How Laser Teeth Whitening Affects Tooth Enamel

Dealing with a yellowed or discolored smile can be challenging. For many patients, laser teeth whitening offers whiter, brighter, and longer-lasting results than store-bought products. However, how does this type of treatment affect tooth enamel? Is it harmful to teeth and gums or is it a safe option for smile restoration?

The process of laser teeth whitening

While professional whitening treatments are known to cause some sensitivity for a few days, the process itself does not harm the tooth, tooth enamel, or surrounding tissues. Instead, it utilizes a series of specific products and instruments to gently open the pores of the enamel for a temporary period.

Preparation

First, the patient often receives a professional cleaning to remove any tartar or plaque buildup. The dentist may also perform an examination to check for signs of damage or decay. Once the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, a dentist can place protective coverings along the soft tissues to prevent irritation. It is possible that some gel may make its way to the gums or cheeks during treatment, which results in only some minor irritation that should quickly subside.

Treatment

Once the mouth is fully prepped, a whitening gel is carefully applied to the teeth. While this gel is sometimes referred to as bleach, it is actually a type of peroxide. Most dental offices use some form of hydrogen peroxide, which is perfectly safe when used correctly for medical and dental purposes.

When the peroxide gel is applied to the surface of the teeth, it begins to gently open the pores of the enamel structure. This allows the gel to penetrate below the surface for more effective stain removal. A laser is used to boost the productivity of the peroxide, leading to faster and more thorough results. The entire process usually lasts around 15 minutes per session.

Home care

Once a laser teeth whitening treatment is complete, some patients may experience some tooth sensitivity. This is not a result of any damage to the tooth enamel; it is simply a natural result of the recently opened pores. Within a day or two, those pores close on their own and the sensitivity will fade. Some dentists recommend using a sensitivity toothpaste starting two weeks before treatment to reduce or eliminate this issue altogether.

While the pores of the enamel remain open, patients should be especially careful to avoid any foods or beverages that may cause staining. Many dentists recommend an all-white diet for the first few days after treatment to prevent this problem. After this period of time, patients can resume a normal diet but should still take care to avoid or limit certain choices, such as:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soft drinks
• Red wine
• Berries
• Beets
• Artificial food dyes

People who have had a professional whitening service and wish to extend the life of the treatment should use a straw and rinse or brush as soon as possible after eating and drinking.