Many of us want to achieve a whiter and brighter smile, to help us feel more confident and look better in photographs. Yellowed teeth can be ageing, but even the most well cared for set of teeth can discolour over time or due to smoking or tea and coffee consumption. There are various methods of whitening teeth, but laser treatments are among the most popular.
A commonly asked question is “how safe and effective is laser teeth whitening?” Here’s a look at what it involves, what to expect, how to choose a teeth whitening clinic, and what risks may be involved.
What does laser teeth whitening involve?
Laser teeth whitening involves applying a precisely targeted bleaching gel to the surface of your teeth, which is activated by a laser light. The whole process is very quick, usually taking about an hour.
How should you choose a teeth whitening clinic?
When choosing a teeth whitening clinic, ensure that a suitable dental professional will be carrying out the procedure. The clinic should offer you a consultation before the appointment to discuss your lifestyle, any relevant medical information and your expectations of the treatment. It’s also your chance to ask any questions.
It’s important to find out details of the procedure, such as if a sterile mouth guard will be used to protect your mouth and gums properly during the treatment. The clinic staff should be happy to answer any questions clearly and fully, and be transparent about the risks, the expected results, timescales, and price plans involved.
Is everyone suitable for the treatment?
The treatment is not suitable for people who have gum disease or epilepsy; nor for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should also be avoided by cancer patients undergoing any form of treatment.
However, the treatment is still safe and effective for people with crowns, caps, veneers or fillings, which will be restored to their original colour with no damage.
How effective is laser teeth whitening?
Laser whitening is considered to be one of the most effective ways to brighten teeth, with most procedures achieving significantly whiter teeth with just one application. It’s particularly beneficial for people with deeply stained teeth, for example from tobacco use, tea and coffee, red wine, or due to age.
How long do the results last?
The longevity of the treatment will depend on how well the teeth are cared for, and variables such as smoking, and consumption of tea, coffee and red wine. If properly looked after, the effects will last for two to three years.
How much does the procedure cost?
Laser whitening is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, so it is not available on the NHS. The cost will vary depending on which clinic you use, the particular laser system involved, and your location. Because of the excellent and long lasting results, it does tend to be more expensive than other forms of whitening treatments.
What are the side effects of the treatment?
When carried out by a qualified professional, there should be no major side effects to laser whitening. Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, but this should clear up within a few days.
It’s important to be confident that the treatment is carried out by a qualified professional using correctly formulated products and equipment. Unsafe practices could lead to issues such as damage to the tooth enamel and permanent sensitivity.
Are home whitening kits equally effective?
Home whitening kits may seem to be a tempting alternative to more expensive professional treatment, but they are not recommended by dental professionals. THis is because kits with safe levels of bleaching agents are not strong enough to be effective, and it is illegal to sell kits above a very low percentage of active bleaching agent in the UK for safety reasons.
Such products may be available to buy on the internet, but they can cause serious damage to your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
So to sum it all up: laser whitening treatments are generally considered safe and effective when carried out by qualified professionals using the right equipment. It’s widely considered to be one of the quickest, best, and low-risk ways to achieve a beaming and gleaming smile.
