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Dental Diode Laser Treatment

Dental Diode Lasers (DDLs) in Orthodontics

At Tollgate Orthodontics, we stay on the cutting edge of advancements in orthodontic technology to ensure that we can always bring our patients the latest and greatest in orthodontic care. We combine that state-of-the-art technology with the experience and knowledge of Dr. Eves and our talented orthodontic staff to create the best treatment experience possible for our patients every time; an experience where they feel comfortable and confident that they are getting the care they deserve.

Read Dr. Eves Article on the Use of Lasers in Orthodontic Practice

Laser orthodontics is just one of the many modern technological advancements that has allowed us to improve the experience of our patients when they come into our office. Using dental diode lasers (DDLs), we reduce pain and discomfort of common procedures, cut down recovery time on orthodontic surgery, improve oral hygiene, and much more. To learn more about how laser technology empowers the treatment we offer at Tollgate Orthodontics, check out the information below.

What Is Laser Orthodontics Used For?

The strength of laser orthodontics lies in the precision, control, and flexibility that it gives to Dr. Eves during treatment. The power of the laser can be controlled to be as powerful or as gentle as needed, making it compatible for procedures with soft tissue like your gums, or hard tissue like your tooth enamel or jawbone. Common procedures that Dr. Eves performs with the aid of laser orthodontics include:

  • Braces Placement - When putting braces on the teeth, the placement needs to be perfect to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit for the patient. With laser orthodontics, we can effectively clean and prepare the tooth to be fitted with the brace.

  • Stop Excess Bleeding - bleeding gums and tissue are a common occurrence in orthodontic treatment, but laser orthodontics can stop the blood flow to ensure that treatment continues to go smoothly

  • Gingivectomy - this procedure is performed if a patient in the early stages of gum disease, and it involves clearing away excess tissue in the gums to expose pockets where plaque, tartar, and bacteria have accumulated.

  • Gum Restructure After Braces - once you get your braces off, you will first see Dr. Eves for a full check-up to ensure that your smile is as perfect as can be.

  • Exposing Impacted Or Unerupted Teeth - the laser can be used to clear away excess gum tissue to expose the teeth and prevent the buildup of bacteria.

  • Exposure Of TADS (temporary orthodontic anchorage devices) - TADS are similar to dental implants in the fact that they must be inserted into the jawbone to provide a secure anchor point for the teeth. Laser orthodontics can help make this process faster and more comfortable with a shorter recovery time.

The Science Behind Laser Orthodontics

A variety of dental diode lasers (DDLs) are available to orthodontists. Current DDLs operate in three wavelengths: 810, 940, and 980 nanometers (nm), and each has different effects on soft tissue. Table 2 shows these wavelengths tendencies for absorption in three compounds: hemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, and water. As Table 2 depicts, the 940 nm diode laser accounts for the highest overall absorption by hemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, and water, making it highly effective for both clean surgical incisions (low carbonization) and excellent hemostasis; for common soft-tissue laser procedures in orthodontics, the 940 nm diode dental laser works best.

All current DDLs provide laser energy in both Continuous Wave (CW) and Pulsed (P) modes. Uninterrupted continuous wave laser energy does not allow for thermal relaxation of the tissue, while pulsed modes allow for thermal recovery (cooling) between energy pulses

Pulse-mode lasers are necessary to deliver a comfortable surgical and post-surgical experience for patients; patients treated with selectable-pulse-mode lasers regularly report no discomfort with soft tissue laser procedures, since there is little-to-no evidence of thermal damage when performing soft tissue procedures with this technology. Most soft tissue laser procedures can be performed with only topical anesthesia. When a topical anesthetic is inadequate, a local anesthetic may be needed, but this is rarely necessary.

Contact Tollgate Orthodontics Today!

If you have any questions about laser orthodontic treatment and how we utilize it in our office to provide you with a better overall experience, contact us, and we'll be happy to answer your questions. If you're ready to have the healthy, brilliant smile you've always wanted, schedule your appointment with us by reaching out to us or filling out our online appointment request form. Dr. Eves and our orthodontic staff have been serving the communities of Warwick Jamestown, East Greenwich, and the surrounding areas for years, so come and experience the quality care that our practice is known for!