Brushing and flossing may clean your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease, but cosmetic dentistry treatments may be necessary to improve the overall look of your smile. Today, more and more patients are seeing the benefits of an LED whitening treatment. Although common, you may not really understand the process or the benefits it offers. This guide will explain the LED whitening process and how it will benefit you.
The 411 on LED Whitening
An initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist is recommended to determine if you are a good candidate for LED whitening. For example, if you have decay or gum disease, your dentist will most likely recommend treating the underlying dental issue before focusing on whitening treatments.
To begin the whitening treatment, a special whitening gel is applied to the teeth. Some dentists will use a whitening gel that contains a bleaching agent while others prefer to not use bleach.
A specialized LED light is directed onto the teeth. This light activates the whitening gel, allowing the bleach or peroxide to start breaking down hard stains and absorbing discoloration. Basically, the LED light and the whitening gel effectively remove surface stains while enhancing the natural white color of your teeth.
The Benefits of LED Whitening
Now that you understand the process, you will want to know the benefits. Of course, the main benefit is the treatment's effectiveness. Most patients are able to see a very noticeable improvement to their smile. You will enjoy a cleaner, whiter, and brighter smile without a great deal of effort.
Another benefit of an LED whitening treatment is its efficiency. The treatment takes a few minutes only, so you will walk out of your dentist's office with a completely new, clean, and white smile.
You may use whitening toothpastes and bleaching kits at home to whiten your teeth. While sufficient and helpful in some cases, toothpaste and bleaching kits do not offer effective results in a short period of time – unlike LED whitening.
Most patients who have a whiter and brighter smile end up smiling more. This improves your overall appearance, but it can also increase your self-esteem.
A high self-esteem will make you feel better and improve your overall confidence level, which can benefit your social and professional life.
To learn more about LED whitening and other cosmetic dentistry solutions, talk to your dentist today. This guide will help you understand the process and benefits of this innovative treatment.