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.