The cost of at-home whitening options versus in-office procedures performed by a professional cosmetic dentist in Columbus, Ohio, can be significant—but so are the results. Baking soda and activated charcoal provide minimal changes in color, but they can seriously damage tooth enamel, cause sensitivity, and irritate your gums.
Among in-office options, laser whitening has proven to be a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution. Many of our patients feel intimidated by the uniqueness of laser dentistry, so we created this guide. Here, we’ll tackle everything you need to know about laser bleaching, from benefits and processes to potential risks.
Let’s go!
What Is Laser Whitening?
As the name indicates, this type of teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth with a laser. A professional dentist applies a bleaching gel to your teeth, and the laser's radiation activates it. When the gel heats up, it alters stain molecules on the teeth, giving patients a new smile makeover.
Studies have shown that laser teeth whitening can offer a noticeable color change—and in one single session. Moreover, proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups can make the results last up to two years, which is why laser dentistry is an attractive option for many patients.
Why Do Teeth Stain?
Teeth can get stained from various factors, but why does that happen? The answer lies in your tooth’s anatomy. The enamel's outer layer is covered in thousands of microscopic porous openings called “tubules." These can hold stain particles, darkening them over time.
Additionally, the layer beneath your enamel, called dentin, is naturally yellow in color. When it starts wearing down, this yellowish color emerges.
For this reason, there are three categories into which tooth discoloration can be classified:
Extrinsic discoloration
When the enamel tubules trap food or chemical particles, they cause extrinsic tooth discolorations. The most common causes of extrinsic stains include:
- Dark-colored foods like berries and tomato sauce
- Drinks like coffee, tea, and wine
- Tobacco
Intrinsic discoloration
These are the stains located within the tooth. They often appear in more of a grayish color and are highly resistant to over-the-counter whitening products. They can be caused by:
- Certain medications, like antihistamines
- Mouth Injuries
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Overusing fluoride
Age-related discoloration
As you age, the enamel on your teeth begins to wear away, leaving the dentin exposed, resulting in a yellow appearance.
Laser in Dentistry?
Although it may feel like a recent development, dental lasers have been around since the 1960s and are recognized by the ADA.
Lasers in dentistry can remove and reshape tooth and gum tissue, replacing scalpels in some procedures due to their simplicity, efficiency, and comfort.
The acronym LASER stands for “Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” As it indicates, these tools work by creating a beam of high-intensity light. When set to specific wavelengths, dentists can use them to target particular tissues and improve dentistry procedures.
Some of the benefits of dental lasers are:
- Making treatments less invasive
- Avoiding the need for stitches and sutures, which leads to faster healing times
- More precise work leads to less damage to the gums, teeth, and other tissues
- Less blood loss, as lasers improve blood clotting
- Less swelling, discomfort, and pain
- Lower chance of infection
Because of that, lasers have proven to be an effective tool for dentistry. But besides providing sterile surgical sites and increased comfort, lasers offer a safe method of tooth whitening by power bleaching.
Laser Whitening Process
To brighten your teeth with a laser, you must visit a laser-instructed dentist’s office. The whole procedure can take between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your smile’s state and what you’re looking for.
Here’s what the treatment normally looks like:
- The first step is preparing the mouth to protect every area we don’t want the laser to touch. First, the dentist will add a rubber or plastic device to keep your mouth propped open.
- You will be given safety glasses to protect your eyes from the light.
- To keep your gums safe, you’ll be given a resin gum barrier.
- A hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent is applied to your teeth.
- As the dentist applies a laser to it, the gel starts getting heated, activating the bleaching agent and accelerating the whitening process.
- Once you’re done, the dentist will remove the gum barrier and rinse out any remaining bleaching gel.
The entire laser whitening process should be painless, but you may experience slight sensitivity for about 24 hours after the procedure.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser whitening has become more popular these last few years, and there are various reasons why:
- Quick results: In just one hour-long session, you can lighten your teeth in several shades.
- Effective: It’s more effective at getting rid of aging-related discoloration and tough stains compared to at-home solutions.
- Safe: When done by a trained dental professional who adheres to the proper safety precautions, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
- Long-lasting: The effects may last up to two years with good oral hygiene and routine check-ups.
Disadvantages of Laser Dentistry
Nevertheless, laser dentistry still has some limitations:
- Cost: Compared to other whitening methods, its cost can be higher.
- Sensitivity: Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation immediately afterward.
- Maintenance: As with any whitening method, it may need periodic touch-ups or at-home whitening treatments.
FAQ About Laser Teeth Whitening
Do you still have some doubts? Here are some frequently asked questions we receive all the time about laser teeth whitening!
How Long Does Laser Whitening Last?
To effectively reduce tooth discoloration, this procedure uses stronger chemicals. Because of that, its effects can last between a few months and three years, much longer than over-the-counter treatments like whitening strips and toothpaste.
Other factors that can affect the durability of your results are:
- The original shade of your teeth
- How frequently you get a check-up
- Your lifestyle habits
- Your diet
- Your oral hygiene
- The bleaching gel and lasers used
However, it’s temporary, as with any whitening procedure, and it may require maintenance over time.
How Often Can I Get Laser Whitening?
The best way to find the right frequency for you is by consulting an experienced dentist. They will perform the procedure safely and protect your teeth and gums.
The risk of too much tooth bleaching is damaging your tooth enamel or pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
Can Everyone Get Laser Whitening?
Sadly, there are some limitations to lasers in cosmetic dentistry. This specific procedure might not be suitable if you:
- Are under orthodontic treatment
- Have stains from tetracycline
- Have a mouth injury, tooth malformation, or orofacial tumor
- Are taking analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or antibiotic medications
- Have a weak enamel
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under 18
Moreover, laser tooth bleaching doesn’t work on tooth implants, dentures, or crowns.
Find a Laser Cosmetic Dentist in Columbus, Ohio
Laser have found their home in dentistry for more than six decades now, but their results keep surprising us every day. Laser whitening is not only better than at-home products, but it’s also an option to consider over other in-office whitening procedures.
Nevertheless, teeth bleaching comes with both advantages and downsides. Especially for patients who cannot benefit from this procedure, like people with mouth injuries or who’re doing orthodontics.
If you want to know whether you’re a good candidate for laser teeth whitening at Spectrum Dental & Prosthodontics, give us a call!
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