Advantages of Laser Teeth Whitening

A growing number of patients agree that the advantages of laser teeth whitening are worth it. According to market research, nearly one-third of all dentist visits are related to whitening treatments, and laser teeth whitening treatments represent a large portion of that.

Here is why more patients are opting for laser teeth whitening:

• Superior whitening results – Laser teeth whitening uses more powerful whitening solutions than are available over the counter. The active ingredient is the same (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide), but there is more of it. This means faster, brighter results.
  
  
• Extended, longer-lasting results – Laser teeth whitening offers the kind of results you’ll notice right away, but it also offers longer lasting results than what is possible with over-the-counter whitening strips or gels. Exactly how long your teeth will remain white will depend on dietary and lifestyle factors, but professional whitening lasts longer than DIY methods.
  
  Laser teeth whitening is typically only performed once every six months due to its increased strength, as the whitening effect will penetrate down to the dentin – the tissue lying under the enamel.
  
  
• An excellent safety record – Laser teeth whitening is generally safe for patients, even with its greater strength. That’s because dental professionals take precautions to ensure more sensitive oral tissues (the gums, specifically) are protected. This includes a bite guard and a thick gel that is placed on the gums. This gel hardens quickly and creates an impenetrable barrier against the whitening solution, ensuring none of it reaches the gums and irritates them. Patients are also given protective eyewear to screen out intense laser light.
  
  
• Minimal sensitivity following treatment – Tooth and gum sensitivity are the most common side effects of teeth whitening. In general, some patients may feel an occasional “zing” that fades immediately, and this is the extent of sensitivity that usually occurs only in the first couple days.
  
  But again, many patients have no sensitivity issues at all, and patients generally report minimal discomfort

• Quick, pain-free procedure – This comfort advantage extends to the treatment itself, as laser teeth whitening requires nothing but a bite guard, a whitening solution and a laser light. The guard goes in the mouth, the whitening solution goes on the teeth and a UV laser light is held by the dental professional and used to activate the whitening solution. No probing, scraping or drilling is necessary.
  
  
• Lower cost, compared to most other cosmetic dental treatments – Even though laser teeth whitening isn’t typically covered by insurance (due to it being a cosmetic procedure), it is still affordable overall. You can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $1,500 per treatment, and the results are long-lasting. Not a bad investment for a much-improved smile.
  
  
• Treatment administered by a trusted dental professional – At-home whitening comes with zero professional guidance, so it may take a while to achieve the results you’re looking for – or they may not be possible at all with over-the-counter products.