Teeth whitening is a popular option for people looking to freshen their appearance. A variety of products, some for application in a dentist's office and some for use at home, have hit the market. Combining bleach with high-intensity light is one approach. This method, which requires a dental professional, uses both laser and non-laser light sources. They include the argon laser, the diode laser, the high-energy arc lamp and the halogen lamp, according to Dr. Grace Sun of Sun Dental Group in Los Angeles.
Benefits
The main advantage of light-assisted whitening is immediacy. Home bleaching can take a month or two to produce significant results, according to Dr. Harry Albers, a dentist in Santa Rosa, California. With light-assisted in-office bleaching, one session is usually enough, though particularly deep or severe staining may require more.
Procedure
Your teeth-whitening visit will probably begin with a standard cleaning to remove plaque from the gum line. The dentist or assistant will paint your gums with a protective rubber "dam" and then apply a 15 percent concentration peroxide gel to your teeth. The dentist then uses a light device, which can sit on the floor or a table or be held by hand, to intensify the effects of the gel. Generally, you will not experience pain and will not need anesthesia, though tooth sensitivity during the procedure and for a couple of hours after is common, according to the Charles Dental Group in Sacramento, California.
Time Frame
Laser and other types of light-aided bleaching involve one to three hours in the dentist's chair, according to the Charles Dental Group. Once you are done with the session, you do not need any additional take-home treatment--just regular brushing with a whitening toothpaste and periodic visits for professional cleaning. Results can last a year or two, but the duration depends on factors such as whether you drink coffee or smoke.
Cost
The price of teeth-whitening with light varies widely. As of 2010, a session may cost as little $300 or as much as $2,000, according to DocShop, a site developed by Einstein Industries to provide health information and provider listings. Among the factors influencing cost are the particular whitening system employed, the amount of competition in your city and the degree of whitening you need.
Warning
Laser-assisted or light-assisted bleaching will not whiten crowns, veneers or other dental restorations. If you are planning to have such work done, coordinate to have it done a couple of weeks after your whitening treatment, the Consumer Guide to Dentistry recommends. Restorations that you already have at the time of the procedure may need to be replaced later so that all your teeth will match.
