So, you’re thinking about laser teeth whitening, the king of all teeth whitening products. Laser teeth whitening, often referred to as in-office teeth whitening, is the quickest, most effective teeth whitening product available. You cannot do it yourself. Traditionally, one would go to the dentist to get this done, but now it is available in many health and beauty spas and various kiosks in public places, such as malls. Laser teeth whitening has replaced traditional dentist whitening, because it is quicker, causes less damage to surrounding tissue, and is more effective.
How does it work?
Contrary to popular belief, the laser isn’t what actually whitens your teeth. The whitening agent is once again our friend hydrogen peroxide. A tray full of highly concentrated peroxide gel is placed over your teeth, or peroxide gel is rubbed directly on to your teeth. This gel contains a much higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than any of the over the counter teeth whitening products. So, just by itself, it is a very effective whitener.
What’s the point of the laser?
The laser speeds up the process. It heats up the hydrogen peroxide, which causes the molecules to move faster. The faster the molecules move, the more times the hydrogen peroxide particles collide with your teeth, which means the more bleaching effect you will get.
A typical treatment
You, the patient, come into the office and sit in the dental chair, where you are reclined back and given a pair of protective eyeglasses to wear. Next, you are told to put in a device that spreads your lips and cheeks wide so that the dentist (or whoever is performing the procedure) can work on your teeth; the device also prevents your lips from rubbing your teeth and gums, which keeps them dry.
A Vaseline-like petroleum gel is rubbed with a cotton swab all over your lips and gums – this protects against burning from the laser. You will then be given a tray filled with peroxide gel or have the gel rubbed directly on your teeth. Remember, only your front teeth will be worked on; you won’t have the discomfort of having bleaching gel rubbed in the back of your mouth. Finally, the laser is activated directly in front of your teeth.
The laser
Now comes the fun part – waiting. These treatments are generally done in two, thirty minute segments, one directly after the other. However, it is becoming more common to do three, twenty minute treatments, each on a separate day (to allow tooth and gum recovery). Both are just as effective.
After the time is up, the gel will be rubbed off of your teeth, and the device removed from your mouth. You will then be instructed to rinse out your mouth vigorously with water. You may experience some tooth sensitivity – the water may feel colder than usual. If you do, it should subside within twenty-four hours for most people.
Now, go look in the mirror! Your teeth are whiter! Congratulations!
Depending on the provider, you may be given a toothpaste or trays with gel to use at home, or you may not. If you are given these things, use them as instructed. If you experience sensitivity when using these products, you should discontinue use until the sensitivity is gone; once it has gone away, it is safe to restart use of the products.
How effective is it?
A typical laser teeth whitening treatment will make your teeth about three shades lighter.
Usual results are three shades lighter per treatment
Who is laser teeth whitening for?
Laser teeth whitening is recommended for anybody who is willing to spend the money to do so. The price is high – anywhere from $300-$1,000. This method will make your teeth less sensitive than most of the over the counter teeth whitening products, is much more effective, and takes far less time. As always, if you are somebody who has highly sensitive teeth, then we recommend avoiding all teeth whitening products until your dentist says it is safe to do so.
Laser teeth whitening is a five-star procedure. Although it costs much more than other teeth whitening products, it is by far the most effective, is the least harmful to the gums, and whitens quicker than any other product. If cost isn’t an issue, we recommend laser teeth whitening over all other whiteners. If you can’t afford it, we recommend Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal.