One of the newest advances in cosmetic dentistry is laser whitening treatment. Laser whitening is a specialized procedure performed in the dental office. The procedure involves placing a concentrated bleaching gel on your teeth and then using a laser to heat it up, which will theoretically whiten your teeth.
Because of the increased concentration level of the bleach, there are several precautions that must be taken to protect the patient’s gums, lips, and oral tissues, including the use of rubber dams, cheek retractors, and desensitizing pastes.
In addition to the increased risk, laser teeth whitening is also considerably more expensive than other whitening methods. There is also ongoing debate about the efficacy of the procedure in whitening teeth.
Given these factors, it is important to discuss this and other teeth whitening options with your dentist to determine which approach is right for you.

The cost involved in having teeth whitening performed can be an incredibly important factor. For people for whom affordability is the most important factor, at home treatments, such as over-the-counter specialty whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, or strips, are an option. There are benefits and drawbacks to either approach, but in general, it is recommended to have your teeth professionally whitened for the following reasons.

Safer: While over the counter products are convenient and generally not dangerous, there is an added benefit to having a professionally trained dentist administer your whitening trays, especially for patients with sensitive teeth or periodontal disease.

Faster: Over the counter items will gradually improve the whiteness of your teeth, but the process will take considerably longer than having the whitening performed in the office. In general, over the counter products can take up to four weeks for noticeable improvements to be made, as opposed to in-office
whitening, which can generally be performed in one to two hours.

Stronger: In-office bleaching agents are significantly more concentrated, which results in faster and longer lasting results, when compared to over the counter items.

Can be performed in one visit treatment usually, if whitening not sufficient 2 visits may be required.

The procedure is performed under the supervision of a dental professional, who can help alleviate or address any sensitivity
Application only takes 15-60 minutes

Treatments have to be spaced out around 1-2 weeks
There is an increased chance of developing tooth sensitivity
Possibility of damaging the tooth pulp
Maintenance can be costly

As you are considering whether or not to have your teeth whitened, it may be helpful to consider the following questions:

Does your dentist think teeth whitening is right for you? Be sure to talk with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. Some patients may not be a good fit, due to gum disease or sensitivity. Additionally, some stains are not able to be lightened.

Is it worth the cost? This procedure is not generally covered by insurance plans, so you will need to consider how important whitening your teeth truly is, and whether or not it is worth the cost involved.

Should you have professional treatment or use an at-home bleaching system? Many patients will opt for at-home bleaching because it is more affordable, however, it is important to be aware that there is an increased risk of experiencing irritation of the gums and potentially damaging other dental work you have had done. For faster, safer, and more effective results with diminished risks, you should strongly consider having your whitening performed in the office.

If your dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for a tooth whitening procedure, there are several different approaches your dentist might take. If your dentist recommends the use of dental trays, a custom tray will be designed to fit your unique dental structure. Next, your dentist will place the trays, in their office, using a higher concentration of bleach that is specially formulated to address any particular sensitivities you might have. Or, if you have decided to apply the trays at home, they will provide you with the trays and give you instructions for proper application.

A third option that is less commonly performed is the laser teeth whitening procedure, which involves placing a bleaching gel on your teeth and then using a laser to heat it up to whiten your teeth.

Be sure to talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of each of these methods.

While these in-office professional teeth whitening procedures can be very effective, professional bleaching is not necessarily the appropriate choice for everyone. People who only have mild discoloration may be able to address the issue using a specialized over-the-counter toothpaste, mouthwash, or whitening kit.

Another option is to make lifestyle changes that may be playing a role in your teeth being discolored. The most common culprits for discoloration or staining are poor or improper oral health care, the use of tobacco, or frequent indulgence in teeth staining foods and beverages, such as tea, coffee, or wine. Teeth staining can also be caused by certain kinds of medications. Once you are able to source the cause of the issue, you may be able to take additional measures to correct the problem.

Before exploring teeth whitening solutions, it is important to understand what personal habits or circumstances are putting you at greater risk for your teeth becoming darkened or yellowed. The most common culprits for this issue are poor or improper oral health care, the use of tobacco, or frequent indulgence in teeth staining foods and beverages, such as tea, coffee, or wine. Teeth staining can also be caused by certain kinds of medications. Once you are able to source the cause of the issue, you may be able to take additional measures to correct the problem.

In order to determine if teeth whitening is right for you, it will be necessary to schedule an examination with your dentist. If teeth whitening is suggested as a viable treatment option, be sure to discuss the risks associated before you commit to having the process done.

Teeth whitening is generally a safe procedure that is a viable option for many patients, but there are certain risks involved. The most common risks involved are the possibility of damaging the roots of your teeth or experiencing discomfort due to tooth sensitivity. Patients who do have teeth sensitivity may benefit from special toothpastes that are designed to help reduce discomfort.

For patients who are considering an at home teeth whitening treatment versus an in-office treatment, there is an increased risk of damage occurring because your dentist will not be able to evaluate if you are administering the treatment properly. Additionally, at home treatments are not as effective as in-office, which means results may not be as significant and treatment will have to occur more frequently.

When considering the benefits versus the drawbacks of having your teeth whitened professionally or opting for over the counter treatments, it is important to be aware of the risks and rewards of either approach.

For people for whom affordability is the most important factor, at home treatments such as over-the-counter specialty whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, or strips are an option. Although this approach will save you money, it is recommended to have your teeth professionally whitened for the following reasons.

Safer: While over the counter products are convenient and generally not dangerous, there is an added benefit to having a professionally trained dentist administer your whitening trays, especially for patients with sensitive teeth or periodontal disease.

Faster: Over the counter items will gradually improve the whiteness of your teeth, but the process will take considerably longer than having the whitening performed in the office. In general, over the counter products can take up to four weeks for noticeable improvements to be made, as opposed to in-office whitening, which can generally be performed in one to two hours.

Stronger: In-office bleaching agents are significantly more concentrated, which results in faster and longer lasting results, when compared to over the counter items.

If you do have your teeth whitened, it is also important to remember that this is not a permanent solution. The best way to keep and maintain your healthy white teeth is to continue practicing good oral habits and scheduling regular visits to your dentist, which will improve your overall oral health and decrease the risk of staining from occurring again.