Lasers for BleachingStains on the teeth are an inevitable fact of life. Even if you brush and floss regularly and see the dentist twice a year, your teeth will collect a certain amount of discoloration from the natural process of wear and aging. Fortunately, today’s cosmetic dentist has a variety of options available to restore your teeth to their natural color. Among these is laser bleaching, a relatively new approach to teeth whitening that can provide dramatic results in only one session.

How Laser Bleaching WorksLaser bleaching is performed in the dentist’s office. Each session lasts about an hour, and can make your teeth seven to ten shades lighter.

The whitening agent used in laser bleaching is quite strong, so before the session begins the dentist will paint your gums and lips with a gel to prevent discomfort. Then the whitening agent is applied to your teeth. To activate the whitening agent, the dentist uses a special light. After about twenty minutes, the whitening agent is removed, then reapplied. Each session usually involves two to three applications.

Advantages of Laser BleachingWith laser bleaching, teeth can be whitening dramatically in a single visit to the dentist. With over the counter treatments, you must be diligent in applying the whitener every day, or twice a day depending on the type of whitener is used, and results often do not appear for a week or two. In addition, laser bleaching uses a much stronger whitener, so results are more dramatic. Laser bleaching is safe and comfortable, and because the dentist is careful to protect your gums and lips, you are much less likely to experience discomfort after or during your treatment than with treatments you apply at home.

Because of the growing popularity of laser teeth whitening, its availability has become widespread. Be sure to have your laser bleaching performed by a Plano cosmetic dentist to be sure you have the best, whitest possible smile.