The latest advancement in laser whitening gel is used with an in-office laser that results in a very fast and effective bleaching system. The gel is applied to the teeth after appropriate gum and mouth soft tissue protection is placed. Then, a laser light is used to activate the chemical in the gel that has been especially designed to absorb energy from the light and quickly penetrate tooth surfaces. This technique results in a very fast laser whitening effect.
The ZOOM teeth whitening system is an example of this type of system. The length of time needed for full color restoration of course depends on the amount and type of tooth enamel discoloration apparent. Although very fast, many dentists are wary of this process due to the potential of gum and soft tissue discoloration.
The cost of this very fast laser whitening can vary based on your location with many of the larger cities being more expensive than other areas. Laser teeth whitening process in a professional dental office can be expected to cost between 250 and 500 dollars on average for the full treatment.
Generally speaking, the price of teeth whitening increases with the number of in-office treatments required. So the more discolored the teeth, the more visits are required and the potential of a higher total cost. Dental insurance typically does not cover laser whitening as it’s considered cosmetic.
Remember though that once the dentist has you in the office, they will want to do a complete exam to check for general dental health. Few if any dentists will do a whitening treatment on teeth that need corrective dental work done. That is, a good cleaning, cavities filled, etc.
Dentists, like all professionals, will push to get all the business they can from you. It’s in your best interest though to carefully consider the importance of good dental health. So if it comes to a choice between teeth whitening and good dental health, your best interests are served by having a solid set of teeth even if they may not be as white as desired. This means that if you want whiter teeth from a dentist office, plan on a full commitment to total tooth care and mouth health.
Laser teeth whitening treatments though are not more effective on whitening teeth than many quality custom tray home products. Though much faster results are available, you run the risk of gum and tissue damage due to the aggressiveness of the products used in laser whitening. Teeth sensitivity can also be an issue.
So the results are in. Much faster and expensive laser teeth whitening or a slower though probably safer home teeth whitening solution, the choice is yours.
After your treatment, make sure to follow the guidelines they give you. Common instructions mostly consist of avoiding foods and drinks that will cause your teeth to become discolored, not smoking, etc. You’re going to have to give up those vices if you don’t want yellow teeth again in the future.
Before you can get a laser whitening procedure done, you’re probably going to have to make an appointment to get checked out by the dentist. They’re going to want to review your current oral health and give you insight on what to expect and if this type of whitening is best for you.
Depending on how stained your teeth are you may have to have your laser whitening done over several visits. Each visit usually takes about an hour to complete.
How Does Laser Teeth Whitening Work?
The dentist inserts rubber dams to protect your gums, then applies a gel coating to your teeth. Next, he uses a laser which has a blue light on your teeth, removing the stains.
Extra Tips For Teeth Whitening by Laser
Make sure to shop around and compare prices. Ask someone that has had this procedure done by a prospective dentist and have them tell you their experience.
Only get your teeth whitened by a qualified, legitimate dentist. There are many fly by night salons that will use junk products that will ruin your teeth in the long run and you don’t want to fall for that.