Laser teeth whitening is a procedure that whitens your teeth by removing the thin film of dirt that has discolored your tooth.
In this procedure, a thin layer of gel is placed onto your teeth and then a laser is pointed towards the gel.
This action heats up the tooth whitening gel and in turn, whitens your teeth. While there are several other methods that are being currently used to whiten your discolored teeth, laser teeth whitening seems to be the most popular choice (especially with the wealthy).
The reason why this cosmetic treatment is popular is because it makes you look attractive. Many men and women have also claimed to look younger after this treatment.
Laser Teeth Whitening Table of Contents
1) What is Laser Teeth Whitening?
2) Laser Teeth Whitening Cost?
3) How is Laser Teeth Whitening Performed?
4) Why is Laser Teeth Whitening a Good Option for You?
5) What are the Harms Caused by Teeth Whitening Laser?
6) Teeth Whitening Laser Vs Natural Methods
7) Laser Teeth Whitening FAQ
8) Is it Really Worth Your Time & Money?
What is Laser Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening laser is a procedure using which, you can whiten your discolored teeth. This is a cosmetic application that needs to be performed at a dental clinic. You cannot hope to whiten your teeth at home (it is not a DIY method).
Here, you are asked to lie down on a dental chair, which is then reclined to a position wherein you are ‘half-lying half-sitting’. A special devise is placed onto your mouth that separates your upper and lower lip from your gums and teeth.
Your mouth remains open via this apparatus. A special gel is then applied onto the surface of your teeth. After the application commences, a special laser is directed towards the gel. The process heats up the gel thereby releasing special chemicals that bleach your discolored teeth.
Laser Teeth Whitening Cost?
The cost of this treatment varies from one dental clinic to another. It also depends on which locality and country you are getting this dental cosmetic treatment from.
On an average, a single sitting of this procedure can set you back by $400. Nonetheless, it can go up to $1400. The variation of the same procedure is dependent on the competition (with special regards to competing dental clinics in areas offering laser whitening) as well as the country you reside in.
In the United States, the cost of this dental tooth bleaching procedure is high in suburban areas as compared to the city. This is owing to the lack of cosmetic clinics in rural localities.
How is Laser Teeth Whitening Performed?
As I have mentioned above, teeth whitening laser is applied by a trained individual majoring in cosmetic dentistry. He or she shall perform this procedure in his/her clinic.
Here is how it is performed (allow me to divide this process into simple to understand steps):
Step # 1:
In the first step, you shall be asked to lie down on a reclined chair. You are placed in a position that is best described as half-lying and half-sitting.
Step # 2:
A special apparatus or a guard is placed into your mouth. This separates your gum/teeth from your lips (both upper and lower). This apparatus is made either from plastic or rubber.
Step # 3:
The cosmetic dentist then places a special solution (which often feels like latex) onto your gums. This special solution helps your gums to remain safe, itch-proof and non-irritable.
Apparently, the teeth whitening gel has the ability to burn or irritate your gums. So naturally, your gums need to be protected from it at all times.
Step # 4:
A laser is then pointed towards your teeth. This laser contains the gel that is applied onto your discoloured tooth. During the application process, this gel is heated and starts to foam. This is an indication that your teeth are being cleaned.
Step # 5:
The laser is removed and you remain in the same position for about 10 minutes. The gel is sucked in via the means of a special vacuum.
Step # 6:
This process may take more than a single application. If your teeth are in a bad shape, the doctor may apply teeth whitening gel via the laser up to 4 times.
Step #7:
Once the dentist is satisfied with the results, he/she shall clean your mouth with water. Once the rinsing process is complete, the dentist shall also remove the protective layer from your gums. You are now ready to go home.
Why is Laser Teeth Whitening a Good Option for You?
>>> The cosmetic dentist who performs this procedure is well trained and perfect for this job.
>>> You cannot hope to perform this tooth bleaching operation all by yourself at home.
>>> Compared to other tooth bleaching methods, the teeth whitening laser provides visibly better results. Your teeth seem brighter and definitely whiter.
>>> A single application is sufficient to deliver the results you are seeking. So, reapplications of a whitening gel are minimized.
>>> All you need to do is go to a cosmetic dentist and sit on a chair. The rest of the work is handled by the dentist. So, it is a convenient way to whiten your teeth.
>>> You spare the risk of injuring your gum and nerves as everything here is handled by a trained dentist.
