Chair-side teeth whitening is the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry rising by as much as 30% year on year but just how effective is laser teeth whitening when compared to other bleaching methods?
Understandably some patients are sceptical about laser teeth whitening, as it seems too good to be true. Can you really notice a difference in 1 hour or less, when other methods take days or weeks to have the same effect?
The truth is that this high-tech approach to teeth whitening produces results that are faster and arguably better than many other methods – in most cases. This means it’s an ideal solution when you’re not seeing the results you crave from a whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening kits. In addition, if you’re seeking out a quick-fix solution, then professional teeth whitening carried out in a chair-side setting can deliver that instant gratification that many of us crave.
So what makes laser teeth whitening so effective?
To answer this, we first have to explore our teeth whitening options…
On one end of the scale, you have a vast array of over-the-counter whitening gels, strips and pens available from your local store or chemist. While they offer good value for money, in most cases they are only legally allowed to contain only small amounts of bleaching agent. This includes up to 6% hydrogen peroxide and 18% carbamide peroxide.
Ultimately, the results are much slower, often taking weeks or months, and in some cases showing very little difference at all, especially when trying to remove deeper discolouration.
Somewhere in the middle, you have take-home kits supplied by your dentist. These are bespoke kits made specially to fit your teeth.
Because these are supplied by a dental professional and designed to be used at home, they are legally allowed to contain higher amounts of the whitening agent.
Therefore they should guarantee you a better all-round whitening effect.
Finally, you have the crème de la crème of teeth bleaching in laser teeth whitening. This is carried out chairside in your dental clinic by a dental professional – usually a dentist. Because the procedure is fully supervised by a dentist, then legally, products are allowed to contain much larger quantities of the whitening agent. Often between 30% and 40%.
In addition, many products like Epic laser whitening utilise a light activator (more commonly known as a laser). This is used in conjunction with the whitening gel to remove not just surface staining but deeper staining.
As you can see, professional laser teeth whitening is a world apart from the over-the-counter whitening products that you buy in your local store or pharmacy. It’s a bit like trying to compare a Fiat with a Ferrari. They are simply not the same thing!
So how does laser teeth whitening work?
As already alluded to in the last paragraph, laser teeth whitening utilises both a strong whitening gel and an activation light. Firstly – once the gums have been fully protected, the gel is carefully applied to the teeth. Then a curing light is applied to the surface area of your teeth. When the light comes into contact with the gel it breaks down the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide content into their reactive components (known as free radicals). Components then target any stain molecules gently lifting them from the teeth.
This process is carefully monitored and repeated 2-3 times over an hour until the right degree of teeth whitening has been reached.
So to address the question ‘how effective is laser teeth whitening?’ – the answer is very!
The speed and immediacy of laser teeth whitening make it ideal for those people who have a forthcoming job interview and want to create a good first impression or are looking to boost their self-confidence for their big day.
Alternatively, laser teeth whitening can be used in conjunction with professional take-home kits to kickstart or boost a fading smile should the need arise.
Perhaps, the most impressive fact about the effectiveness of laser teeth whitening is that it can be carried out in one single visit – usually in as little as a lunch hour!
This allows patients to channel their time and effort into the rest of their day without having to be concerned about setting aside time every day to whiten their teeth.
So, now we know how effective laser teeth whitening is – Does it work for everyone?
In reality, a lot of results have to do with the genetic makeup of a patient’s teeth. Some teeth are darker because they have experienced staining over time, while other teeth are naturally (genetically) darker. While long-term staining can indeed be removed using chairside whitening treatment, in those with genetically darker teeth it isn’t always possible to whiten teeth enough to make a noticeable difference.
Furthermore, professional teeth whitening is not recommended for those with worn or thinning tooth enamel, gum disease, cavities and exposed tooth roots. The key is to address these problems first and foremost before laser teeth whitening takes place.
Also bear in mind that the laser whitening process will only work on natural teeth. Crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures will all be unresponsive to the process.
Are you ready for a brighter, whiter smile?
Professional laser teeth whitening is an effective, safe, and speedy way of giving you the beautiful smile you want. Contact the team at Beyond Infinity Dental today to find out more. We only use the most proven and trusted laser teeth whitening products like Epic to ensure optimum effectiveness.
Call today at (02) 8806 3799 to book a consultation and take the first steps towards a healthier, whiter smile and a more confident you.
