthy smile, with white, correctly aligned teeth.
Helps improve hygiene
Normally, patients who finish orthodontic treatments usually choose laser teeth whitening to achieve a perfect smile. If we want to maintain white teeth, excellent and regular dental hygiene must be followed.
Speed of treatment
The results of the laser whitening process can be seen from the first session, depending on each case and the dental characteristics of each patient. Among all aesthetic treatments, the results of laser teeth whitening are the fastest and most effective.
Painless whitening
Because laser teeth whitening uses the latest technology, the procedure is painless for the patient. However, people who have problems with tooth sensitivity or other types of discomfort should consult a specialist before deciding on whitening of these characteristics.
Disadvantages of laser teeth whitening
*Price: Usually more expensive than at-home teeth whitening.
*May cause tooth sensitivity: In some cases, it is capable of causing tooth sensitivity for a short period.
Laser teeth whitening is not for everyone:
There are some cases where laser teeth whitening is not a good option:
*Patients with cavities or lesions around the roots of the teeth.
*Pregnant patients.
*People who experience a lot of sensitivity.
*Exposed dentin and cracks in the enamel.
*Patients with large restorations in the visible part of the smile.
*Elderly patients with gum recession and exposed roots.
Our recommendation for the best teeth whitening with splints
With the Smile Avenue Teeth Whitening Kit, you can whiten your teeth safely, effectively, and painlessly.
Laser teeth whitening treatment
What does the treatment consist of? Laser teeth whitening step by step:
Laser teeth whitening, also known as LED whitening, is a treatment that involves activating hydrogen peroxide with an LED lamp for 45 or 60 minutes. Sometimes, in addition, it can be reinforced in the following days with carbamide peroxide in lower concentrations.
The step-by-step treatment:
Diagnosis:
To perform laser teeth whitening, the first step is to carry out a prior diagnosis to evaluate the general condition of your mouth. Each patient is different and so is each case. For this reason, in our dental clinic, we know that it is important to individualize each case through a global assessment before treatment. Within the assessment, we will analyze whether the stains on the teeth are aesthetic, in which case, you can continue without any problem. However, if the tone is a consequence of some oral pathology, these must be cured first.
Treatment:
Once we certify that your oral health is in optimal condition, we can begin the teeth whitening treatment. To begin the treatment, the gums are first isolated with a protective gel. Afterward, 35% hydrogen peroxide gel is applied and activated with the cold light LED lamp. The session lasts, as we have mentioned, 45 to 60 minutes, and to achieve more optimal results, up to 3 cycles of photoactivation are carried out.
Maintenance:
After this treatment, it is normally continued for a few days with trays loaded with whitening gel at a 10% concentration. That is as if it were an outpatient whitening, but only for a week and if possible at night. In this way, the color achieved is stabilized and greater fixation is achieved. The results are spectacular, and in our dental clinic, we have the best team in dental aesthetics. This third step can be variable depending on the patient and her case. As in the rest of our treatments, we will inform you individually.
Read more: Different types of teeth whitening procedures
How does this dental procedure work?
As we mentioned, laser teeth whitening uses laser energy whose function is to activate a whitening gel. This product contains hydrogen peroxide, a whitening agent that penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks down color molecules.
In other words, the laser helps the gel work faster and more uniformly. Of course, the laser teeth whitening session usually lasts between one and two hours.
Now, how does a professional whitening session work? Pay attention:
*Hygiene
The first step is professional dental cleaning or metastasis to remove plaque and tartar. Before continuing with whitening, the teeth must be perfectly clean to avoid whitening tartar.
*Application of protective gel
Before using the whitening product, a protective substance is applied to the gums. It is a gel that hardens in seconds and protects the gums from the whitening gel, preventing irritation and a tingling sensation.
*Application of whitening gel
At this point, the whitening gel is applied. The application is repeated every 10 minutes and the gel is left to act for about 30 minutes, or until the desired result is achieved.
*The action of the gel is activated and enhanced with a specific LED lamp
LED technology allows you to reach the tooth structure in depth, accelerating the action of the gel. In this way, with a single session, it is possible to obtain the desired effect, returning the teeth to their original white.
It can also remove most of the surface stains that have accumulated on your teeth over time.
Read more: 13 Best paste for teeth whitening and more idea
Side effects of laser teeth whitening
All teeth whitening methods can cause discomfort. With laser whitening, some sensitivity may be experienced during treatment.
In a study using an argon laser, 70% of patients experienced no sensitivity during treatment, while 30% experienced mild sensitivity. This sensitivity ceased once the procedure was completed.
Tips to maintain the treatment result:
Once at home, it is important to maintain the result of laser teeth whitening, so the dentist’s instructions must be followed. In general, it is recommended:
*Avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
*Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth twice a day.
*Make regular visits to the dentist for professional dental cleaning.
Laser Teeth Whitening vs Zoom
Both Zoom and laser teeth whitening are procedures performed in the dentist’s office and are effective and safe ways to whiten teeth. Some differences can help you decide which one is best for you:
*Coverage: Zoom technology (from Philips) whitens all teeth at the same time for greater consistency, while the laser whitens each tooth, one at a time.
*Speed: Zoom whitening is faster than laser.
Laser teeth whitening vs traditional whitening: Which is better?
The answer depends on individual needs and preferences. Laser teeth whitening is a good option for people looking for fast, consistent results. Traditional teeth whitening, for its part, represents a success for those looking for a cheaper alternative with less chance of causing tooth sensitivity.
When choosing between laser teeth whitening and traditional teeth whitening, the following factors must be considered:
*Cost: Laser teeth whitening is typically more expensive than traditional teeth whitening.
*Speed: Laser treatment can be performed in a single session, while traditional treatment usually requires several sessions.
*Efficacy: The laser dental procedure is capable of producing more uniform and long-lasting results than traditional teeth whitening.
*Sensation: Laser teeth whitening usually causes dental sensitivity in some cases, while in the conventional option, the chances of generating these discomforts are very low.
Conclusions:
Laser teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure that can help lighten the color of your teeth. It is a good option for people looking for quick and uniform results, however, it is important to keep in mind that this treatment is usually more expensive and causes tooth sensitivity in some cases.
There is no doubt, that this laser treatment optimizes the aesthetics of the smile, but we must remember that the teeth have a natural color that cannot be completely changed. It is important, therefore, to have realistic expectations about the results of this teeth whitening method.
People who are considering undergoing teeth whitening treatment should weigh the pros and cons of each type of teeth whitening before making a decision.
Read more: Top 15 teeth whitening pens and pencils
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