Laser teeth whitening or bleaching is a preferred dental procedure for smile aesthetics. It is a non-invasive teeth whitening method for patients who want their existing teeth to look whiter. After the sessions, your teeth will be one or two shades of white.
What is laser teeth whitening?
It is the bleaching process of teeth in a few sessions with office-type bleaching agents. Although the brands vary, we use office-type teeth whitening gel containing 35 percent hydrogen peroxide, which can only practice by professionals in our clinic. After all, teeth whitening is an aesthetic and cosmetic treatment method.
It is essential to seek expert help in this treatment, and specialist dentists should do this treatment. Thanks to the expert dentists in our clinic, you will be able to achieve the white teeth you desire in such a short time.
So how is the teeth whitening process?
Teeth whitening is ideal in a few appointments and sessions. Whitening can be completed in a single appointment or several appointments and lasts three sessions with 20 minutes. You will need to consult your dentist about this. Laser teeth whitening performs as follows:
Whitening vs. Bleaching
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established specific guidelines for the use of terminology related to tooth whitening. According to these guidelines, the term “bleaching” is reserved for products that contain bleach and are capable of whitening teeth beyond their natural colour, usually by employing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. In contrast, the term “whitening” refers to products that restore the surface colour of teeth by removing dirt and debris, including toothpaste. It is worth noting that the term “whitening” is often used to describe products that contain bleach, despite the technical differences between the two terms.
Understanding the distinctions between “bleaching” and “whitening” terminology is paramount in making informed decisions about the products we use for our dental care. By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that our communication is clear and accurate and that our use of terminology is appropriate and consistent with regulatory standards.
In the field of teeth whitening, hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) are commonly used bleaching agents. HP is the preferred bleach for in-office teeth whitening due to its fast-acting and powerful nature, which is particularly advantageous when time is limited. The concentration of HP used in teeth bleaching ranges from approximately 9% to 40%. Conversely, CP is the preferred bleach for at-home teeth whitening due to its slower-acting nature and breakdown into hydrogen peroxide. CP has approximately one-third the strength of HP, making a 15% solution of CP roughly equivalent to a 5% solution of HP. Therefore, the choice of bleach agent depends on the type of teeth whitening and the desired outcome.
Types of Teeth Discoloration
There are two clear categories of teeth staining: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains occur on the visible parts and at the back of the teeth due to exposure to dark-coloured foods and beverages, tobacco, and routine wear and tear. Minor extrinsic stains can be removed through regular brushing and prophylactic dental cleaning, while more persistent ones require more intensive procedures, such as teeth whitening. If left untreated, extrinsic stains can penetrate the dentin and become permanent.
Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, occur within the interior of teeth. They usually arise from ageing, trauma, exposure to minerals during the formation of teeth, or excessive ingestion of fluoride. In the past, it was believed that intrinsic stains were too challenging to remove through bleaching. However, modern cosmetic dentistry experts are confident that even intense intrinsic stains can be eliminated through a supervised take-home teeth whitening program that may last several months or even a year. If teeth whitening proves ineffective, alternative cosmetic treatments, such as dental veneers, can be practised to address intrinsic staining.
Guidelines for Maintaining White Teeth
Whether undergoing professional teeth whitening by a dentist or utilizing an at-home tooth whitening procedure, it is crucial to maintain results by adhering to a consistent oral hygiene routine and attending routine dental appointments. Additionally, it is recommended to abstain from consuming acidic foods and beverages, those containing high levels of tannins, and intensely pigmented items, which can potentially lead to tooth discolouration.
It is important to note that the maintenance of oral health is an essential aspect of overall well-being. Therefore, it is imperative to remain vigilant in practising good oral hygiene habits and attending regular dental check-ups to prevent and combat the effects of dental discolouration.
The following items are known to cause staining of teeth:
– Coffee and Tea (Black)
– Red and White wine
– Sports drinks
– Carbonated beverages (both dark and light-coloured sodas)
– Foods with strong and profound colouring like blueberries, and cranberries.
– Certain sauces (such as soy, tomato, turmeric and curry)
It is important to note that these items contain chromogens, which are pigmented molecules that are prone to sticking to the enamel of teeth. Additionally, acidic drinks and foods can cause erosion of the enamel, making it more susceptible to staining. Therefore, it is advised to consume such items in moderation and to rinse the mouth with water afterwards to minimize the staining effect.
Risks
It is critical to keep in mind that while teeth whitening treatments are generally safe when done correctly, there are some potential risks involved. Some of the most common risks associated with bleaching include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and uneven whitening. It’s always a good idea to speak with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment to make sure it’s the right choice for you and to get advice on how to minimize any potential risks.
Sensitivity: We want to remind you that it is natural to experience some sensitivity after bleaching. This increase in sensitivity may be temporary and can make your teeth more sensitive to temperature, pressure, and touch, particularly during in-office whitening procedures that use higher concentrations of bleach. You may also experience sudden shooting pains down the middle of your front teeth, which some people have described as “zingers.” If you have gum recession, significant cracks in your teeth, or leakage from faulty restorations, you’re at a greater risk for sensitivity. Redheads, even without any other risk factors, may also be more likely to experience tooth sensitivity. I understand that this can be uncomfortable, but rest assured that sensitivity usually lasts no longer than a day or two, and sometimes up to a month. Some dentists recommend toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist.
Gum irritation: Did you know that over half of the people who use peroxide whiteners experience gum irritation? This happens due to the high concentration of bleach or contact with the trays. However, don’t let this discourage you from using peroxide whiteners. The irritation is temporary and lasts for only a few days. Once you stop using the bleach or lower the peroxide concentration, the irritation will subside. So, if you’re looking for a reliable teeth-whitening solution, peroxide whiteners are a great choice. Just remember to follow the instructions carefully and use the recommended concentration for the best results.
Technicolour teeth: It is essential to understand that teeth restorations like bonding, dental crowns, or veneers won’t be impacted by teeth whitening treatments. As a result, the surrounding teeth may appear whiter, while the restorations will remain unchanged, leading to a significant difference in shade. This phenomenon is known as “technicolour teeth.” To achieve a consistent and natural-looking smile, it is crucial to consult with a dental professional before undergoing any teeth whitening treatments.
To What Extent Can They Be White? Aesthetic Expectations
The results of teeth whitening treatments can vary greatly from person to person. While some may see immediate and satisfying results, others may not achieve the desired outcome. It’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist before beginning any whitening treatment, to get an idea of what you can realistically expect, and how long it may take to achieve your desired results.
You can consult your dentist about your options at Dentodream. If the teeth whitening option is not for you, you can consider one of the crown, veneers or composite bonding options. Therefore, you can get general information by clicking on the crown, veneers or composite bonding links, which you can see on the website, or you can contact us via Whatsapp or email.
It is not a lifelong solution or treatment. It can last about one or one and a half year years. It is a situation entirely related to personal care, that is, a situation that depends on the patient’s dental care.
