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Is Laser Teeth Whitening Safe for Your Teeth?
Laser teeth whitening is very popular in today’s world and the most popular way of whitening is the use of hydrogen peroxide solution, which can be applied at home or at the dentist office near me. However, in order to quicken the process and boost results, laser whitening is fast becoming more acceptable among dentists. It involves the use of lasers or corresponding lights to stimulate the activity of whitening solutions.
Contrary to peroxide whitening, laser teeth whitening cannot be carried out at home as only a competent dentist can supervise it. Usually, oxygen ions are released from gels during whitening to remove stains gently from the teeth. But laser will remove the stain quickly and it can be used for bleaching the teeth one after the other. This is dependent on the type of laser used and very beneficial if the staining intensity of one tooth is more than others.
How Much is Laser Teeth Whitening
There are a few basic steps that your dentist will take if laser whitening is going to be administered on you. Here are the steps in order of importance.
Screening
Screening is very important before laser whitening can be carried out. Your gums will be examined to ensure that they are not exposing your tooth as this may make your dentist to look for an alternative method for you. Pregnant women and teenagers are also required to delay laser treatment till the time that their body will be fit for the procedure.
Pre-Treatment
Pre-treatment is very vital before laser whitening. Your teeth will be cleaned and checked for cavities. If there are cavities in your mouth, they will be filled and properly treated so that the whitening solution will not penetrate them. The penetration of this solution into the inner part of your tooth can be very dangerous to your dental health.
Medication
In order to prevent tooth sensitivity, especially if your teeth are sensitive, your dental practitioner may ask you to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug before the initial whitening session.
The Whitening
Your Emergency dentist will use a plastic or rubber guard to keep your mouth open before applying a barrier to your gums in order to protect them from the whitening compound. As soon as the gums are adequately protected, a syringe will be used to apply the whitening gel to your teeth. A pen-style laser will then be used to stimulate the compound in order to quickly eliminate the stains.
As soon as all the teeth have been bleached with the laser, the compound will be left for some minutes on your teeth before being wiped off by a little vacuum tool. A new layer of bleaching compound will then be applied and the procedure is repeated for about three times. When your dentist rinses your mouth and get rid of the gum barrier, it is a sign that you are gradually getting to the end of the procedure.
Follow-up
Teeth whitening is a temporary solution as stains can come back through your daily activities like smoking, eating teeth-staining foods and drinking beverages like tea and coffee. As a result of this, it is very essential to schedule follow-up sessions with your dentist in order to maintain your result. Depending on how you manage your result, it can last for six months or more than a year.
Side Effects
The common side effect of whitening is tooth sensitivity which can be mild or severe while some patients don’t experience any sensitivity at all. Some drugs may be prescribed for you by your dentist to reduce or avoid sensitivity. Usually, the sensitivity will subside after some days and if you notice white or sore gums, you should not hesitate to see your doctor.
Breaking Down Laser Whitening Cost
There are lots of costs you need to consider when you are thinking about laser teeth whitening. You need to consider the financial, time and maintenance costs. So that it will be easy for you to go through a smooth procedure.
Financial Cost
Laser teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure which is not covered by insurance. Hence, you need to be prepared to cover the fee. The amount you will pay for the procedure depends on the level of discoloration and the experience of your dentist. You should discuss the cost implications with your best dentist and a convenient payment plan may be worked out for you.
Time Cost
If you run a tight schedule, you need to consider the time that the procedure will cost you. Laser bleaching does not take too much time as the whole process does not last for more than one hour. Usually, treatment is enough to get your desired result. But in some cases, you may need to book follow-up appointments. Which do not take so much time per visit?
Maintenance Cost
It is very important for you to know the maintenance implications of laser teeth whitening. Proper dental hygiene is a sure way to maintain your investment in an alluring smile. And this should be given a top priority. Your result should last for between 6 months and one year or more. Depending on how best you can manage it. It is advisable for you to stay away, as much as possible, from foods and drinks (e.g. tee and coffee) that can stain your teeth.
Furthermore, if you lay your hands on a whitening toothpaste, you should use it. So that your teeth can be kept white at all times. You can also schedule a post-procedural appointment with your dentist near me every six months. So that proper analysis of the result can be carried out. And if there is a need for any follow-up treatment, it will be carried out in good time.
Conclusion
Laser whitening can boost the appearance of your teeth which will in turn enhance your smile. It will cost you more than ordinary peroxide bleaching but the results are incomparable. Since it can only take place in the dental clinic, you should make sure that you engage a competent dentist with relevant experience in handling the procedure.