Laser Teeth Whitening

As we age, it seems that our body parts show signs of that age, teeth included.  Food, drinks, cigarettes and many other things can slowly lead to stained and discolored teeth.  Laser teeth whitening is a procedure that has become an increasingly popular solution to an ever-growing problem.  Before the honing of laser technology, non-laser whitening methods were found to be effective yet not permanent; results would often last only a few months.  Laser teeth whitening provides a safe and easy alternative that has been proven to last for years.

How Does It Work?
Laser teeth whitening is a very simple and painless cosmetic dentistry procedure.  The treatment will begin with the isolation of the gums and lips.  This protects them from the laser light.  Once this is complete, the dentist will apply a scientifically formulated gel, consisting mainly of ph balanced hydrogen peroxide, to your teeth.  Once this is done, the doctor will take a laser or high intensity light source and direct it over each tooth.  The laser activates the gel by breaking it into a compound constituent which consists of water and a radical.  Once the gel is in this state, the radical will append itself to stain molecules found on the teeth.  This appendage will weaken stains and allow oxygen to reach and whiten enamel.

Laser teeth whitening procedures can take anywhere from one to two hours.  The time the procedure takes is based on the overall condition of your teeth, the location and amount of stains you have, the concentration of peroxide in the whitening gel and the laser that is used to perform the procedure.

Does It Hurt?
Laser teeth whitening should not cause any pain, but patients sometimes experience sore teeth and gums because of the bleach that is applied to the teeth.  If these symptoms occur at all, they should subside within a few hours after the procedure.  Those patients that have overly sensitive teeth are much more likely to experience this discomfort than those without.

What Are The Results?
Patients will experience anywhere from six to ten shades of difference in color, sometimes more.  In most cases, patients will see a continuation in the whitening for the first few days following the treatments.  These results are dramatic because it only takes one treatment to achieve them.  If patients take proper care of their teeth following their visit, whiter smiles can last for years.

What Are The Costs?
The costs for this treatment will depend on the area in which you live, the dentist you go to, the overall condition of your teeth and the particular treatment you undergo.  A single treatment will almost always cost a little over $1,000, but almost all patients only need a single treatment to achieve a whiter smile.  While this treatment is more expensive than other whitening alternatives, patients have found the results to be well worth it.  Spectacularly whiter teeth can be guaranteed after just one visit.