Laser teeth whitening

Efficient whitening method

Laser teeth whitening, or power whitening, is based on a gel that is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light. Whitening is not effective on fillings, laminates or crowns, but they do not prevent whitening treatment. If necessary, the teeth fillings can be renewed after whitening. If possible, whitening should always be done before laminates or crowns are placed on the teeth.

Most people's teeth become discoloured with age, some more and some less. The colour of the teeth can be whitened by whitening the teeth. The most common causes of discolouration are long-term drinking of coffee, tea, red wine, carbonated soft drinks, and smoking. Dental discolouration may also occur, for example, as a result of an accident or root canal treatment . For some, the dentine is naturally a bit yellowish.

Who is laser whitening intended for?

Intensive whitening is safe and suitable for many. However, whitening does not work on stains on the tooth’s surface, such as those from blueberries, coffee and tea, as whitening takes place on the dentine under the enamel. The dental hygienist mechanically removes surface stains and tartar before whitening.

For best results, whitening should be done when your mouth is healthy. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit a dentist before whitening to make sure that you don’t have any cavities in your teeth and your gums are healthy.

How is laser teeth whitening done?

Laser or intensive whitening is performed during an appointment to a dental hygienist, and the procedure lasts about one and a half hours. The gums are protected and an active substance, either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide or a combination of both, is applied to the tooth surfaces visible when smiling. The effect of the substance is enhanced by the use of a special light. During or after laser whitening, some people may feel a slight sensation in their teeth.

You should not eat anything for an about two hours after the treatment. It is also advisable to avoid consuming any foods or drinks that may stain your teeth for two days.

Maintaining the whitening result

The whitening result is individual, but often the result remains for about 1-2 years. The bleaching result can be maintained by avoiding any foods that may stain your teeth and occasionally doing light whitening at home with a mild whitening substance.

You can obtain custom-made whitening trays and whitening gels to whiten your teeth at home at the appointment. You need to book an appointment to take a dental impression of your teeth in order to prepare a whitening tray. Individual whitening films are produced in the dental laboratory. Home whitening gels can be used either during the day or at night and should be chosen in consultation with a professional.

Dental hygienist Jenni Tahkoniemi acted as the specialist for this article.