QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER BLEACHING
(To advance directly to the questions that interest you, click on the list below)
1. How long does it take?
2. Is laser bleaching better than home bleaching?
3. How long does the whitening last?
4. What is the whitening process doing to my teeth?
5. Can the laser hurt my gums or damage my teeth?
6. How long does it take?
7. Are there any reasons I should not whiten my teeth?
8. What does the whitening procedure cost?
9. Do I have to the wear a carrier at all?
10. Don't whitening toothpastes do the same thing as the
professional dental whitening technique?
Q. How long does it take?
A. Laser bleaching can be completed in one visit. Often you are given
custom trays and a whitening solution to apply for two or three days at
home. This is usually to extend the whitening effect and handle any residual
color problems.
Q. Is laser bleaching better than home bleaching?
A. Yes, in that stubborn stains can be addressed directly and a consistent
balance of color can be achieved. Laser bleaching results are also immediate.
Home bleaching is still very effective, it just requires more time to
accomplish the desired results.
Q. How long does the whitening last?
A. Although some stain removal may be permanent, the average duration
of the color change is from 1 to 3 years before any darkening is noticed.
After that time, there is some color lapse, but not back to the original
stained color. Recovering the whitened color generally takes only a few
days of re-treatment. Some teeth have remained color stable for more than
7 years. If the cause of the staining is continued (such as smoking),
the teeth will discolor more rapidly.
Q. What is the whitening process doing to my teeth?
A. The the whitening agent soaks into the tooth's dentin and enamel.
It removes stains that have also soaked into the tooth, as well as changes
the color of the inside of the tooth by an oxidation process.
Q. Can the laser hurt my gums or damage my teeth?
A. No. There is a gel applied to the gums which is hardened with a
curing light to protect them throughout the process. The laser used to
activate the bleaching agent is designed for this purpose and won't harm
your teeth or protected gums. Naturally, care does need to be taken in
the operation of the laser, but as used by a trained professional it is
safe.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Generally there are three visits to complete the process. Impressions
are taken in the first visit to make custom trays for the home treatment
stage and usually takes about 20 minutes. The next visit is when laser
treatment actually begins. This visit usually takes about one and a half
hours and the most dramatic results occur in this visit. After the home
treatment portion there is a last visit to check results and ensure that
everything is okay, the last visit takes about ten minutes.
Q. Are there any reasons I should not whiten my teeth?
A. Yes. Restorations (fillings such as composites, bonding, or crowns)
do not change color. If you have many fillings on your teeth that show
when you smile, they may become more noticeable (look darker) after the
teeth get lighter. Your dentist will examine you and advise you as to
whether the improvement from whitening is worth the cost and risk of replacement
of those restorations.
Q. What does the whitening procedure cost?
A. The dental office will discuss the fee for whitening either one
arch (top teeth) or both. Generally, the cost for all the teeth is less
than the cost of one porcelain veneer for one tooth.
Q. Do I have to the wear a carrier at all?
A. Yes, it is recommended to finish off the whitening process. Usually
this is done for three nights following the in-office laser treatment
to extend the benefits of the laser bleaching.
Q. Don't whitening toothpastes do the same thing
as the professional dental whitening technique?
A. No. Toothpaste is primarily intended for stains on the outside
of the tooth. The dramatic change in tooth color inside the tooth has
not been duplicated by whitening tooth-pastes. Some of the toothpastes
that contain peroxide may be used to help maintain white teeth after they
have been lightened by the dental whitening technique. Other toothpastes
are merely cosmetic and add white "paint" to the teeth, or are abrasive
and actually remove good tooth structure. Your dental team will work with
you to find the best fluoride-containing toothpaste and proper toothbrush
habits to maintain your whiter teeth for a lifetime.
If you have any other questions about teeth whitening or other dental
questions, please feel free to call our office. We will work to answer
all of your questions.
Call: 1 (860) 668-0241
