At our Claremont dental office, we offer different kinds of teeth whitening services. But one of the most unique ones is laser teeth whitening. Dental lasers are some of the most current dental technology we use today. They help make many procedures quicker, easier, and more comfortable. The same is true for teeth whitening. Read on to find out how Laser teeth whitening works, and if it’s right for you.
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
A number of different things can cause discolored teeth. For starters, all of our teeth become discolored as we get older. The enamel layer on the outside becomes thinner over time, making the dentin layer underneath more prominent. Typically, this makes your teeth look an off-yellow color, but it can also be grayish.
Lifestyle habits also play a factor. Your teeth will become more discolored if you frequently drink things like coffee or tea. This is also true with things like red wine or dark sodas. Tobacco can also discolor your teeth. The nicotine and tar in tobacco cause brownish or yellowish stains on your teeth. Certain diseases and medications may also cause staining. Talk to your doctor about the medications that you are taking, if they will affect teeth, and if there are any alternatives.
How Does Laser Teeth Whitening Work?
The laser teeth whitening process is similar to our traditional in-office whitening technique. First, we will place a guard on your mouth to keep your mouth open and avoid soft tissue touching the teeth. Then, we apply a protective layer to your gums so that the bleaching agent doesn’t affect them.
Next, the technician carefully applies the whitening agent to your teeth. A laser activates the whitening chemicals in the product and foams up during the stain removal process. We will leave this on your teeth for a few minutes to let it work. After some time, we remove the whitening agent to expose your freshly whitened teeth. Your dentist can repeat the process many times in one visit.
When you get laser teeth whitening for the first time, you can expect teeth to get up to ten shades whiter.* Laser teeth whitening is ideal because it helps to speed up the whitening process. You may be able to get your teeth whiter much faster than you would with other whitening methods.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Laser Teeth Whitening?
Before we conduct any cosmetic treatments, we will have a thorough consultation with you to see if the treatments will work for your needs. We will talk to you about your cosmetic goals and your budget. We’ll also do a full exam of your teeth and mouth. Not all stains are responsive to traditional whitening techniques however, so we make sure that your stains will respond well to the whitening technique.
If you’re a teenager or pregnant woman, we recommend waiting on teeth whitening. This also goes for patients that have gum disease or any exposed nerves. You must be free of gum disease, tooth decay, and any other oral health issues before your dentist can whiten your teeth.
If we find that you’re a good candidate, we’ll move forward with this treatment. However, we may suggest other techniques that could better help your case. Dental bonding or porcelain veneers may be a better alternative for persistent staining. We’ll find the right treatment for your unique needs in no time.
When you are ready, schedule a teeth whitening consultation at Claremont Dental Institute. We’ll make sure that laser teeth whitening is the best choice for your smile before providing this treatment. Call us or schedule an appointment online today.
*Results may vary