Sunday, November 2, 2008

Teeth Laser Whitening: What You'll Go Through

By Jim Hofman

If you're considering getting your teeth whitened, you've got many options available. Walk into any drug store and you'll see teeth whitening kits, special toothpastes, and whitening strips. Further, there are numerous dentists offering one hour professional treatments, designed to get your teeth their absolute whitest. Let's take a look at what you can expect from laser teeth whitening.

The Process

Most people who've undergone laser tooth whitening prefer the procedure to do-it-yourself kits. The reason? Results. There's also the element of time, as laser whitening treatments take about an hour. Whitening kits available over the counter usually require multiple applications over a period of weeks.

Since the technology is readily available, you shouldn't have to wait long for an appointment. Once you arrive, you'll typically undergo a standard cleaning to remove any excess plaque. Then, a gel is applied to your teeth with a swab like device. This gel is similar to the gel you'd receive in a take home whitening kit, but it's more concentrated and stronger.

Then, it's time for the laser. The laser activates the whitening formula in the gel, and each tooth is focused upon, a few minutes at a time. Of course, the most visible teeth receive the highest level of attention. The process itself is painless, although if your teeth are especially sensitive, you may experience discomfort.

All in all, laser teeth whitening takes about an hour. After the laser has done its job, the gel is rinsed off and the process is complete. You can expect your teeth to be noticeably whiter, usually by 5-7 shades. You may experience some sensitivity for a day or two, much like you would after a normal dentist visit.

Whitening Costs

Costs for this process have actually been coming down recently, probably due to competition and the popularity of teeth whitening technology. Watch for special offers and temporary price reductions, especially in major metropolitan markets. Typically, the process will cost anywhere from $200 to $500 dollars.

We recommend trying a take home whitening kit first to see if you attain your desired results. If you're a bit older and your teeth have darkened more with age, chances are these kits might not meet your expectations. It's a personal choice though, so determine what works best for you while balancing costs and benefits.

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