Pros and Cons

It’s easy to see why so many people are interested in laser teeth whitening; it can give them a whiter smile, which makes them look younger and healthier, and can be an essential boost to self-esteem levels. Furthermore, a simple procedure like this is practically painless and is much less costly than other cosmetic treatments – such as veneers or dental implants. However, if you are going to undergo any kind of procedure – however non-invasive – you need to be aware of every aspect of the treatment, so that you are prepared for anything unexpected. Rest assured, laser teeth whitening is one of the safest procedures available in the dental industry, but it can’t hurt to know something about the advantages and disadvantages associated with it.

What are the benefits of laser teeth whitening?

Non-invasive – The most advantageous element of tooth bleaching is that it is completely non-surgical, there’s no need for scalpels, injections or anaesthetics, and there are very few side effects reported. Other types of cosmetic restoration, like veneers, require quite a lot of re-modelling to be carried out on the natural teeth and are generally irreversible, whereas a simple teeth whitening procedure doesn’t have a significant effect on the structure of the teeth.

Can have a positive effect on confidence – Unfortunately, first impressions are hard to come back from, and the first thing that most people notice when they meet someone new is their smile, so if it’s in a bad condition, it can have a detrimental effect on confidence levels. It’s hard to make conversation in social situations if your teeth are worrying you, and you might be surprised what a difference laser teeth whitening can make to the way you feel about yourself, and the how other people look at you; a polished, healthy smile says a lot about how you wish to be seen in public – even just a change of a few shades can have a huge effect.

Helps with a change of lifestyle – There are lots of factors that can change the colour of our teeth, some which come from inside our bodies, and others which are outside elements, whatever the reason, if you are coming out of a difficult time in your life, you don’t want to be reminded of the past every time you look in the mirror. Health problems are not going to be something you wish to re-live, but it might be hard if your teeth are showing the long-term effects of antibiotics. Similarly, if you’ve given up heavy drinking or smoking in favour of a healthier lifestyle, all the good food in the world won’t get rid of deep layers of staining like teeth whitening can. Fixing your smile is a simple way to complete a transformation and start a new chapter in your life, without having to endure invasive surgery and its possible side effects.

Cheaper than most alternatives – Placing veneers, temporary or permanent, over stained teeth will help cover the evidence of bad habits or illness, but it won’t deal with the problem itself. Laser teeth whitening is not only cheaper than the alternatives, it also removes the stains from the enamel instead of covering them up, allowing you to keep your natural teeth. Furthermore, it is much more effective than home kits or whitening toothpastes, as it contains more peroxide and involves no harmful abrasives.

What are the disadvantages of laser teeth whitening?

Short term side effects – None of the side effects associated with teeth whitening represent a great threat to your health, but they might be unpleasant to experience. Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is a fairly common side effect, but it shouldn’t last more than a day or two, tender gums are also something to be aware of, although they aren’t intolerably painful – a pain relief tablet, such as Ibuprofen, should be enough to deal with the discomfort. Some patients may find that they are more susceptible to the chemicals used in the whitening solution, and will therefore see more of a reaction if the gel accidentally comes into contact with the soft tissue in the mouth. Unfortunately, this is not something that can be predicted, but you should be aware of it – and be sure to mention any previous allergic reactions to your dentist before going ahead with the treatment.

Might not work for everyone – In most cases, laser teeth whitening is highly effective and can make a huge difference to the shade of the teeth, but there are some people who won’t see the results they hoped for. Not everyone reacts in the same way to the bleaching gel, and there is a small percentage of the population whose teeth will revert back to a darker colour after the initial session – due to the rehydration of the enamel. Again, this is not something that will be obvious beforehand, there’s no way to know who it will affect, but if you are disappointed with the results of your treatment, it might help to book yourself in for a second appointment – particularly if you have very deep layers of staining.

Can still be expensive – Despite the fact it is much cheaper than the high-end procedures, laser teeth whitening can still be quite costly, with some clinics charging three or four hundred pounds per session. With a little research, you could find somewhere that provides the service for a smaller fee, but don’t be taken in by discounts or money off vouchers, there’s likely to be a reason for their cheaper prices. To speak to a professional about the treatment, call the Pearl Dental Clinic today, their friendly team members can talk you through the procedure and provide details on the costs involved.

Doesn’t last forever – Teeth whitening doesn’t provide a protective layer that allows you to eat and drink whatever you want from that moment on, you still have to take care of your teeth adequately and attend regular check-ups with your dentist. Although your treatment won’t last forever, you can maintain your healthy smile with top-up kits available from your dental surgery or chemists, just remember to speak to your dentist before trying one on yourself.