Is Laser Dental Therapy Safe for Teeth Whitening?
Dr. B. Kanagasabapathy
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
Even with careful oral hygiene, over time, teeth acquire a yellow tint. The fact is that using a toothbrush and toothpaste is not always possible to remove plaque from the enamel 100%. Aesthetic dentistry easily solves this problem through various procedures. The most popular and in demand is laser teeth whitening.
Hydrogen peroxide has a brightening effect and safe o use under dentists guidance. There are a number of myths about this procedure. Keep reading this article to explore whether it is safe or not.
What Is Laser Teeth Whitening?
Laser teeth whitening is a clinical procedure performed by a dentist to enhance the whiteness of teeth. This advanced technique employs a laser catalyst that activates a special gel containing an oxidizing agent applied to each tooth. The laser triggers the release of oxygen molecules, which penetrate deep into the enamel, effectively removing accumulated pigment. Crucially, this procedure is entirely painless and secure, as protective measures like oral mucosa isolation and eye protection are implemented. In just 40 minutes, you can attain bright teeth and a radiant smile, with the effects lasting for an extended period. The longevity of results, however, relies on maintaining proper oral hygiene post-treatment.
Advantages of Laser Teeth Whitening
- Lasting Whiteness: Laser teeth whitening ensures a long-lasting effect, preventing the return of the previous yellow or gray tint.
- Comprehensive Whitening: The laser whitening process ensures uniform whitening on all sides of the tooth, regardless of its orientation.
- Enamel Strengthening: Surprisingly, laser teeth whitening strengthens enamel by up to 37%, enhancing tooth resilience.
- Minimal Discomfort: The laser’s precise control minimizes the risk of discomfort or thermal damage to gums during the procedure.
Is laser whitening safe?
The laser gives the doctor the opportunity to select the most accurate parameters for the intensity and duration of exposure, which means the entire process becomes controlled. This is why laser whitening is considered the best of all existing systems. The laser beam, unlike lamp light, acts locally and pulsedly, which completely eliminates the possibility of thermal damage to the gums and the appearance of any discomfort during the procedure. It is known that gels with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide are used in chemical bleaching. The laser promotes the use of whitening gel in a minimum concentration while it penetrates the dentin as quickly as possible. As a result, the teeth acquire a snow-white shade, and the enamel does not dry out, which helps to avoid such unpleasant complications as postoperative hyperesthesia.
What are the indications and contraindications for laser teeth whitening?
Before opting for laser teeth whitening, it’s crucial to assess whether you meet the criteria for this procedure. Indications typically include teeth with an unaesthetic yellowish tint caused by the visibility of dentin beneath the enamel. However, several contraindications must be considered:
- Age up to 16 years;
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- Presence of caries
- There is any kind of inflammation in the oral cavity.
- Allergy to the components of the whitening gel.
- Violation of the integrity of hard dental tissues (untreated caries, chips, wedge-shaped tooth defects, enamel erosion)
- Periodontal diseases (tissues surrounding the tooth);
- A large number of teeth with fillings;
- Wearing various orthodontic devices (for example, braces).
While these are absolute contraindications, there are relative contraindications as well. Teeth with extreme transparency, cases of fluorosis, and heightened tooth sensitivity can pose challenges to effective whitening.
In case of no medical objections to laser teeth whitening, the dentist will proceed with the necessary preparations to get your teeth ready for the procedure. These preparations encompass the following requirements:
- If the teeth are healthy, then conduct a thorough professional teeth cleaning followed by grinding and polishing their surface;
- If there are defects in the hard tissues of the tooth that need to be corrected, then cure them.
Is laser teeth whitening harmful?
Today, it can be said with confidence that with proper preparation for the procedure, the patient does not have any contraindications, and the doctor observes all rules and regulations, laser whitening is absolutely safe. It does not cause any harm to the enamel; on the contrary, the enamel, after laser whitening, becomes thicker by about 35%, and this fact has been scientifically proven.
After laser teeth whitening, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Brush your teeth morning and evening, rinse your mouth with water after each meal; if food is stuck in the teeth, it must be removed using a toothpick or dental floss; undergo professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year;
- For daily brushing of teeth, use only a brush with soft to medium-hard bristles;
- Do not smoke – smoking, like nothing else, changes the color of teeth;
- Do not consume or consume in limited quantities food products that can stain tooth enamel (strong tea, coffee, red wine, blueberries, mulberries).
How often can you whiten your teeth?
The lasting effect after teeth whitening using the laser method lasts almost a lifetime, but after about 5 years, an almost insignificant color change is observed, practically indistinguishable from human eyes. To maintain a snow-white smile, you must maintain oral hygiene and visit the dentist every six months. In a person who, after teeth whitening, continues to drink coffee, coloring drinks, smoke cigarettes, etc., the whiteness effect worsens within a month. For someone who abstains from these types of products and nicotine, a snow-white smile will remain for a year or even more, and after that, a repeat course of whitening procedures or a minor correction will be necessary. Dentists do not recommend laser teeth whitening more often than once a year.
Wrapping Up
In summary, laser teeth whitening is a safe and effective method to achieve a brighter, more radiant smile. It offers numerous advantages, including long-lasting results and enamel strengthening. However, it’s essential to consider contraindications and follow post-whitening care recommendations to maximize the benefits of this cosmetic dentistry procedure.
