A few questions regarding laser teeth whitening..?

January 5th, 2009 | by Jeff Trikoleti |

I’m considering getting my teeth laser whitened. I don’t smoke, drink wine, and I will stop drinking coke & coffee.
How long should the whiteness last for under these conditions? What can I do to keep them staying bright?
With only laser whitening (& possibly take home trays), Can I achieve that celebrity bright smile?

Thanks :)

PS - Please don’t tell me to save my money and do the whitening toothpaste or crest white strips. I am only interested in laser whitening - I have the money, that’s not a problem.

“Laser whitening” is a bit of a waste of money unless you’re getting married the next day. The laser has no effect, it just looks high-tech, and you pay for it.
Really, it is the higher concentration of bleach that works, and has nothing to do with the laser. Split-mouth studies have been done which show this. This higher concentration of bleach also dehydrates the teeth, so you get a quicker, whiter look, but if this is all you do, then there is a significant relapse as the teeth rehydrate.
For a good lasting change, bleaching works best as a take-home technique where it is done more slowly over a longer period of time than “lasers”. This is probably why the above ‘Manda M’ got a better result than her brother.
I’d suggest a 10% carbamide peroxide bleach worn as a tray overnight. I’ve given some patients the faster-acting hydrogen peroxide, but the results haven’t been as good.
The moral: a quick fix is not always the best fix.

  1. 4 Responses to “A few questions regarding laser teeth whitening..?”

  3. By manda m on Jan 6, 2009 | Reply

    My brother had it done and you can see change immediately and it has still lasted, 2 years later but it IS fading. Not badly but I wouldnt think it should fade. To keep them white, use CREST Vivid White ToothPaste…IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!

    And I know you did not want to hear this, but…lol….
    My brother and I both had braces and got them off around the same time. He got the laser whitening and I did not. We did this kind of as an experiment. He got the treatment and I used Crest White Strips and Crest Vivid White Toothpaste. We started at the start of the summer and at the end of summer, we both had white teeth, but believe it or not, my teeth are actually whiter. We dont know if it is because it is a daily thing that my teeth are whiter or if I just have a better enamel or what. ha But I used 2 boxes of strips and he did the treatment and my teeth are whiter. I know that is hard to believe but it is true. I get compliments all the time that my smile is SUPER BRIGHT and that it looks awesome. People always ask me what I have had done to them. I know you want the procedure and I cant change your mind but I will add, my brother found the procedure painful. Not unbearable but painful enough that he doesnt want to go back to do it again…he is now using my strips. lol

    I wish you the very best. Good luck with your procedure. And DEF. use that toothpaste to keep it bright!!! =]

    References :
    personal experience

  4. By Dr Matt W (Australia) on Jan 6, 2009 | Reply

    “Laser whitening” is a bit of a waste of money unless you’re getting married the next day. The laser has no effect, it just looks high-tech, and you pay for it.
    Really, it is the higher concentration of bleach that works, and has nothing to do with the laser. Split-mouth studies have been done which show this. This higher concentration of bleach also dehydrates the teeth, so you get a quicker, whiter look, but if this is all you do, then there is a significant relapse as the teeth rehydrate.
    For a good lasting change, bleaching works best as a take-home technique where it is done more slowly over a longer period of time than “lasers”. This is probably why the above ‘Manda M’ got a better result than her brother.
    I’d suggest a 10% carbamide peroxide bleach worn as a tray overnight. I’ve given some patients the faster-acting hydrogen peroxide, but the results haven’t been as good.
    The moral: a quick fix is not always the best fix.
    References :
    I went to an unbiased seminar last month on tooth whitening.

  5. By Nice Cat on Jan 6, 2009 | Reply

    Laser teeth whitening is more expensive than other light activated professional teeth whitening systems like Zoom, BriteSmile, etc. The initial results are very good with all of them. You are ready to give up smoking, wine, coke & coffee, will prove good for your health. You are not taking into consideration that there are number of other food and drinks that use FDA ‘approved’ coloring agents, which also cause discolor to your teeth. What about that? So, as you say you have enough money, go in for porcelain veneers. You can count their company for 15-20 years without getting discolored!!! As I traveled to India, I would recommend exploring the link http://www.dentalcare-indiatour.com/dentistry/ of the dental office in India.
    References :
    Dental care for self & family

  6. By Lawrenceville New Jersey Cosmetic Dentist on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply

    This looks like a great up and coming technology. I have to disagree with some of the points you have made though. While using conventional techniques in dentistry can be risky, these risks can be minimal if you practice the use of preventive and restorative services. This would mean going to the dentist regularly and as soon as you discover a problem. I am aware that for many people they are unable to stick to this or will only go to the dentist when they are really in pain because of their “fear” of the dentist. I have found an amazing dentist, Dr. Robert B. Wolf that I will definitely use and highly recommend to everyone until this new technology is widely accessible. I recommend you visit the dental architect’s website, at http://www.wolfdds.com

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