Who doesn’t love a confident smile? For a start, it’s a powerful tool that can open doors and give you an edge where it matters. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people desire to have whiter teeth to achieve a radiant look. At Sunny Dental, we offer everything you need to transform your teeth into a glowing wonder.
Thankfully, cosmetic laser dentistry offers a wide variety of teeth-bleaching options that you can explore. From over-the-counter solutions to professional teeth whitening in-office treatments, there are several options available. One popular choice is laser teeth whitening treatment, which uses a laser to accelerate the whitening process.
What is Laser Teeth Whitening?
Laser teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure designed to whiten teeth significantly.
Unlike many at-home teeth whitening options, such as whitening strips that use carbamide peroxide, laser whitening uses a concentrated teeth bleaching gel applied directly to the teeth by a cosmetic dentist. So, how does it work?
Step-by-step Breakdown of the Basic Laser Teeth Whitening Process
Step 1: Preparation: The dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to ensure their suitability for the laser teeth whitening procedure. They may recommend addressing any existing gum disease or tooth decay before proceeding with the cosmetic dental procedure.
Step 2: Protection: A special gum barrier will be applied to protect your gums from irritation during the teeth-bleaching cosmetic procedure.
Step 3: Gel Application: During this step, the dentist will carefully apply a concentrated whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide to the surface of your teeth after the gums have been protected.
Step 4: Laser Activation: As soon as the gel is applied, a high-density laser light will be directed at your teeth. The laser light activates the tooth-bleaching gel and speeds up the process of breaking down discoloration. By the way, tooth discoloration is often caused by things like red wine, coffee, surface stains, etc.
Step 5: Multiple Applications: Depending on the seriousness of the discoloration, enamel microhardness, and your desired result, the dentist may repeat the third and fourth steps several times during the in-office treatment.
While very effective, it’s important to note that laser teeth whitening treatment can cause or increase the risk of temporary tooth sensitivity for some people.
This is because the tooth bleaching process can increase the microscopic surface roughness of the teeth. The sensitivity often subsides within a few days after the cosmetic dental procedure.
Compared to other whitening methods, such as custom trays worn overnight, laser whitening offers the benefits of faster results and professional supervision by a dentist who can closely monitor the process and reduce the risk of gum barrier irritation.
If you’re considering laser teeth whitening and want to discuss whether it’s the right option for you, visit Sunny Dental. Our dentists can create a personalized whitening treatment plan and help you achieve your desired result.
What are the Benefits of Laser Teeth Whitening?
Laser teeth whitening treatment offers several benefits compared to other teeth whitening options. This makes it a popular choice among people looking for a dramatic improvement within a short timeframe. So, what are the key benefits of this teeth whitening procedure?
It Delivers Faster Results
DIY whitening methods, such as strips or custom trays that use lower concentrations of tooth-bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide, require weeks of consistent use to get results. However, laser teeth bleaching delivers noticeable results in a single in-office appointment.
The high-intensity light significantly improves the activation of the concentrated bleaching gel applied by the dentist, helping to achieve whiter teeth faster than the DIY method.
It is More Effective on Stubborn Stains
Laser teeth whitening can be more effective in tackling deep-set tooth discoloration caused by coffee, red wine, smoking, certain medications, etc.
The light’s ability to activate the bleaching gel more intensely allows for a deeper penetration. This makes it easy to reach and break down even stubborn stains that other whitening methods may not be effective on.
The Procedure is Supervised Professionally by a Dentist
Laser teeth whitening is carried out at a qualified cosmetic dentistry office in a controlled environment. This ensures that the gum protection, bleaching agent, and light are applied properly to reduce the risk of gum irritation and improve the whitening effectiveness.
The dentist can also monitor your progress and adjust the whitening treatment plan as required to achieve the desired results.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Laser Teeth Whitening Procedure
Laser teeth whitening offers a highly effective solution to achieving brighter teeth. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s the right choice for you. Here are some factors to consider before deciding to go for the laser teeth whitening procedure:
Tooth Sensitivity
As mentioned earlier, the bleaching process can cause temporary tooth sensitivity in some people after the laser teeth whitening procedure.
