How does it work?

The laser emits light energy which is then absorbed by the blue pigment of the bleaching gel. Bleaching occurs when free oxygen radicals from the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide chemically reduce larger organic-pigmented molecules into less pigmented constitutes through oxidation. Using the laser accelerates the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide thus accelerating the bleaching process.

How fast is it?

The most obvious advantage of laser tooth whitening is the speed at which the bleaching process occurs. With home bleaching technique, it take a minimum of two weeks or can take as long as two months before results are achieved. Laser bleaching in comparison only takes one hour before teeth are markedly whiter.

Is there any sensitivity after treatment?

In addition to being time efficient, laser whitening also avoid other complicatons associated with the home bleaching and other in-office bleaching (bleaching with heat lamp). Some patients suffer from tooth sensivity after the home and in-office bleaching. Their teeth can be sensitive to cold substances and air. With laser whitening the number of patients complaining of sensivity is lowered because the treatment time is much shorter.

How safe is it?

The existing in-office bleaching method used to accelerate the bleaching process relies on heat as the energy source. The heat has potential to damage the soft tissue or pulp which consists of the tooth's nerve and blood vessels. The tooth is a vital tissue, so if the temperature goes up more than five degrees the pulp will be damaged and the tooth will be dead. So the pulp can be damaged if the process of heat lamp application is too long. Laser is the only available method that accelerates bleaching and does not cause damage to the pulp.

How much whiter can it do?

This generally depends on patient's tooth nature and original color. There are numerous causes for tooth discoloration and staining, some more preventable than others. Some people genetically have yellow teeth, but there are many environmental reasons for discoloration. The most common is drinking dark-colored drinks like tea, coffee and cola. People also suffer from fluorosis and tetracycline stains. Fluorosis is the result of having too much fluoride when your teeth are developing. Tetracycline stains occur when the tooth is developing and you take Tetracycline antibiotics. As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, therefore, the results of laser tooth whitening cannot be predicted. Some patients get more degrees of whiteness while some people see only 1-2 shades whiter.

How long will the whiteness last?

The long-term effects of the treatment are also diffcult to predict and vary from one person to another. The results can last for up to one and a half years but obviously this is dependent on your lifestyle. If, after treatment, patient consumes much of dark-colored drinks, the results will not last for long. However, you can come for touch ups which will not takes as long as the initial treatment.

Are my teeth suitable for laser whitening?

It gives magical results for anyone who wants to whiten their teeth. This includes people with teeth which have been stained by smoking or by substance like coffee or tea.

How white could my teeth be?

The result will be white, shiny teeth.

How long will the whitening last?

The effect last for two years.

How long does treatment take?

In only 1 hour, discolouration which has built up over the years will magically disappear.

 

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