Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration occurs due to:
Carbonated beverages, hot drinks (coffee, black tea, green tea), alcoholic beverages (wine, whiskey), and food coloring agents. Consequently, tooth color undergoes gradual changes from bright to dark over the years.
The Role of Tooth Enamel – Enamel plays a crucial role in tooth brightening. As enamel wears down, the whitening effect diminishes due to the underlying dentin showing through. Treatment proves most effective for younger patients (ages 16-45) and less so for older patients due to progressive enamel erosion.
Dr. Ariel Savion has been an active dentist since 2007 and holds a dual Master’s degree from Germany in Laser Sciences and Dental Implantology. He has clinical expertise in laser periodontal therapy, microscopic surgery, and dental implant procedures.
He serves as the Medical Director of the dental corporation Savion Medical Center Ltd. and is the founder and owner of the prestigious master_implant educational club, dedicated to training dentists in advanced fields of dentistry.
In addition, Dr. Savion is the only certified instructor in Israel on behalf of the World Clinical Laser Institute in the field of laser dentistry.
Dr. Savion is an international researcher and lecturer and serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for leading medical companies in Israel and worldwide, specializing in laser dentistry, periodontology, and dental implantology.
Professional Whitening Methods Compared
At Home Whitening
At-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays with whitening agents containing 10-22% hydrogen peroxide. The process takes 4-8 weeks on average. Improper use can cause gingival burns, pulp damage, and hypersensitivity from prolonged hydrogen peroxide exposure to tooth enamel.
In Office Laser Whitening
Professional laser whitening using diode and/or erbium chromium lasers.
Laser Whitening vs. Traditional Methods
| Factor | Laser Whitening | Traditional Methods |
| Speed | Noticeable results in one visit | Multiple visits and weeks of at-home treatment |
| Effectiveness | More dramatic results | Less dramatic results |
| Safety | Minimally invasive and safe | More invasive and potentially uncomfortable |
| Longevity | Long-lasting results | Depends on treatment type |
The Laser Whitening Advantage
Historically, teeth whitening required time-consuming processes involving trays filled with whitening gel for extended periods or multiple treatments. Laser technology has revolutionized this process, making it significantly more efficient.
Laser teeth whitening works by using focused light energy to activate whitening gel applied to the teeth. The laser energy penetrates the teeth, breaking down stains and discoloration to whiten teeth from within.
Main Benefits – One of the greatest advantages is speed – many patients see remarkable results after just one visit, making it an attractive option for those seeking immediate improvements.
Additionally, laser teeth whitening is a safe, painless procedure requiring no injections or drilling. Moreover, because the laser is precisely controlled and focused, there's minimal risk of damage to surrounding tissue or gums.
Clinical Evidence for Laser Whitening Efficacy
- Laser whitening achieves an average brightening of 8 shades from the original color
- 75% of cases achieve brightening between 8-10 shades from the original tone
- Shade improvement depends on initial color rather than gender or age
- Laser proves more effective than whitening products or alternative methods
- No abnormal hypersensitivity or pulp chamber heating observed with diode laser whitening in most cases - patients typically report no post-operative sensitivity
- Laser whitening can be safely performed every six months to brighten/maintain original tooth shade without concern, avoiding enamel damage from minimal hydrogen peroxide exposure
- Recent research shows that increased whitening agent exposure to tooth enamel (at-home whitening) can damage tooth structure, creating rough surfaces that encourage bacterial colonization
- During whitening, both hydrogen peroxide concentration and exposure time matter - excessive at-home use may cause more harm than benefit
The Laser Revolution in Dentistry
Laser technology has revolutionized dental care, introducing new, minimally invasive approaches to treating various dental conditions:
- Laser teeth whitening – Accelerates the whitening process by activating whitening agents
- Cavity removal – Laser sterilizes the area and minimizes the need for anesthesia
- Gum surgery – Uses laser to reshape gingival tissue and remove bacterial pockets that cause periodontal disease
- Tooth sensitivity treatment – Seals nerve endings in teeth to reduce sensitivity
- Biopsy procedures – Enables removal of small tissue samples for diagnostic purposes
Dental lasers offer numerous advantages over traditional methods, including reduced pain and discomfort, faster healing times, and decreased infection risk. They also enable more precise and controlled procedures, reducing the need for cutting and suturing.
This innovative technology is utilized at Dr. Ariel Savion's dental practice.
Essential Pre Treatment Guidelines
- Ensure Proper Clinical Training – Laser teeth whitening must be performed at a dental clinic equipped with dedicated dental lasers (not light devices) and proper training, exclusively by licensed dentists (dental hygienists are not authorized to perform whitening).
- Pre Whitening Requirements – Ensure the patient has undergone calculus removal and has healthy gums without advanced periodontal disease or bleeding upon probing.
- Treatment Day Protocol – Begin with polishing, isolate the gums to prevent burns and irritation, then apply whitening agent (38% hydrogen peroxide) exclusively to tooth enamel.
