Laser teeth whitening is not difficult

Patients have lately been asking a lot about laser teeth whitening. We asked dentist and oral surgeon Dr Zeinallah Talal al-Qari to explain.

Laser whitening uses high-energy light, from a halogen or plasma arc lamp, to release hydrogen peroxide molecules without irritating the tooth's nerve, she says.

First a wax-like layer is applied to protect the gums from chemical burns. Then a gel that releases hydrogen peroxide is spread on the teeth, and the blue light, the "laser", is aimed at them for 15 to 30 minutes.

Laser whitening is only done after the age of 16, because the teeth are still developing before then. It should not be done in pregnant women, smokers, or people whose teeth are stained by the antibiotic tetracycline.

How does it differ from home whitening? Home whitening uses a lower concentration of the whitening agent, so it has less effect on the enamel and the tooth, and it takes three days to a week. It uses trays filled with hydrogen peroxide gel that acts on the tooth from outside and inside, and it is cheaper. Laser whitening is done in a single session with a visible difference, using a high concentration, so it costs more.

Several steps are needed before whitening, the most important being treating tooth decay. If the front teeth have fillings or restorations, whitening will not help them. There are also overnight treatments at home before whitening. Afterwards, a special toothpaste should be used.

Results depend on how stained the teeth are, the type of teeth, whether the patient follows the instructions and whether they are suitable for whitening. After whitening, patients should try to clean their teeth after every meal and drink and cut down on fizzy drinks, tea and foods with strong colours. There is little harm, but misusing the device can cause chemical burns to the soft tissues, and teeth can become sensitive to cold and heat.

By Tamara Hassan