Why Laser Teeth Whitening Is Only Available in Your Dentist’s Office

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.

Improved effectiveness and safety

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.

Protecting the gums and lips

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.

Ensuring the health of the teeth

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.