Q: Are teeth sensitive to laser tooth whitening?
A: Sensitivity can occur in a small number of cases, especially if the teeth have been sensitive prior to treatment. It is due to the action of peroxide and in almost all cases it goes away within 24 hours.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Smartbleach laser tooth whitening has been researched extensively and like most bleaching methods, causes no damage to the teeth. It simply breaks the large staining molecules into smaller ones and as a result the surface of the tooth reflects the light more effectively, making the tooth appear lighter in shade. Unlike other office bleaching methods, laser beam is in contact with each tooth only for 30 seconds at a time. This way, the risk of heat damage to the pulp is minimised
Q: What can I eat or drink afterwards?
A: In the first 48 hours after treatment you should avoid eating or drinking anything that can permanently stain a white shirt; this includes coloured fizzy drinks, black tea or coffee, and red wine.
Q: I have a lot of fillings and crowns. Can they be bleached?
A: No, bleaching only works on natural tooth substance. Any fillings or crowns may appear too dark after the rest of the tooth has been bleached and may require replacement.
Q: Are there differences in the quality of crowns?
A: Yes, crowns can be made of different types of materials, incorporating gold, alumina or zirconia as a base under the ceramic. Aesthetics and strength of these materials vary and each situation needs to be carefully assessed to determine which crown is best suited to the tooth.
Q: Do crown/porcelain veneers last a long time?
A: Crown and veneers can potentially last a lifetime with good home care and regular check-ups. One of the common causes of fracture in veneers, crowns or teeth is teeth-grinding during sleep. Provision of night guards is strongly recommended following aesthetic makeovers.
Q: What is a ‘gummy smile’?
A: A gummy smile is when excessive amount of gum and little tooth is shown in the full smile. In some cases (not all) it can be less than attractive.
Q: Is laser gum-lift a painful procedure?
A: This procedure is done with a laser light and conducted under a local anaesthetic. There are no sutures, no bleeding and no packs. Post-operative pain is negligible if any.
Q: Can all gummy smiles be treated with laser?
A: More advanced reductions may be best referred to a specialist called a periodontist, especially if underlying structures to gums need to be modified. In very rare and severe cases, we may need to use an oral surgeon to alter the shape of the top jaw.