FREQUENTLY- ASKED QUESTIONS, DENTAL WHITENING
Why have my teeth become stained?
Staining can be divided into two groups:
- Extrinsic (external). These are the most frequent stains. Within this group are the stains caused by tobacco and some beverages –such as coffee, tea, cola, red wine, etc.– that contain substances that adhere to the enamel of the tooth, creating a discolouration that ranges from yellow to dark grey and the intensity of which increases in proportion to the amount of the substance consumed. This type of stain along with those caused by aging and decalcification are the simplest ones to eliminate.
- Intrinsic (internal). These stains come from the inside of the tooth and are more difficult to fight. They appear as the result of some antibiotic treatments (especially tetracyclines), iron supplements and an excess of fluoride, among other causes.
How does laser whitening work?
The laser is a device that transmits energy to the point of treatment through a beam of coherent monochromatic light. The laser beam deeply penetrates the stains and loosens the particles from the teeth, including the very resistant ones. Following a chemical reaction with the whitening gel, the stains dissolve.
What results can be attained with laser whitening?
Whitening with a diode laser achieves excellent results in most patients. The results depend on the type of stain (discolourations in strips are especially difficult), the thickness of the enamel, patient age, personal habits, etc. On average, an improvement of 3-4 shades can be achieved in one session.
Does it have side effects?
In some cases there will be increased sensitivity but it is short-lived and there are effective ways of combating it.
How long will the effects of the whitening last?
The results of laser whitening can last for years if the hygiene recommendations are followed and reasonable care is taken in terms of consuming foods or drinks that stain the teeth. In any case, the results will vary depending on the particularities of each patient, his or her dental structure and personal habits.
Can anyone undergo a whitening treatment?
Whitening is not indicated for pregnant or nursing women. Also, whitening should not be done by people with allergies to one of the material’s ingredients (such as hydrogen peroxide or mint aroma). Whitening treatment is not recommended for teeth with very irregular enamel.
