You know what they say, the brighter the teeth, the brighter the future.
White, sparkling teeth are definitely more popular and attractive than they have ever been. We tend to believe that those with white teeth are healthier, more beautiful, and more successful in life than those of us who have stained or discolored teeth.
But, without a bit of assistance, most of us won’t be able to obtain the white color teeth we desire. Luckily for us, today’s teeth whitening possibilities are nearly limitless, and laser teeth whitening is one of the most popular professional solutions. That being said, here are the important things you need to know about laser teeth whitening.
What is Laser Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening used to include soaking your teeth in a hydrogen peroxide-based solution, which, to be fair, removed stains but required many procedures to show results. That procedure has been sped up considerably thanks to technology, with lasers accelerating the chemical reaction of the solution—whitening teeth in half the time.
Laser teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that combines in-office teeth whitening with the use of a laser. It involves applying a concentrated whitening gel to your teeth and then heating it with a laser to whiten them seamlessly.
But, how do we accumulate stains in our teeth in the first place?
There are two reasons for that:
Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration
There are many things that cause this kind of discoloration; it is usually caused by some beverages and food like tea, soda, wine, dark berries, and coffee. This coloration, however, is easy to remedy with at-home whitening products.
Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration
This is a coloration that develops on the inner side of the teeth. Certain diseases and medical treatments, genetics, trauma, medications, and aging can contribute to it. These stains are harder to remove, so whitening is not an option. Instead, veneers are needed to mask the intrinsic discoloration.
Procedure
If you choose laser teeth whitening, your dentist will follow a simple treatment that includes the following steps:
Initial screening
It’s essential to know how healthy your teeth are before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment. Before undergoing such treatments, those who have poor oral health should consider treating their dental issues first.
Pre-treatment
After that, the dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth. It would be better if all cavities are filled prior to the procedure, as the whitening solution might otherwise seep into the interior of your tooth through the cavity.
The Whitening
This is the time to start whitening your teeth. First, you’ll sit back in the dental chair as usual, and the dentist will keep your mouth open instead of a rubber or plastic guard – here in Ampong Dental, we use a cheek retractor to make sure that your soft tissues are handled with utmost care.
The dentist will next place a barrier over your gums to keep the whitening solution free from them. This barrier is frequently applied in the form of a gel that hardens into a protective rubber-like covering.
The dentist will use a syringe to administer a whitening substance to the front of your teeth after the gums have been thoroughly protected. The dentist will activate the mixture using a pen-style laser, which will cause it to foam somewhat as it takes the stains away.
The treatment usually takes three cycles per session, which is 15 mins per cycle. You’ll know you’ve reached the end of a session when the dentist rinses your mouth out carefully and gently removes the protective covering from your gums.
The Result
After the treatment, you can expect your teeth to be, well, whiter than the shade before you undergo the treatment.
One of the huge advantages of laser teeth whitening is that the whole procedure takes roughly one hour from start to finish before noticeable results are seen.
A single laser teeth whitening session can produce effects that last anywhere from three to six months. Here in Ampong Dental, we guaranteed your teeth to have 5-7 shades lighter in just one session! A second session can also be done a week after, but it will still depend on the assessment of the level of your teeth sensitivity.
What to feel after the procedure?
Laser teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment. It is unlikely to produce significant adverse effects; however, it may cause discomfort for a short period of time.
You may notice greater sensitivity in your teeth after a whitening treatment, especially in the first few days. Moderate gum irritation and allergic response may also happen. But, this varies from patient to patient; some have reported little discomfort, while others have reported mild sensitivity, and a few have described it as being pounded by a hammer.
Typically you may experience sensitivity for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. Your dentist may prescribe medicine to prevent or lessen discomfort, and the sensitivity will, of course, subside after a few days. If you notice that your gums are white or painful, you should see your dentist, though this is less frequent than sensitivity.
What to avoid after the procedure?
You had your teeth whitened with the treatment. You love the result. However, it’s crucial to remember that just because you’ve had one treatment doesn’t guarantee your teeth will eternally be white.
So, how can you maintain your pearly whites looking so bright? Here are a few specific things you can do to keep your new smile looking great:
Avoid staining beverages
Avoid staining beverages like wine, coffee, and tea (or drink through a straw to decrease contact with teeth) during the first 48 hours after the treatment. Soda and sports drinks contain acid, which tears down your enamel and makes your teeth more vulnerable to discoloration.
Avoid food with lots of pigment
Foods with a lot of pigments, such as spaghetti sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar, and berries, might cause tooth discoloration.
Drink lots of water and eat foods that help prevent discoloration, such as apples, celery, and cheese, to keep your freshly whitened smile looking great. Clean your teeth as soon as possible after eating, brushing if possible, and rinsing your mouth with water if not.
Outside of that, you should maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice each day. Maintaining your results can also be as simple as brushing with a whitening toothpaste.
Take away…
Laser teeth whitening is quicker than other teeth whitening treatments. But it’s not necessarily needed. Keep in mind that this treatment is not a permanent solution to whiten your teeth, so certain stains might return, requiring the need of repeated laser treatments.
However, compared to other treatments, the benefits of laser teeth whitening will last longer — especially if you take good care of your teeth. The immediate result is also worth the investment!
Here in Ampong Dental, we make sure that we make your money’s worth. You’d be paying to have a fantastic smile and increased self-confidence knowing you look amazing!
Schedule an appointment and visit Ampong Dental now!