>>> The average time required for completing this process is 20 minutes. At home, teeth whitening procedures may take several hours to complete.
What are the Harms Caused by Teeth Whitening Laser?
>>> Without a shadow of a doubt, the cost involved in cleansing your teeth via laser is way higher than home based bleaching methods.
>>> You cannot hope to be 100% satisfied after this procedure. There are many people that have complained of stains remaining on their teeth despite the completion of the process.
>>> It does take time as you need to book an appointment with the cosmetic dentist and then travel to the clinic. You might also need to wait for an hour or more (depending on the rush).
>>> This method to whiten your teeth is not at all fool-proof. You might need to perform this process time and again to get the desired results.
>>> The cosmetic dentist warns you to avoid smoking, drinking wine, consuming tobacco based products or drinking tea/coffee.
>>> Only those men and women that earn well can afford this treatment (the average cost is $400).
Teeth Whitening Laser Vs Natural Methods
The Knowledge factor:
If you have spare time at hand and a lot of knowledge on natural tooth whitening methods then, the latter is definitely a better option.
The Money Factor:
If you lack time and have a few hundred dollars to spare, a visit to the cosmetic dental surgeon is a wise option. Not everyone has a few hundred dollars to spare.
The Time Factor:
At the most, you shall spend 45 minutes to get your teeth whitened at the local dental clinic. Compared to a few hours spent at home to whiten your teeth, this is a time saving and convenient option. The choice of procedure depends on how much time you have at hand.
The Convenience Factor:
When the need of the hour is to enjoy getting your teeth whitened without dirtying your hands in return, opt for a dental clinic. If you have spare time and do not mind doing everything on your own, opt for a home based tooth bleaching method.
The Trust Factor:
Lastly, you need to have faith in a cosmetic surgeon. If you trust your own home based method, go for it. You need to be fully convinced before taking a step.
Laser Teeth Whitening FAQ
Q-1: How Long do I Have to Stay at the Dental Clinic?
A-1: You might be relieved in about 45 minutes if you have taken an appointment with the cosmetic dentist. If not, then you might have to wait longer to get your teeth whitened.
Q-2: How much do I have to Spend?
A-2: Well, it all depends on where you are staying. If you stay in the city (assuming you reside in the United States) then, you shall spend $400 (on an average). If you stay in rural areas the, you shall spend $800 (on an average).
Q-3: Is Laser Treatment for Whitening Teeth Painful?
A-3: No, it is not painful at all. While the laser does have the ability to burn your gums, the dentist uses a special rubbery layer to keep your gums safe. If this layer does break down during the process (which is highly unlikely) then, you might suffer a burn injury.
Q-4: Can I Perform this Laser Treatment at Home?
A-4: No, this cannot be performed at home. The later apparatus and other equipment needed to perform this task cannot be had at home. The laser types and the gel used (with each of these lasers) can only be handled by a professional.
Q-5: What Kinds of Lasers are Used to Whiten my Teeth with?
A-5: There are several kinds of lasers that are used to whiten your teeth. Some of the common ones include Nd:Yag, Argon and Diode. In certain cases cosmetic dentists also make use of KTP laser for the same.
Q-6: Can I Get Permanent White Teeth with just One Laser Treatment?
A-6: This may not be a possibility. Owing to your diverse eating habits that include beverages that stain your teeth (tea, coffee, wine) and addictions (tobacco, cigarette, alcohol), your teeth may need to be whitened every 3 to 6 months.
Q-7: Can I Whiten Teeth at Home? Is Yes then, What are the Available Options?
A-7: Yes, most men and women prefer home tooth whitening options. Some of the most common ones include whitening strips, gels, LED based whiteners, whitening pens and herbal remedies.
Q-8: Is the Laser based Tooth Bleaching Method Faster than Home Based One?
A-8: Yes, it is certainly faster as compared to most home based methods. A single session at the cosmetic dentist can be completed in as less as 20 minutes. Home based methods may take an hour or even longer.
Is it Really Worth Your Time & Money?
Now, this is a very tough question to answer and providing a diplomatic answer, is not the solution to this query. Basically, it all depends on the end user. If you have a lot of money to spare (on a repeated basis) then, it is wise to opt for laser teeth whitening.
On the other hand, if you are tight-fisted and have some time to spare then, you should never think twice before opting for a home based tooth bleaching procedure.
The results of both these procedures may differ slightly (with the laser based method having an edge) yet, this slight difference can only be noticed by a model or an actor who makes a living via showbiz.