Is Laser Teeth Whitening Safe?

All Smiles • Feb 17, 2021


Laser Teeth Whitening Safe? One of the most common complaints from patients in the Lake Jackson, TX area concerns teeth color. Yellow or stained teeth can lead to self-esteem issues and cause patients to avoid smiling. Many at-home treatments are available, but the results vary greatly, causing patients to turn to professional teeth whitening services. One such service is a laser whitening procedure . This technology is not as well-known as other methods, so that patients may have questions about the safety, and efficacy of the procedure. Before learning more about laser whitening, it is essential to explore other treatment options to see how they compare and help you make a more informed decision.

What Are the Most Common Teeth Whitening Options?

Various forms of teeth whitening have been around for years, with many options available over-the-counter for personal use. There are advantages and disadvantages to every form of whitening, and the results can vary widely. Your Lake Jackson dentist can walk you through the tooth whitening options and help you make the decision that is right for you.

At-home Whitening

When you are unhappy with your tooth color, your first instinct may be to turn to over-the-counter whitening products at home. Whitening strips, trays, and gels are available from many manufacturers, but most use similar ingredients to achieve results. Hydrogen peroxide is a common agent used for bleaching. Overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity and irritation of the gums. Since they are not used under your dentist’s supervision, these whitening methods have mixed results. Another common way to reduce surface stains is to use whitening toothpaste. The effect is typically minor, and other whitening treatments may be more effective. Ideally, tooth bleaching should occur under the care of an experienced dental professional.

Traditional Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening options performed under the care of a dentist are the most efficient and successful stain and discoloration removal methods. Patients seeking a whiter and healthier smile should speak with a dentist about professional teeth whitening options. Your dentist can whiten your teeth in a safe, effective way using customized whitening trays to use at home or in-house treatments.

Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening trays, those provided by your dentist are customized for your teeth. They hold the whitening agent closely against the tooth surface. The bleaching agent is professional-grade and formulated to provide maximum effectiveness and minimal side effects. Your dental team assesses your results and can make adjustments as necessary.

An alternative to tooth-whitening trays is in-office whitening using a peroxide gel and special light, such as the Zoom Whitening method. During this process, a hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the teeth. The solution reacts to light activation using oxygen molecules and can whiten your teeth significantly with just a few treatments. During a Zoom Whitening consultation , your dentist can show you an example of the expected results. Zoom Whitening has rapidly become one of the most popular tooth whitening methods.

Laser Teeth Whitening Treatment in Lake Jackson, TX

Another alternative to at-home whitening treatment or traditional tooth whitening procedures performed by your dentist is laser teeth whitening. This method uses the new technology of dental lasers to perform the whitening procedure. Although many Lake Jackson dental offices still use traditional methods, some modern practices use lasers for fillings and surgical procedures. Many individuals do not realize that although laser dentistry has gained popularity in recent years, the technology has been available for more than two decades. All Smiles Dentistry has used lasers for most of that time. Training and costly equipment limited offices with lasers., and finding a practice that uses lasers today is difficult.

Laser whitening is not as well-known as teeth-whitening trays or other traditional methods. Since the technology is newer, many patients have questions and want to learn more before proceeding. Is laser teeth whitening safe? Is it effective? Who should try it? Providing answers to these questions can help patients achieve white teeth while feeling secure with the decision.

Is the Laser Teeth Whitening Procedure Safe?

People seeking whiter tooth enamel may have questions about laser teeth whitening procedures. One of the most common questions concerns the safety of laser whitening. When performed by a dentist, laser tooth whitening is an extremely safe tooth whitening method. The tooth surface is not damaged by the laser, as it is used to activate the bleaching agents applied to the surface. This creates a chemical reaction between the substances causing discoloration on the tooth surface and the applied peroxide gel. Since dental lasers can easily focus on specific areas, each tooth can be appropriately targeted. To ensure evenly white teeth, the dentist checks each tooth for stains that could make the results uneven, and the assistants apply more tooth bleaching agents as necessary.

Is Laser Whitening Effective?

Another common question is whether the laser is as effective as other whitening methods. Laser whitening works similarly to traditional methods that use a bleaching gel and a light. The gel is applied, and the light activates it to break down the surface stains. Instead of light, a laser targets the bleaching gel and speeds up the chemical reaction. Due to the laser technology’s precise control, this can be accomplished quickly and effectively while reducing the gums’ chance of irritating and causing excess tooth sensitivity.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Teeth Whitening?

The option for laser whitening treatment is possible for most people seeking a whiter smile, as long as the dentist offers the procedure. Most people with stains from dark-colored food and beverages, such as coffee or red wine, or smoking can quickly see a great improvement after bleaching. Those who have extensive dental or oral health problems may not be good candidates for tooth whitening until the problems are resolved. Cleaning and repairing the teeth are important pre-whitening steps, since the bleach agents may not interact effectively with enamel that has excessive tartar or decay.

Schedule a Consultation Appointment Today at All Smiles Dentistry

Suppose you are unhappy with the look of your smile due to tooth discoloration. In that case, you are similar to many Lake Jackson individuals who choose to visit a dental office looking for bleaching solutions. Several factors determine which option is right for you, so choosing a dental practice you can trust is an important step in the process. If you are considering laser whitening to improve the look of your smile, All Smiles Dentistry will help you reach your goal. The experienced, skilled, and caring team provides several whitening options and can guide you through each process and expected results. To schedule a consultation, ask questions about tooth whitening, or learn more about the practice, contact All Smiles Dentistry or give us a call at 979-297-1128  today for more information.

If you would like to have Laser Dentistry whiten your teeth? Set up your appointment below with us today!

 

Featured Image: New Africa / Shutterstock

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