Laser teeth whitening is one of the most advanced solutions in modern cosmetic dentistry for restoring yellow or discoloured teeth. It offers extremely fast and dramatic results, whilst in a well-equipped dental practice there is no need to worry about safety.
The method is based on what is known as a photochemical reaction, the essence of which is that a special whitening gel applied to the surface of the teeth is activated by high-intensity laser beams, which break down the pigments causing tooth discolouration. A major advantage of laser teeth whitening over traditional LED lamp whitening is that it also reduces tooth sensitivity during the treatment, as the beneficial effect of the laser light effectively seals micro-cracks in the teeth.
This is the most professional teeth-whitening treatment currently available, the effectiveness of which is in a league of its own compared to LED lamp treatments or even home methods, which often yield only minimal results. Some home methods are even questionable from a safety perspective.
So what exactly are the benefits of the laser teeth whitening, what exactly can we expect if we choose this treatment? In our specialist article, we’ve explored this topic in detail and answered the related questions!
What Is Laser Teeth Whitening?
Laser teeth whitening is one of the most advanced and effective cosmetic dental treatments, designed to restore or enhance the natural whiteness of the teeth using a special whitening gel and laser light.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the laser light itself that whitens the teeth during the treatment. The high-intensity, focused beam of light helps to activate the chemical processes in the special whitening gel that bring about this effect.
This combination results in an extremely effective and rapid treatment, which, depending on the patient, can achieve an improvement of up to several shades – particularly when compared with other teeth-whitening methods.
Laser teeth whitening stands out from other methods primarily due to its intensity; because of the concentrated nature of the laser light, the chemical reaction penetrates deep into the tooth enamel, and is capable of removing even stains or discolouration that have built up over the years.
The biological basis of tooth discolouration
To understand how laser teeth whitening works and what it is all about, we really must touch briefly on the biological causes of tooth discolouration.
Tooth discolouration can essentially be divided into two main categories, so we can talk about
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external discolouration found on the surface of the enamel (usually caused by coffee, tea and smoking);
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as well as internal discolouration located in the dentine beneath the enamel.
The advantage of laser teeth whitening is that it is effective in both cases – although there may be mechanisms that reduce its effectiveness in the latter – because the basic principle is that it breaks down the molecules causing discolouration through a kind of oxidation process, without damaging the tooth enamel.
How laser teeth whitening works
Laser teeth whitening is based on three key principles. Once we understand these, it will be easier to grasp the whole process:
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Bleaching agent:The use of the correct whitening agent is also essential during laser teeth whitening. A special gel is applied to the surface of the teeth, which penetrates into the deepest layers of the enamel and even into the dentine so that it can take effect there.
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Laser light:On its own, the bleaching agent would not be very effective if it were not illuminated by a laser. This significantly accelerates the chemical reaction and increases not only its effectiveness but also the speed at which it takes effect.
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Oxidation:The reaction triggered by the laser light is a form of oxidation process capable of easily breaking down the coloured pigments that caused the discolouration.
As this process takes place not only on the surface of the teeth but also in the deeper layers, it is considered to be much more effective than any surface treatment.
The process of laser teeth whitening
The procedure for laser teeth whitening may vary depending on the technology used. At the NaturaDent clinic, we carry out the treatment using the most effective Biolase laser, which is not only quick and safe but can also lighten teeth by as many as 6–8 shades.
Let’s take a look at the teeth-whitening process step by step:
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First and foremost, a comprehensive dental hygiene treatment is essential in every case, as teeth covered in tartar cannot be whitened. The first step is therefore always professional tartar removal, after which you must wait a few days before starting the whitening process.
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Laser teeth whitening can be carried out no later than 14 days after dental hygiene treatment, the first step of which is to ensure adequate gum protection. To this end, a special protective agent is applied to the gums to prevent the laser light from causing irritation.
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A special gel (LaserWhite) is then applied to the surface of the teeth; this has been specifically developed to accelerate the chemical reactions required for whitening when exposed to the Biolase laser.
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The teeth are then exposed to light for 20–30 seconds per quadrant, followed by a 5-minute rest period to allow the active ingredient in the gel to take effect.
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After that, each quadrant of the dentition must be illuminated again with the concentrated laser beam.
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At the end of the treatment, the LaserWhite gel is removed from the teeth (it washes off easily), and the patient can admire the final result. It is important to note that with laser whitening, the whitening process may continue even after the treatment, so the final shade is usually Within 24–48 hours, in some cases in a few days develops. During this period, it is particularly important to follow the „white diet” recommended by your doctor, i.e. to avoid strongly coloured foods and drinks.
The benefits of laser teeth whitening
Laser teeth whitening has a great many advantages. These benefits are particularly evident when the treatment is compared with other methods. Let’s take a look at why it’s worth choosing this teeth-whitening method:
Quick results
There is no doubt that one of the greatest advantages of laser teeth whitening is that it delivers exceptionally quick results. A single 30–40-minute treatment per dental arch achieves a level of effectiveness that other methods often fail to match, even after multiple sessions, or may not achieve at all.
This speed can be particularly important in situations where a significant event, such as a wedding, is coming up and there is no time for treatment lasting several weeks or months. Anyone who opts for laser teeth whitening will leave with whiter teeth following the procedure.
A significant improvement in colour accuracy
The laser light intensifies the effect of the whitening gel applied to the teeth to such an extent that it affects not only surface discolouration but also internal discolouration. This can result in significant changes in shade, although the extent of these changes varies from patient to patient.
