Laser teeth whitening has become a popular form of noninvasive cosmetic surgery. In as a little as one treatment, you can begin to see results that resemble whiter teeth and a younger looking smile. Laser teeth whitening is typically conducted professionally at either a dentist's office or through a cosmetic surgeon.
Candidates
Generally, people who have significant staining on the enamel or outside surface of their teeth are good candidates. Those who have excessively used tobacco, coffee or tea or used other substances that have permanently stained their teeth are good candidates. Those who have repaired teeth from gum disease or cavities can also have their teeth whitened. Some people have naturally yellow or stained teeth as they age, having a laser teeth whitening treatment may help them regain self-confidence.
The Process
Laser whitening is typically done in a dentist's or cosmetic surgery office. The patient should have a thorough cleaning and plaque removal before the laser whitening. The dentist or professional may also bleach her teeth with a peroxide gel at this time for maximum benefits. Clean teeth will allow the rays to penetrate more easily and bring about the best results possible. The patient needs to wear protective eye-wear. She will also be asked to insert thermoforming mouth trays into her mouth. A machine that contains a high-powered plasma light tool is used for the procedure. When the process begins, the patient is lying in a chair. The machine is turned on. The patient is instructed to keep her mouth open. A high-powered plasma arc light system is placed 1 to 2 inches away from the mouth and the procedure begins.
Time Frame
The entire procedure generally lasts about an hour. If a peroxide bleaching and cleaning are done before the laser teeth whitening procedure, the patient can expect to be there for two to three hours. For most cases, one visit is all that is needed for maximum results. Patients can expect to see changes of up to 10 shades whiter from only one laser teeth whitening treatment. For those with severely stained teeth, another session may be recommended. Laser treatments are recommended to only be done once every 12 months. Results typically last between 12 and 24 months.
Precautions
Some people may not be good candidates for laser teeth whitening. These are people who have gum disease or some form of periodontal disease. Those who experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold may also feel some discomfort from the procedure and immediately after. People who have dentures, partials, veneers or caps on their teeth are also not recommended to have the procedure done.
Cost
The cost for professional laser teeth whitening varies by location. Larger metropolitan areas that perform laser teeth whitening several times a day may not charge as much as rural or small town areas that only have one dentist in the area that performs the procedure. According to DocShop.com, for an average session, prices range from $100 to $800, as of 2009. There will be additional costs if you are having other dental work done before the procedure.
