Is laser teeth whitening safe?

This type of procedure is completely non-invasive, it doesn’t involve scalpels, stitches, or needles, and there are very few side effects – none of which are life threatening. However, even with treatments that appear to be completely risk free, you should always be prepared to ask a few questions and do a little research beforehand, so that you know exactly what you are undertaking. A good dental surgeon should be used to answering questions about their services, and they won’t mind talking you through the procedure if you’re feeling a little nervous. In the hands of a trained, certified professional, teeth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic treatments on the market.

I’ve heard laser teeth whitening can damage my teeth, is that true?

With out-dated teeth whitening kits, this was certainly possible, but the modern techniques used in clinics are worlds away from this type of treatment. If someone has told you a story about how their teeth were ruined after having them whitened, it’s likely that they are referring to the original home kits that were introduced to the general public some decades ago, which were indeed capable of doing significant damage to the structure of the teeth – even stripping the enamel away in some cases. This is because they contained harsh abrasives that were used to scrub away at stains and discolouration, to break down the molecules that had soaked into the enamel, rather than gently bleaching them to a natural whiteness. The gel used in modern treatments contains a small percentage of peroxide, which is much safer for the porous minerals layers that make up the teeth.

Another common miss-conception is the idea that the process works by stripping away the top layer of the teeth, to reveal a whiter, younger layer beneath – this is completely inaccurate. Not only would this technique irreparably damage the teeth, it also wouldn’t make them look any whiter at all because the layer beneath the enamel – the dentin – is yellow in colour. This idea has no doubt stemmed from the various cosmetic skin treatments that work by peeling away the outer layer of skin that has aged, to show the more youthful layer underneath it, but it has no real scientific basis, because the tooth has a completely different structure to that of the facial skin. The two just aren’t comparable, so if anyone tells you that this is how laser teeth whitening works, they have been severely misinformed.

Is it safe to use bleach on my teeth?

It’s understandable that the thought of putting bleach in your mouth, even the smallest trace, would seem hazardous, but it’s not the same product that you have under the kitchen sink. The professional grade bleaching gel used in clinics up and down the UK contains a low level of peroxide, which is designed only for the outer shell of the teeth, it won’t be injected or swallowed, and it won’t soak into your system because it’s not strong enough and isn’t used for very long.

The term ‘laser teeth whitening’ could be another disconcerting factor, but that’s slightly misleading as well. Although previous clinical treatments did use a laser to break down the stains on teeth, it’s not a tool that is used in clinics today – although the name continues to be associated with it. Instead of a laser, the dentist uses a blue curing light, which will only react with the bleaching gel, so there’s no need to worry about damage or injuries from a dangerous laser.

You might be surprised how many people are completely unaware of the safety precautions around this type of treatment, and dentists get quizzed over horror stories concerning teeth whitening every day, but it really is a very safe, effective procedure. If you feel worried about the side effects, talk to your dentist, it’s likely that your concerns are unfounded, or based on fear of the unknown, so don’t let them put you off improving your smile if it’s something you really want to do. Countless patients have undergone laser teeth whitening without a hitch; give the Pearl Dental Clinic a call if you would like to enjoy the benefits of modern cosmetic dentistry.

If it’s so safe, is it really that effective?

Just because a treatment comes with a very low level of risk, that doesn’t mean it won’t be successful, in fact, laser teeth whitening is one of the safest, most effective ways of brightening your smile. Older methods didn’t work and they weren’t good for the teeth, mainly because the approach to stain removal was completely misguided, they would never be able to get the same results as with a professional bleaching treatment.

Is laser teeth whitening safe for everyone?

There are some circumstances where dentists and physicians might advise patients not to undergo treatment, but most people would definitely be able to use it to their advantage.

Your current physical state is the factor most likely to affect suitability for teeth whitening, for example, people who have medical issues or who are taking some types of antibiotics should avoid having treatment. If you’re unsure about how your health could affect the results, talk to your GP about your options, it may be that your specific medication won’t rule you out.

Most dentists would usually advise against teenagers undergoing treatment, as their adult teeth are still growing and could react adversely to bleaching before they are strong enough to withstand it. Similarly, children are generally turned away from clinics providing teeth whitening, as their milk teeth are far too delicate to be bleached – in any case, they shouldn’t be in need of such cosmetic treatments at such a young age.

If you are pregnant, your doctor will probably tell you to wait until you have given birth, and then for a short period after that, if you choose to breast feed. Because it is so low-risk, it’s thought that the whitening would not do any significant damage to mother or baby, but the majority of healthcare professionals would be happier to eliminate the risk completely.