Laser
Laser teeth whitening is a procedure carried out by your cosmetic dentist that uses a laser to make your teeth whiter. A formula consisting of peroxide is applied to the teeth which are then exposed to a laser for 1-2 hours, this accelerates the whitening process. With laser teeth whitening there are no additional treatments required and does not involve any ‘at home’ processes.
The laser teeth whitening process with the crystal laser is the safest available and will not soften enamel or tooth fillings. All cosmetic dentist’s will ensure no harm will come of dentine or enamel and that the correct PH levels are applied in order to eradicate acidic side effects. According to the British Dental Association, laser teeth whitening has a satisfaction rate of over 95% and the effects can be maintained for up to 2 years when using the correct aftercare.
One of the main benefits of having laser treatment is that the output of the wavelength is synchronized with the peroxide gel. This effectively increases the effects of the process whilst minimizing the amount of energy required to produce the best whitening results. The laser teeth whitening procedure times overall are decreasing due to the improved technology used whilst increasing the results and eliminating any chance of post-operative sensitivity.
Long term results are very dependent upon the individual and the lifestyle they lead. Excessive consumption of coffee, red wine and dark soft drinks combined with using tobacco dramatically reduces the effect of the laser whitening. It’s highly recommended to consult with your dentist about what after care products will suit your circumstances best and which ones to avoid.
Due to the safe nature of laser teeth whitening the vast majority of people are suitable for the procedure, but all cosmetic dentist’s will perform a full dental check up and analysis of your situation before agreeing to continue with the procedure. If you have any existing dental discrepancies, you may be required to rectify these before having the treatment as internal factors such as stress, trauma and even antibiotics can dramatically reduce the results.
The fast evolving nature of this industry requires constant technological innovation which means that many cosmetic dentist’s use different equipment, which can in some cases produce different results. Although marginal, it is advisable to research properly the equipment used before hand. The Opalescence Crystal Laser has been acclaimed with achieving better results than it’s competitors when effected with argon and co2 lasers. In the majority of cases, most people experience a 6-10 shade difference when having the laser teeth whitening treatment and whilst having a regular cleansing routine (including regular check-ups) can maintain the results for up to 2 years. This is considered a considerable difference compared with the less concentrated ‘home kit’ products.