If you want to retrieve the whiteness of your teeth, your dentist will probably suggest you go through laser teeth whitening. Lasers have been used to treat various problems and one of these is discoloured or yellow teeth. The following is a brief overview of laser treatment to give you an idea of what you are going to encounter.

Why Laser Treatment

Lasers became popular for whitening of teeth after numerous complaints by consumers that conventional bleaching was painful and led to inflammation.

Lasers are focused on a particular area which reduces the chances of inflammation. Laser whitening treatments may not require the use of a drill or anaesthesia associated with painful treatments. Laser procedures control the amount of bleeding during surgery and reduce bacteria in tooth cavities and diseased gum tissue.

Laser teeth whitening takes several hours with a third of this time taken to ensure that your teeth and surrounding soft tissues of your mouth are protected using beeswax to act against the ingredients used for whitening teeth.

Applications of Laser Dental Treatments

• For exposing erupted wisdom teeth
• Manage gum tissue in dental procedures such as impression for crowns
• For removing inflamed gum tissues
• For reshaping bone and gum tissues in crown lengthening procedures
• Treating root canal infections
• Speeding up tooth whitening

How Laser Treatment Works

The common type of laser used for teeth whitening procedures is the argon laser.

First, your dentist cleans your teeth and all plaque is removed using a regular cleaning process. This helps to reduce stains and discoloration.

Next, your dentist uses carbamide peroxide gel on your teeth and lights a laser beam to begin the whitening procedure. This is a peroxide gel responsible for bleaching the teeth. Your gums will be protected using a rubber shield or cloth.

The laser beam removes build up that has accumulated on your teeth leading to discoloration.  Expect to see at least 9-10 shades of lighter teeth color after the procedure. However, the whitening is not permanent, and so you will have to visit your dentist again after 2-3 years all depending on the way you maintain your teeth.

After Treatment

You should engage in healthy practises such as brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day.  Your dentist will advise you to avoid the top five causes of tooth stains; namely tea, coffee, tobacco, blue berries and dark soda. You should abstain from these staining elements during the first week after treatment.