Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can’t make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades.

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.

Laser teeth whitening

Laser teeth whitening must be done in a dentist’s office. The bleaching procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Depending on your needs, the exact steps may vary. Here’s what a typical treatment involves:

• Your dentist will place a rubber or plastic prop in your mouth to help keep it open.
• Next, they’ll have you wear protective glasses to protect your eyes.
• They’ll also add a gum barrier to protect your gums. The barrier may be a light-cured resin material.
• Your dentist applies a bleaching gel on your front teeth.
• After a few minutes, your dentist directs a laser onto your teeth.
• The laser heats the bleaching gel, which activates its whitening properties.
• Your dentist will remove the gum barrier and rinse out the bleaching gel.

How long does it last?

Your results and how long they last will depend on several factors, including:

• The original colour of your teeth
• The frequency of treatments
• Your lifestyle habits
• The bleaching gel and lasers used

For best results, you’ll likely need three or four sessions in total.

Making changes to the following habits may also help maintain your results:

• limiting or avoiding tobacco use including cigarettes.
• limiting or avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth like coffee or red wine.
• reducing the risk of mouth trauma, which can increase stains.