A guide to laser teeth whitening While the wear and tear of everyday life have a profound impact on the complexion, many people overlook the negative effect eating certain items and inhaling particular fumes can have on the appearance of their pearly whites. Consumption of heavily coloured foods such as some fruits and drinks – including red wine, coffee and tea, teamed with stains from smoking and other such activities – may give the teeth an unhealthy appearance that can leave individuals ashamed of their smiles. For this reason, the popularity of cosmetic procedures to enhance the whiteness of teeth – and improve the owner’s self-esteem – has soared in recent years, with many high profile figures’ decisions to undergo similar treatments making them more accessible to you and me. The process itself is the act of removing stains and discolouration from pearly whites through a bleaching process that will brighten their appearance. For heavily stained areas, a procedure as simple as a scale and polish can significantly improve the look. What is laser teeth whitening? While there are several varieties of teeth whitening available for those looking to enhance the brightness of their smile, most dental professionals recommend the laser variety due to its simple nature and long-lasting effects. Taking place at the dental practice, this process utilises a light-activated bleaching gel and usually takes between one and two hours to carry out – making it a perfect solution for those with hectic day-to-day lifestyles. What does the procedure entail? Before laser teeth whitening takes place, patients should attend an initial consultation with their dentist to ensure they are an ideal candidate for this course of action. During this meeting, a dental professional will discuss any possible risks and side effects of the procedure. The majority of practices will ask members of the public to sign a teeth whitening consent form to confirm they are fully aware of what is about to take place, but this is nothing to worry about. Following this, a dentist or oral hygienist will thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any surface stains and tartar that have built up over a long period of time, which is commonly referred to as a “scale and polish” by those involved in the cosmetics industry. The specialist will then make a record of the shade of the teeth before the procedure using a tooth-coloured safety guide or by taking a photograph of the pearly whites using a digital camera. While preparing for the procedure, a dentist will place some form of protection around the gum tissue in the mouth to ensure only the teeth are exposed to the compound, which usually contains a high concentration of peroxide. This will involve the coverage of this area with rolls of cotton and a protective gel material that hardens when it has been applied. Additionally, a cheek retractor is used to keep the lips and other parts of the mouth away from the teeth. It is vital that gum tissue is isolated during this procedure to avoid any potential damage or burning, with home whitening kits usually having a low concentration of peroxide that limits the chance of this occurring – but also lessens the effect of the overall process. Some DIY kits – commonly purchased online or in certain shops – have attracted a high level of media attention in recent years due to the fact they have left patients with serious injuries as a result of the strength of the substance used and lack of equipment to protect sensitive areas of the mouth. For this reason, many dental professionals believe seeking this form of treatment from a practice is the only way people can ensure they are safe from harm. Here, patients will also be given goggles that will protect this area from the laser used throughout, or any accidental splashes of peroxide. What happens next? The whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and exposed to the laser, which activates it. During this process, individuals should ensure they alert their dental professional if they feel any area of their lips or gums starting to burn. After approximately 15 minutes, the gel is removed and the process is repeated another two times, which can cause many people to experience some sensitivity in their teeth – often described as sporadic shooting pains. The substance is then finally washed off and gum protection removed, allowing the results to be assessed using a photograph and shade chart. Initially, patients will find the outcome fairly dramatic as teeth can actually become up to ten shades lighter. Individuals will be able to compare the photograph taken before the procedure was carried out with their appearance afterwards. How much whiter will my teeth be? Although this does vary from individual to individual – and is dependent on the system of teeth whitening – the majority of people can benefit greatly from the hugely popular process. It is thought those with heavily stained teeth may enjoy more noticeable results, while patients with slight discolouration will notice a smaller improvement. Will I feel anything following the procedure? Patients may find they experience some mild sensitivity in their pearly whites following this process, so it is best to avoid hot or cold drinks for a while. Many dentists provide fluoride treatment after teeth whitening is carried out to reduce this from taking place. This feeling will usually settle down after approximately two days, with a number of dental professionals giving a special gel or mousse to apply to the pearly whites to resolve the issue. Do I qualify for the treatment? While it may seem almost everyone can benefit from the effects of teeth whitening, a high number of people may not be suitable for the procedure. Usually determined during the initial consultation, those with underlying oral health issues cannot undergo this procedure. Additionally, people with crowns, veneers or fillings may also find they are advised against laser teeth whitening because they will not match the colour of the enhanced areas. For this reason, dental professionals recommend individuals change their installations to improve the outcome of the procedure.