-New laser bleaching can be an option for some patients who want dramatic whitening effect quickly. In a recent report by Dr. Garber, lasers used for lightening do not bleach teeth, they merely create a reaction when the hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with the laser’s beam.
This procedure begins with the application of a gel to the teeth. When energized by special lasers, the gel acts as a catalyst to whiten the enamel. Two different lasers are usually used.
The Argon laser which emits a visible blue light is used first to activate the bleaching gel. This blue light will be absorbed by the dark stains and becomes less effective as the tooth whitens because the blue light will be reflected rather than absorbed by the whiter tooth surface.
Then the CO2 laser which emits invisible infrared energy is used to achieve deeper penetration of the energized oxygen leaking to a deeper, more efficient tooth whitening.