This sensitivity is usually mild and subsides within a couple of days. If you have a history of sensitive teeth, we recommend discussing this at your dentist’s office beforehand.
At Sunny Dental, we offer specialized treatment plans to our esteemed clients based on their oral health history and desired results. Even if you have a history of sensitivity, we’ll advise you on possible ways to reduce discomfort during and after the bleaching procedure.
Existing Dental Conditions
People with existing dental issues, such as fillings, gum disease, or crowns, should consult with their dentist before undergoing a laser tooth whitening procedure.
While it is generally safe, the treatment might not be suitable for everyone. Your dentist can evaluate your personal situation and recommend the most appropriate whitening method to achieve your desired result.
Your Overall Oral Health
Healthy gums and teeth are important for successful laser tooth whitening. If you have gum inflammation or disease, it’s crucial to address these issues before you undergo the treatment.
This will improve the whitening process and reduce the risk of gum irritation during the treatment. If necessary, your dentist will usually recommend treatments for gum health.
How Long Do Laser Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The longevity of laser teeth whitening results varies depending on different factors, such as lifestyle habits.
With proper care, such as avoiding staining beverages and foods and maintaining good oral hygiene, the results can last up to three years or more. However, you may need some minor touch-up treatments over time to maintain the whiteness of your teeth.
How Much Does Laser Teeth Whitening Cost?
Laser teeth whitening cost varies depending on your location, the dentist’s experience, and your specific treatment plan.
As mentioned earlier, laser teeth whitening is generally more expensive than at-home whitening options due to the concentrated gel, laser technology, and professional teeth whitening expertise involved.
What are the Alternatives to Laser Teeth Whitening?
While laser teeth whitening offers an effective solution for many, it is not necessarily the best option for everyone. So, what are the alternatives to this bleaching procedure?
At-Home Whitening Kits
These are readily available kits and they offer a more affordable option compared to laser whitening. But how do they work?
They generally involve wearing custom trays filled with a bleaching agent for a specific period each day over many weeks.
While it is convenient, it often produces slower and less effective results compared to how laser whitening works. Also, getting even whitening across all teeth can be challenging when using these kits.
Whitening Toothpaste
Many toothpastes contain mild abrasives and low concentrations of whitening agents. Using these can help remove surface stains and provide a minor brightening effect, but it doesn’t work like laser teeth.
However, toothpaste’s whitening power is very limited and would not deliver the results and effects that laser whitening will.
Professional Whitening Trays
If you are looking for a more effective at-home option than over-the-counter kits, your dentist can create custom-fitted whitening trays for you.
These trays hold a bleaching gel prescribed by your dentist. It is generally stronger than what you’ll find in at-home kits.
Although it requires consistent use over many weeks, professional whitening trays offer a more controlled and potentially more effective alternative to over-the-counter options. However, if you want the best whitening result, laser teeth whitening is still the best option.
How to Choose the Best Laser Whitening Procedure
Ultimately, the best teeth whitening method you opt for depends primarily on your needs, budget, and desired results.
We recommend that you consult with your dentist to discuss your options and determine the best solution for achieving brighter teeth.
At Sunny Dental, we offer exceptional dental consultations to help you determine the best whitening solution that fits your unique goals.
Our experienced dentists will assess your oral health, discuss your whitening expectations, and recommend the most suitable approach to achieve a brighter, more confident smile.
Final Thoughts on Laser Teeth Whitening Procedure
Laser teeth whitening offers an impressive and convenient in-office procedure for achieving significantly whiter teeth.
The concentrated bleaching gel and laser technology work together to effectively remove stains and discoloration to reveal brighter teeth in a single appointment. However, you must consider factors such as cost, potential increased tooth sensitivity, existing dental conditions, and your overall oral health before deciding if laser whitening is the right choice for you.
At the end of the day, a consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine the most suitable laser teeth whitening method for your unique goals. They can evaluate your needs, discuss the different options available, and recommend the best course of action to achieve the brighter teeth you desire so you can confidently smile at the world.
Are you ready to explore teeth-bleaching options? Schedule a consultation with Sunny Dental today to discuss if laser teeth whitening is the perfect solution for you. Our experienced dentists can answer your questions and guide you toward achieving your dream teeth without issues. We help you to have your teeth professionally whitened.