Even with teeth that are less discoloured, it is quite common for the treatment to improve the appearance of the tooth surface by at least five shades; however, for patients who have never had their teeth whitened before, this method can achieve an improvement of as many as six to eight shades.
A safe method
It is very common for at-home teeth whitening to lead to serious gum problems, irritation and, in some cases, damage to the enamel. This would not happen in a professional dental practice, not even with laser teeth whitening.
The entire treatment is carried out under the strictest dental supervision, thus ensuring not only that the materials used are at the correct concentration, but also that the gums and soft tissues are protected in such cases. Millions of people around the world use the same materials that we use.
Long-term impact
Although laser teeth whitening cannot permanently alter the condition of the teeth, as it penetrates much deeper than other methods (which is why it is known as deep laser whitening), it achieves much longer-lasting results, meaning that in most cases it is not necessary to undergo treatment every six months.
Experience shows that laser teeth whitening can keep teeth brilliantly white for up to 1–2 years, something other methods cannot match.
A beaming smile will also have an impact on mental health
Among the indirect benefits, the positive effect of teeth whitening on mental health is certainly worth highlighting. If someone does not have to worry about their teeth and can smile freely, this undoubtedly improves their quality of life and self-confidence.
For this reason, a great many patients believe that laser teeth whitening is a form of investment in maintaining their mental well-being, which also makes everyday life easier in the long run.
Who is laser teeth whitening suitable for?
Laser teeth whitening is a great option for most people looking to refresh their smile, but it is true that it is not suitable in every case.
It is not recommended for children under the age of 18, expectant mothers or patients suffering from severe tooth enamel problems, but laser treatment can achieve particularly good results in the following cases:
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Severe discolouration:As laser teeth whitening penetrates even the deepest layers, in many cases this is the only method capable of achieving sufficiently effective results. Other treatments offer only a minimal effect at best in such cases.
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Common discolorations:If, due to your lifestyle, the effects of previous teeth-whitening treatments have worn off after one or two months, it is also worth trying laser teeth whitening, which can last for up to 12–24 months.
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If you need quick results:If you have an event coming up where having pearly white teeth is important, or if you are unable or unwilling to wait weeks or months for your teeth to be whitened, laser teeth whitening can give you virtually instant results.
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In addition to good oral hygiene, teeth whitening is necessary:As laser teeth whitening is also recommended primarily for those with healthy teeth, it is a particularly good choice for people who need a quick and effective solution and do not have any cavities or gum disease.
How can the results of laser teeth whitening be made to last longer?
How long the effects of laser teeth whitening last is significantly influenced by the patient’s lifestyle and attitude. It is particularly important to pay attention to your diet during the first 48 hours, for example, but there are also a few basic rules to follow in the longer term:
What should we avoid doing in the first 48 hours?
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Avoid drinking coffee, tea, red wine and dark, strongly coloured, corrosive drinks, such as cola or dark fruit juices.
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We must definitely avoid smoking and the use of other tobacco products.
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We should avoid eating any spicy or tomato-based foods, and steer clear of dark-coloured fruits.
How can we keep our teeth white in the long term?
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Let’s ensure we maintain good oral hygiene: brush our teeth at least twice a day and rinse with clean water after meals.
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As far as we are able, we avoid harmful habits such as coffee, cigarettes and alcoholic drinks that can cause discolouration.
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After eating fruit or consuming food and drink that can erode tooth enamel, do not brush your teeth straight away; instead, rinse your mouth with clean water and wait half an hour before brushing.
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We should have regular dental check-ups, because if we’re doing something wrong, it may come to light during the check-up and we can correct it in good time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does laser teeth whitening cost?
The cost of laser teeth whitening at the NaturaDent clinic is 135,000 Ft. However, it is important to note that this price applies only to the teeth whitening treatment itself; if preventive dental hygiene or other treatment is required, this will be charged as a separate item.
Is laser teeth whitening painful?
Not at all; provided it is carried out in accordance with the correct protocol, the patient should not feel any pain. A slight sensation of warmth and a tingling sensation are completely normal, but the treatment itself should not cause any pain.
Can laser teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?
No, provided the procedure is carried out by a suitably qualified professional, laser teeth whitening cannot cause any damage to the tooth enamel, as there is no physical impact – only a chemical reaction that affects the discolouration exclusively.
How many shades whiter can teeth be made with laser teeth whitening?
This varies from case to case, as it depends on the condition of the patient’s teeth. An improvement of 5–6 shades is often quite common, even with well-maintained teeth, but there are cases where the result can improve by as much as 6–8 shades.
Can laser teeth whitening be carried out during pregnancy?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended purely as a precaution, but this is not due to the laser itself, but rather to the chemicals used in the whitening process.
Can laser teeth whitening be used on children?
As tooth enamel is still developing in people under the age of 18, no teeth-whitening methods are recommended, including laser teeth-whitening treatment.
Is it normal for your teeth to feel sensitive after laser teeth whitening?
It can happen, but it is not common. If it does occur, it will usually resolve itself or gradually subside within 1–3 days; however, if there is no improvement after 3 days, please see your dentist again.
How many times does laser teeth whitening need to be carried out to achieve sufficiently white teeth?
Due to its exceptional effectiveness, a single session of laser teeth whitening is usually sufficient to achieve the desired result.
Is it true that laser teeth whitening has no effect on crowns and fillings?
Laser teeth whitening is also only effective on natural tooth structure; it will therefore not work on fillings, crowns, bridges or veneers, meaning that aesthetic restoration will be required in these areas following the whitening treatment – at least in the smile zone.
