Laser Teeth Whitening for Surface and Deeper Teeth Stains

People who have stained or discolored teeth may choose laser teeth whitening to help brighten their smile. There are many ways that teeth can get stained, and not all of them are related to what one eats or drinks. Although there are various teeth whitening methods, not all of them work for stains that affect the deeper parts of the teeth. Laser teeth whitening uses a stronger whitening agent, so it is a good option for stains that are harder to get rid of.

Types of teeth stains

Stains can affect the surface layer of the teeth or the inside layer of the teeth. Although over-the-counter whitening solutions are often effective for surface stains, they are unable to remove deeper stains.

Extrinsic

Extrinsic stains refer to the ones that discolor the surface of teeth. Foods and beverages, including coffee, red wine, dark berries, tea, cola, and dark-colored sauces, are a common cause of stains. Stains can be minimized by swishing the mouth with water after consuming these or drinking beverages through a straw.

Prescription iron supplements can cause surface stains on the teeth. So can chlorohexidine, which is an ingredient found in mouthwashes that are prescribed to treat gum disease. Although it kills the bacteria, it does make the teeth more susceptible to staining foods and drinks.

Smoking is another common cause of teeth stains. Nicotine causes surface stains, but it can also get through the enamel, causing deeper stains.

Intrinsic

Intrinsic stains occur on the inside of the teeth, and laser teeth whitening is often the only way to remove them. These stains may be caused by trauma, age, and medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, high blood pressure meds, antipsychotic drugs, and antihistamines, are factors in intrinsic stains. Stains can also occur if there is an overuse of fluoride.

How laser teeth whitening works

The dental professional performs a consultation and oral examination before deciding that this whitening method will help reach the patient's goals. Before the procedure, the dentist may recommend a professional cleaning before the process if it has been a while since the last cleaning.

To start the procedure, a guard will be placed in the patient's mouth to keep it open. A protective substance is placed on the gums to make sure they do not get irritated or burned from the whitening gel. Once that hardens into a rubber-like consistency, the dentist applies the bleaching gel to the teeth. With laser teeth whitening, the heat of the laser activates the gel to help it penetrate the enamel.

After about 10 to 15 minutes, the gel is removed. This process is repeated a couple more times to reach the desired shade. Once it is completed, the protective layer is removed and the mouth is rinsed. The entire session lasts around an hour.