Laser tooth whitening begins with a simple cleaning and plaque removal near the gum line. Once that has been completed, a gel that is peroxide based is then applied to the teeth.

During this process, the teeth’s whitening occurs from the professional strength formula gel that contains special crystals. As the gel is on the teeth, a special light penetrates the gel crystals for activation. As the light penetrates the crystals, the crystals then are able to move into the enamel of your teeth.

It takes about one two hours for the complete procedure. The teeth can be whitened up to 10 different shades. The laser tooth whitening process is very similar for both laser teeth whitening manufacturers Rembrandt and Zoom!, however, the cost of this service from dentist to dentist can vary.

Depending on the color of the teeth and if there are any stains to remove, the above procedure will be repeated. The teeth can be stained from coffee, cigarettes, and medications such as tetracycline.

The laser tooth whitening method is non-invasive and will not harm any earlier dental work. You will first go through a simple examination to check your oral hygiene as well as your dental work. If there are any repairs that are needed before the laser procedure, your dentist will let you know then.

Dentists should not numb the gum area because the anesthetic can cause this procedure to not be safe. A dental dam can be used to help prevent the gel from going beyond the tooth area. If the patient experiences sensitivity during treatment, the gel may have slipped past the dental dam; in which the doctor would not have been warned this if the patient was numb.

If You Have Sensitive Teeth

People who have sensitive teeth will be able to go one time for the laser procedure without having to repeat the need for continuous bleaching. There is also a milder bleaching gel formula that can be used.

This method is most popular among people with sensitive teeth and is common for many types of patients.
The effects of laser tooth whitening can last approximately 3 years; however, good oral hygiene will have to be maintained as staining materials can affect the work that was completed. In the instance the teeth have been stained again, it is recommended by doctors for the patient to do an over-the-counter touch up or a take-home teeth whitening product.

Some of the side effects of this treatment include gum sensitivity, as well as continued whitening of the teeth for the next several days. That is why it is important to avoid anything that could stain a white T-shirt for that time frame. It has been noted that the gum sensitivity side effect can be limited with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.