In today's society, first impressions are important and can often be made based on someone's smile. Having a perfect smile with shining white teeth is ideal. There is a great way to achieve the beautiful smile you desire; Laser Teeth Whitening. This process is gentle and effective and does not use harsh chemicals. You can have the perfect smile you've always wanted in just one short session.
This article will tell you the six-step process dentists in Palo Alto follow to brighten your smile.
1) Dental Examination
Dental examination is the first step dentists follow in laser teeth whitening to determine whether the tooth enamel is healthy enough for laser treatment. Examination helps ensure that there are no existing conditions that could make the treatment unsafe.
Though laser teeth whitening is generally a very safe procedure, the dentist may recommend another treatment option if the enamel is too thin or has any other issues that need treatment first. The examination also allows the dentist to customize the treatment plan to the individual patient's needs.
2) Professional Cleaning
A professional cleaning by the hygienist removes any plaque or tartar that could interfere with the whitening process. Plaque and tartar can cause the laser to not work as effectively and cause the teeth to become more sensitive. The cleaning also helps remove any surface stains that might be present.
3) Protecting Lips And Gums
A barrier helps to protect the gums during laser teeth whitening and is applied by your dentist before the treatment begins. It is a thin, clear film (usually made of resin material) that covers the gums and provides a barrier between them and the laser. This means that if the laser light happens to reach the gums, it will not cause any damage. It also helps keep the bleaching gel on your teeth rather than allowing it to seep into your gums.
4) Whitening Gel Application
After the teeth have been cleaned and prepared, a whitening gel is applied. The gel is specifically formulated to penetrate deep into the teeth, lifting away any embedded stains. This gel is what bleaches the teeth and makes them look brighter. It is usually left on for about 15 minutes before being removed.
5) Laser Treatment
With gel on the teeth, the dentists use a laser to remove stains and discoloration from teeth. Lasers can target specific areas of the teeth and remove stains quickly and effectively. They help penetrate the teeth and break up the molecules that cause staining. This results in a brighter, whiter smile. The advantage of using a laser is that it can reach all of the nooks and crannies in your teeth that other methods might miss. It also doesn't require harsh chemicals, so it's gentle on your teeth and gums.
6) Post-treatment Cleaning
This step helps remove any residual bleaching gel and increases the whiteness of your teeth. It also helps soothe and protect your gums. The cleaning ensures that the chemicals do not continue to work on the teeth and cause irritation.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Teeth Whitening
1) How Long Does Laser Teeth Whitening Effect Last?
The effects of laser teeth whitening are typically immediate and can last several months. However, one may need touch-ups to maintain the desired level of whiteness. Note that the results of laser teeth whitening may vary depending on the individual.
2) Is There Any Disadvantage Of Laser Teeth Whitening?
Some common side effects of laser teeth whitening include temporary sensitivity to cold and hot beverages and gum irritation.
3) Does Laser Teeth Whitening Damage My Enamel?
Laser teeth whitening is a sought-after cosmetic procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to break down stains on the teeth. While it is generally safe, there is some concern that the intense light could damage the tooth enamel. However, studies have shown that the procedure is no more likely to damage the enamel than other types of teeth whitening procedures.
4) Does Laser Teeth Whitening Cause Pain?
It depends. This is because the laser used to whiten teeth can cause temporary discomfort to people with sensitive teeth. The pain is typically short-lived and should go away within a few days. However, if the pain is severe or lasts longer than a few days, it is important to see a dentist, as this could indicate an underlying problem. It is also possible for the laser light to interact with any existing dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.), causing them to become more sensitive.
5) How Much Does Laser Teeth Whitening Cost?
A few factors will determine the cost of laser teeth whitening, such as the severity of the stains, dentist’s location, and the number of sessions required. The average cost per laser teeth whitening session is around $300, depending on the dentist and their location in Palo Alto.
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