Laser teeth whitening is something any person who is serious about whitening his or her teeth should consider. Why? Laser teeth whitening is by far the most effective of the teeth whitening products , available only from a dentist or other provider, and it is also the quickest way to whiten your teeth. What stops most people is the price, which can range anywhere from $300-1,000.

How does a typical procedure work?

First, the dentist will place a device in your mouth that exposes your teeth by spreading the lips and gums away from the face, making it easier for him or her to work on your teeth. Vaseline or other petroleum jelly-based product is spread all over the lips and the gums. This helps keep the mouth moist and prevents the tissue from burning under the laser. Next, a tray is filled with hydrogen peroxide containing gel and the patient's teeth are exposed to it, or the dentist paints a hydrogen peroxide containing gel directly on to the patient's teeth. Careful attention is paid to not put any of the gel on to the patient's gums, as hydrogen peroxide can burn the gums. Sometimes, this is unavoidable, and the user will likely experience gum sensitivity during and after the procedure. Finally, a laser is placed in front of the patient's mouth. The patient will wait until told time is up. Typically a patient will undergo three twenty minute treatments or two thirty minute treatments. Once the time is up, the dentist will wipe the gel off of the patient's teeth and then remove the device from the patient's mouth. The patient will then be instructed to rinse vigorously with water, to remove any leftover gel.

What happens after the procedure?

Sometimes the patient will be given whitening toothpaste or whitening gel and trays to use at home. If given trays, the patient should follow directions exactly when using the products.

In some people, tooth and/or gum sensitivity can occur. If this happens, the patient should be careful when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, as temperature will be more intense for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Usually, sensitivity goes away within that time period. Occasionally a patient will experience permanent sensitivity, which cannot be undone, but the risk of this is much less than previously used professional whitening methods.

Results

The patient can expect to improve the color of his or teeth by roughly three color shades. Careful attention must be paid not to eat or drink any staining food or drink during the next three days after the procedure, as the teeth are more prone to staining during this time. After three days, eating and drinking can be resumed to normal. Usually, the whitening achieved by laser teeth whitening lasts anywhere from six months to two years, after which it must be redone again if returning the teeth to a whiter state is desired.