Your orthodontist has recommended laser treatment to cosmetically or functionally enhance or expedite your (or your child’s) orthodontic treatment result. Generally, the use of a laser to treat the oral tissues is a safe and predictable procedure. As with any procedure, the outcome cannot be guaranteed. The purpose of this document is to help you be aware of possible risks before agreeing to laser treatment.
Occasionally laser treatment might be used to improve the appearance of individual teeth by altering the gum line or gum margin. If a soft tissue laser is used for this purpose, upon healing, the level of the gum line might not be perfectly symmetrical. If needed, this can often be improved by additional laser treatments or by a periodontist (gum specialist). Occasionally laser treatment might be used to improve the appearance of individual teeth by altering their shape or size.
Damage to the oral tissues might result from laser treatment. This is generally a self-limiting shortterm injury that usually resolves without additional treatment. In rare circumstances, additional dental and/or medical treatment might be necessary.