Laser Tooth Whitening

In addition to normal aging, drinking coffee, tea, cola and wine, and smoking cigarettes, will all cause the teeth to turn yellow, brown and even black. This discoloration will age your appearance faster than even those pesky wrinkles. Luckily, teeth problems are easier to fix than skin. Understandably so, the teeth whitening practice is the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States.

What is Laser Tooth Whitening?

Also known as power bleaching, laser tooth whitening is an in-office whitening procedure. Whitening that occurs at your dentist’s office is known as in-office teeth bleaching. In general, bleaching that occurs at your dentist’s office is more expensive, but produces a quicker, more noticeable result. Laser tooth whitening is the premium of the in-office procedures, with the highest cost, but also the most effective results. If you have a special event, severe discoloration or little time to invest, this system may be the right choice for your teeth bleaching needs.

In the laser tooth whitening process, the highest concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used. The dentist then applies a high intensity light (laser) to trigger the reaction of hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. With this laser of light, the individual teeth that need to be whitened can be isolated, which protects the gums and cheeks from the bleaching agents. The laser activation process is designed to trigger a quicker degradation of the peroxide whitener, thus creating a faster and more enhanced whitening result.

The actual chemical process is rather simple. The laser-activated hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and a radical. This radical combines with the stain molecules on the surface of the tooth. Thus, weakening the stain, and then allowing the oxygen to reach the tooth enamel. The oxygenation process then bleaches the tooth.

Types of Laser Tooth Whitening

As one of the more expensive types of teeth bleaching, expect to spend between $300 to a $1000 on laser tooth whitening. Although the procedures are similar, there are different types and brands of laser tooth whitening. Depending on your location, brand selected, and competition, the price can vary. Talk with your own dentist about their chosen procedure and price. Be sure to also shop around, as many dental offices will offer specials on cosmetic dentistry procedures, particularly teeth bleaching.

Some common manufacturers of laser tooth whitening systems are:

• Zoom!
• The BriteSmile
• Rembrandt
• Opalescence

What to Expect at the Dentist Office

The whole tooth whitening process should start with a pre-whitening consultation. At this time, your dentist should help you select the best product, clean your teeth, and then record your tooth shade before treatment. This record will help you both to ensure the whitening process was effective.

The next appointment will be for your actual whitening. If you have selected laser tooth whitening, your dentist will first polish your teeth with a mild abrasive agent. This will ensure all surface staining is removed – enabling the whitening process to be the most effective. The dentist will then insert a dental dam to protect your gums and other soft mouth tissue. Make sure they also provide you with eye protection and a bib, to protect your eyes and clothes from accidental spillage and laser damage.

The laser procedure takes approximately an hour in most cases. During that time, your dentist will apply the bleaching agents and utilize the laser. In some brands, they can attempt to whiten the teeth multiple times in one seating. Tooth whitening is not a permanent procedure and with severe stains, you may have to also return for multiple appointments.