How Laser Teeth Whitening Works
Many people go for teeth whitening to improve their smile and boost their self-esteem. A report by Arizton found that the whitening industry across the globe is expected to generate revenue of over $6 billion come 2025. In the past, people whitened teeth using hydrogen peroxide solutions. This procedure was either conducted at home or at a dentist’s office. However, this process took time before you could see any real results. As more and more people went for teeth whitening, cosmetic dentists developed laser whitening to speed up the whitening process. Here is a guide on the steps involved in laser teeth whitening.
Screening
The dentist will examine you to determine whether you have gum recession. If your gums expose your tooth roots, there is a chance your teeth will not bleach evenly. In such cases, you will be better offer with other teeth whitening options. During this stage, the dentist will determine the patient’s oral health and whether they are suited for the procedure. Typically, laser whitening is not recommended for pregnant women and people with poor oral hygiene. The procedure works best for treating stains caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco.
Cleaning and Preparation
The dentist has to determine how you will react to the laser treatment. The dentist will assess your oral history for conditions that may affect the procedure. The dentist will proceed to clean out plaque accumulation and seal cavities which would otherwise ruin the whitening process. After the cleaning, the skin will be covered using a rubberized cover to shield it from the damaging effects of the laser. To ensure the lips and tongue do not touch the teeth; the practitioner will use a cheek detractor.
The Whitening
After the cleaning and preparation, your dentist will apply a whitening agent on your front teeth. The dentist will then focus a laser on the agent to activate the whitening process. The reaction will cause foam as the stains are lifted away. After all the teeth are whitened, the dentist will leave the whitening agent to settle for sometime before wiping it off with a vacuum tool. The dentist will apply another layer of whitening agent and repeat the process.
After Treatment
Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will advice you on the safety measures you need to observe to ensure the effects are long lasting. Your dentist will advise you to avoid stain-causing foods like coffee and tea and habits such as smoking. Your dentist will also instruct you to observe oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily.
Summing It Up
Laser teeth whitening is one of the most effective whitening procedures. The procedure offers fast whitening results and is lasts longer than other whitening options. Although laser whitening is costlier than other bleaching treatments, it is recommended if you want to achieve whiter teeth in a short span of time.