Laser Whitening

What is Laser Teeth Whitening?

Laser teeth whitening is a cosmetic laser dentistry procedure. It should be performed by a licensed professional.

The procedure involves applying a concentrated whitening gel and a laser to heat it. This activates the chemicals in the gel, which whitens your teeth quickly.

Laser Teeth Whitening vs. Other In-Office Whitening Procedures

Most in-office teeth whitening products, like ZOOM! and Sapphire, use light from a blue LED, not a laser. Both techniques may appear to have similar steps, but they function differently.

In whitening techniques using LEDs, blue light activates the bleaching gel. This includes those products you can use at home.

With laser teeth whitening, the same is true, but the light is much narrower and produces more heat. Since one tooth can be treated at a time, the result is a faster overall whitening effect.

Laser Teeth Whitening Procedure Steps

Laser teeth whitening is completed in a dental office, and the procedure consists of a few simple steps:

1. Your dentist will place a plastic or rubber guard in your mouth to keep it open
2. They will apply a protective layer over your gums to shield them from the bleaching gel and prevent gum irritation and burning
3. Once the protective layer forms, your dentist will carefully apply the whitening gel to your teeth
4. They'll use a pen-like laser to activate the gel
5. The gel will foam, which means it's working to remove stains from your teeth
6. The gel is left on your teeth for a few minutes. Then your dentist will remove it with a small vacuum The dentist will repeat these steps up to three or four times until your teeth reach the desired shade
7. Your dentist will rinse your mouth and remove the protective layer over your gums

Laser Teeth Whitening Aftercare

After your laser teeth whitening session, drink only clear liquids for at least two hours. Avoid eating acidic and dark-pigmented foods. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, and soda for at least 24 hours.

Side Effects of Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure. However, it can cause minor and short-lived side effects, including:

• Temporary discomfort
• Tooth sensitivity
• Minor gum irritation

It's rare for these side effects to be severe, but it is possible in some people. Avoid eating and drinking anything overly hot or cold for a few days after the procedure to prevent these adverse effects.

Potential Complications

There’s a slight risk that the heat generated by the laser could damage the pulp of the tooth or other tissues. However, professional care and laser settings are intended to prevent this. Allergic reactions, though rare, are also possible.

You may not be recommended teeth whitening treatment if you have amalgam fillings. The whitening gel could trigger a release of mercury from the fillings.

There isn’t any evidence suggesting that laser teeth whitening is either safe or unsafe for pregnant women. However, it may be best to hold off on teeth whitening treatments until the baby is born.

Pregnancy can increase tooth sensitivity due to erosion from frequent vomiting. Undergoing a laser teeth whitening treatment in this state can damage the teeth.

Pros and Cons of Laser Teeth Whitening

Advantages of Laser Whitening

• Noticeable results develop within a single laser teeth whitening session.
• The dentist does all the work in the office, so the patient does not have to use any materials or techniques at home.
• The whitening results are faster than those achieved by take-home products.
• Having a dentist perform the procedure reduces the risk of complications like soft tissue burns or damage to the nerves inside the teeth. 

• There is no guarantee of results with laser teeth whitening. It may have better results than other whitening methods, but some people have deep stains that do not whiten easily.

If you are interested in laser teeth whitening, please contact the professionals at Serenity Dental. Our highly trained Hygienists would love to brighten your smile.

Give us a call at 928-854-8540 or stop by at 211 Swanson Ave, Lake Havasu City, Arizona.