Many people want bright white teeth, and laser teeth whitening is one way to achieve this look. Performed in a dentist's office, this procedure uses lasers to remove discoloration and stains from the teeth. While some other teeth whitening procedures can be performed at home, this treatment takes place in the office of a dental professional. Keep reading to find out why laser whitening is only available in a dentist's office.
Laser whitening requires advanced equipment that is not available for home use. It also needs the supervision of a trained dental professional to be performed properly.
Before the laser can be used, a peroxide-based gel must be applied to the teeth. Because the teeth have the hard barrier of enamel in place, the gel does not impact the teeth, but it can affect the soft tissue of the gums or lips. If this bleaching gel gets on either of these areas, it can cause irritation or damage that may lead to discomfort and other issues.
Dental professionals take special precautions to make sure the gel is properly applied and not touching the gums or lips. Rubber dams and retractors are typically used to cover the gums and pull back the lips to avoid getting the gel on the cheeks, lips, or gums. Without these tools, it can be more difficult for someone at home to be as precise about spreading the gel correctly and protecting these sensitive areas.
The heat from the laser warms up the gel applied to the teeth, allowing it to create a chemical reaction. This reaction breaks up stains deep within the teeth and restores their whiter shade. However, laser heat can be dangerous if not used by a professional. Depending on which type of laser teeth whitening treatment is being performed, each tooth must be whitened individually, which means the laser needs to be used correctly multiple times. This increases the margin for error when attempted by someone not properly trained.
If the laser is not left on the teeth long enough, it does not have enough time to create the amount of heat necessary to break up the stains and whiten the teeth. However, if the laser is directed at a tooth for too long, it can cause the tooth to heat up too much and cause discomfort. A dental professional can also tell if there has been damage to the enamel that would make a whitening procedure unrecommended for a patient's teeth. Using laser whitening on already-damaged enamel can cause permanent issues.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening at Dentist in Encino, CA
Due to the complex nature of the chemicals and the necessity of special tools and training, laser teeth whitening should only be performed by a dental professional in a medical office. Patients should consult with a dentist before any whitening takes place to determine the recommended treatment.
Request an appointment or call Encino Cosmetic & Dental Implants at 818-578-2333 for an appointment in our Encino office.
A common cosmetic dental complaint is stained or discolored teeth. The good news is there are numerous options, including laser teeth whitening, that can brighten the teeth and improve the smile without using invasive procedures. Many people choose to get in-office teeth whitening because it tends to have better and longer-lasting results. However, dark-colored foods…
Laser teeth whitening puts gums and other soft tissues of the mouth at risk of irritation and injury. Sometimes, the whitening gel still touches the gums, and this can be a painful ordeal. Knowing this possible risk can help prepare you for your upcoming laser teeth whitening treatment. If you want to know more about…
Laser teeth whitening can remove the most stubborn stains and help dental patients smile confidently. The process has been a staple of cosmetic dentistry for many years, and most patients tolerate it well, with minimal discomfort. Under the auspices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration approves…