All about LaserSmile® Whitening

Over time, staining agents in the American diet can cause the teeth to become yellowed, dull, or dingy. If this has happened to you, despite your best brushing and flossing efforts, you are not alone. 

Fortunately, Dr. Louis J. Buono offers a number of teeth whitening options at our Garden City, NY practice. Professional teeth whitening is a common procedure in cosmetic dentistry that can lighten your teeth by several shades in a single office visit. 

Today, we will explore LaserSmile® whitening, an in-office treatment that can give your smile a cosmetic boost in as little as 30 minutes.

What Is LaserSmile?

In contrast to many teeth whitening alternatives, LaserSmile utilizes laser technology to accelerate treatment time. To perform the treatment, the clinician will place a barrier over your teeth to protect the gums. 

Then, he or she will carefully apply a peroxide-based bleaching gel to the teeth. Next, the laser light energy is used to activate the gel. Generally, this is completed in 15-second increments until the desired results are achieved. 

Finally, the gel is thoroughly rinsed from the teeth and the barrier will be removed.

Who Are Candidates for LaserSmile?

Essentially anyone with healthy teeth and gums can undergo teeth whitening. However, patients younger than 16 still have developing teeth that are more prone to sensitivity due to enlarged nerves. Therefore, teeth whitening is generally reserved for those 16 years of age and older. 

Professional teeth whitening works best for extrinsic stains, which are caused by dark-colored foods and beverages. Intrinsic stains caused by trauma, genetics, or some types of medications will generally not improve after bleaching. As a result, if you have intrinsic staining, you may be better suited for dental bonding or porcelain veneers. 

It is also important to note that ceramic porcelain restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers, do not respond to teeth whitening. Consequently, if you are combining teeth whitening with custom crowns or veneers, be sure to bleach the teeth first so that your new restorations will match your brilliant smile. 

Maintaining Your Dazzling Smile

Once you have achieved your beautiful new smile, continue routine oral hygiene as always. This includes brushing at least two times a day and flossing at least once a day, as well as attending biannual checkups with your dentist. 

So that you can maintain your results following teeth whitening, avoid the use of any tobacco products. Foods and beverages that are darker in color, such as berries, wine, cola, coffee, and tea, should be consumed in moderation. It is also a good idea to drink dark-colored beverages through a straw.

Benefits of LaserSmile

Patients who whiten their teeth with LaserSmile can enjoy a number of advantages. Because this treatment takes significantly less time than alternative bleaching options, most individuals experience little to no sensitivity following the procedure. 

Only one session is needed to achieve dramatic results, and the outcome can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. Most importantly, LaserSmile is safe for use, as its active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which has been used in dentistry for decades. 

Learn More about Teeth Whitening

If you are ready to take your smile to the next level, schedule a consultation at our dental practice today. You can contact us online anytime or give us a call at (516) 294-0375.