Is Laser Teeth Whitening Right for Everyone?
Several factors require consideration:
- Tooth and gum sensitivity – Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums may experience discomfort or pain during or after the procedure.
- Cavities or periodontal disease – Patients with decay or gum disease require treatment before whitening.
- Pregnancy or nursing – Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid or postpone laser teeth whitening.
- Dental restorations – Patients requiring fillings, crowns, or veneers should complete these restorations before undergoing laser whitening to ensure optimal results.
- Age considerations – Laser teeth whitening is less suitable for children and adolescents due to ongoing dental and gingival development.
The Laser Whitening Procedure
Laser Types – Whitening uses diode lasers with specialized whitening heads attached to the laser fiber. The procedure involves applying gel to tooth surfaces (38% hydrogen peroxide),a unique gel designed exclusively for laser use (manufactured by the laser company).
Whitening Process – Laser energy is absorbed by special particles within the gel, which activate the hydrogen peroxide (the gel is mixed with a catalyst before tooth application) and accelerate the tooth brightening process.
The Whitening Kit – Includes desensitizing gel for post whitening sensitivity prevention. The kit is single use and non reusable.
Treatment Duration and Protocol
Laser whitening is performed by quadrants in two phases:
Phase A – Each quadrant receives approximately 30 seconds of laser exposure in three cycles, totaling 90 seconds of energy per quadrant. The patient remains with hydrogen peroxide on tooth enamel for 10 minutes.
Phase B – Identical to Phase A, with the patient remaining with hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes.
Total treatment time, 3 minutes of laser per quadrant (both phases) equals 12 minutes for both arches. Patient exposure to hydrogen peroxide lasts approximately 20 minutes. Total gross whitening time is approximately 40 minutes, and patients leave with white teeth without sensitivity or pain.
Combined Approach, In Office and At Home Whitening
Combining in office laser whitening with at-home whitening trays for maintenance provides optimal results. Patients receive detailed instructions on proper use and duration.
Over the Counter Whitening Products
Pharmacies and retail outlets offer whitening kits and toothpastes with low active ingredient concentrations, promising excellent results at minimal cost and time.
However, in reality, the active ingredient concentration in these products is extremely low and they are completely ineffective. The conclusion: money wasted with no visible results.
Selecting a Qualified Laser Whitening Provider
When seeking a clinic for laser teeth whitening, consider these factors:
Look for a licensed, experienced dentist who has received proper laser training and certification. Check online reviews or ask trusted friends for recommendations.
Understand the procedure and verify the dentist uses quality materials.
Laser teeth whitening can be more expensive than other whitening methods. Obtain price quotes and conduct market research to ensure fair pricing.
Verify the facility is clean and well-equipped, and the staff is professional, courteous, and welcoming.
Post Treatment Side Effects
Mild tooth sensitivity and gingival burning sensation in case of leakage, which subsides after several days. No irreversible side effects that could endanger dental or gingival health occur.
Important! Before teeth whitening, schedule a suitability evaluation with a dentist. Recommended: perform calculus removal and polishing before whitening to remove coffee stains, nicotine, wine, and various food colorings.
For aesthetic restoration or porcelain veneers, perform laser teeth whitening first, then complete dental restoration or reconstruction to match the natural whitened teeth – not vice versa. Whitening agents affect and brighten only natural teeth.
Maintaining Laser Whitening Results
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene – Brush twice daily and floss daily to remove plague and prevent new stains.
- Avoid staining foods and beverages – Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables.
- Use whitening toothpaste – Helps remove surface stains and maintain tooth brightness.
- Limit tobacco use – Smoking and other tobacco forms cause new staining.
- Drink plenty of water – Helps rinse food particles and neutralize acids that cause decay and staining.
- Regular dental checkups – Maintain scheduled visits with your dentist.
Post Whitening Guidelines
- Smoking - Not recommended. Ideally, stop smoking for a short period before, during, and after treatment. Smoking impairs the whitening process and stains teeth. During whitening, teeth become "porous" due to hydrogen peroxide concentration and stain easily.
- Beverages and Foods - Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and citrus juices. During treatment, teeth become more susceptible to staining, making this critical for impressive results. Avoid these beverages for several weeks after completing whitening. Drink only water for up to one week post treatment.
Contraindications for Teeth Whitening
- Bruxism patients with excessive enamel wear from teeth grinding
- Patients with extensive restorations in the oral cavity
- Patients with advanced or acute periodontal disease
- Patients with gray teeth damaged by tetracycline in early childhood or genetic conditions
- Patients with abnormal enamel surface anatomy including internal striations
- Patients seeking a "Hollywood smile" with high expectations (porcelain veneers recommended)
- Patients at high risk for dental caries
- Patients with poor oral hygiene who don't brush regularly
This article was authored with the expertise of Dr. Ariel Savion, who maintains a private practice in Rishon LeZion specializing in laser/microscope dental treatments.
