A Closer Look at Laser Teeth Whitening and Its Benefits

Everyone wants to have an attractive, pearly white smile. However, your teeth can lose its luster over time due to a number of different factors. If you visit your dentist once or twice a year, then you may have heard about the different products and services which are made to bring back that dazzling white smile. Some of these require regular use or daily intervals, which can extend up to weeks or even months. But if you're seeking a solution that is safe, fast, and effective, then laser teeth whitening may just be for you.

Laser Whitening Procedure

Many people think that laser teeth whitening is a painful and complicated procedure, but it's actually straightforward and painless. The dentist will be applying a specially formulated whitening gel over your teeth and remove the dingy stains with a laser light. The laser lights allow the gel to penetrate the hard enamel easier, and the results can be seen in as little as one session. What's even better is that it offers a number of great benefits over the other options, such as:

Approved Safe by the ADA

Safety comes first in any cosmetic improvement procedure. The American Dental Association cautions that while laser teeth whitening done by a professional is safe for enamel and dental work, do-it-yourself bleaching kits are much riskier as the work is left solely to the consumer. The teeth and gum line can be weakened by bleaching, as these are known to be abrasive and can cause dental damages with prolonged use. The ADA strongly disagrees about the use of over-the-counter bleaching agents as these products don't meet their standards of safety and effectiveness, unlike the specially formulated whitening gels that bear their Seal of Acceptance. Neutralizing gels and rubber shields are also other ADA-approved materials used to protect the teeth and gum sensitivity during a laser teeth whitening procedure.

More Effective than Other Procedures

As of present, laser teeth whitening is the most effective way of bringing back that pearly white smile. The bleaching agents found in DIY bleaching products are more abrasive yet less effective compared to the whitening agents applied by dental professionals. The University of Maryland Medical Center has reported that the effects of professional laser whitening can last up to 5 years or more, while the over-the-counter products usually last from 6 months to a year only. This process also works to improve the intrinsic color of your teeth, unlike a whitening toothpaste which only gets rid of surface stains.

Dramatic Results in the Shortest Time

According to the Cleveland Clinic, laser teeth whitening can give you dramatic results in just a single session. Of course, it will take several sessions to get the full effect that you desire, but with each session lasting as little as 30 minutes only, there's no need to settle with the riskier, over-the-counter teeth whiteners that take hours to apply and weeks to bring little results.

What About Side-Effects?

Some people claim that they experience sensitivity to hot or cold drinks after undergoing laser teeth whitening. While dental professionals consider this to be a normal occurrence, the degree of sensitivity varies from person to person.

In order to avoid this side-effect, the best course of action is to look for a trusted and highly experienced dentist. You may seek the recommendations of your friends or colleagues who recently had a laser teeth whitening and take the time to determine the dentist's expertise to get that dazzling white smile that you've always wanted!