Laser Teeth Bleaching

Whitening your teeth is considered an elective cosmetic procedure by most insurance companies. However, to the patient with yellow or stained teeth it is a necessity. Having yellowing teeth often prevents the person from smiling freely, or makes them feel uncomfortable and self conscience in a social setting. This is when whitening your teeth becomes an indispensable factor in a person's life. Laser teeth bleaching procedures are for those patients who are serious about whitening their teeth.

Your local cosmetic dentist will have several options for you to choose from. He/she will help you determine which alternative will perform best for you. You will want to make certain you discuss the different types of procedures available, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each of those procedures.

Teeth bleaching cost can vary. The most expensive whitening procedures are the ones your cosmetic dentist will perform in office. Even these costs can fluctuate between the $350 and $1000. The least expensive are the take home whitening treatment, and the most expensive are the laser teeth bleaching treatments.

However, these laser teeth bleaching procedures are the most effective. The variance in cost usually has to do with the different techniques involved or the strength of the ingredients.

Understanding how the tooth whitening systems work, will help you determine which method will perform best for you. However, even these procedures cost will vary by the brand your cosmetic dentist offers.

The most popular laser teeth bleaching brands available at your local cosmetic dentist offices are:

    * Whitening Now - Is a popular home teeth whitening kit which is the one we recommend. It is safe and inexpensive and you can get a free trial for a limited period.

    * Rembrandt® – uses the energy of a “Sapphire” Plasma Arc Light with a patented teeth whitening gel. The gel is a hydrogen peroxide based bleaching gel. The whitener has a 25% hydrogen peroxide concentration with a pH of 8.5.

    * Zoom!® – is an all-inclusive system where the manufacture provides your dentist with all the essential parts. The whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide based, and comes prepackaged as two separate components. The components are made up with a 32% hydrogen peroxide gel and a proprietary “activator.” Before application, these two components are mixed together to form a concentration of 25% hydrogen peroxide and a pH between 7.5 and 9.

    * BriteSmile® – uses a hydrogen peroxide based gel. The bleaching compound is prepackaged and contains a 15% hydrogen peroxide concentration and a pH of 6.5. However, protocol requires that an accelerator be applied before the gel is used for the second and third time.

    * Opalescence® – the hydrogen peroxide based bleaching gel comes prepackaged as two separate parts. Once the components are mixed together the whitener will contain 38% hydrogen peroxide with a pH of 7.

The fundamental concept behind an in office professional laser teeth bleaching procedure is that a laser light is applied to a translucent beaching gel. The translucent gel contains crystals that become activated when hit with the laser light.

The crystals absorb the laser light and the energy released will penetrate the tooth enamel. This process will produce a lightening or whitening affect on the teeth. In some cases, the teeth will appear up to seven to ten shades lighter in just one sitting.