Bleaching Vs Laser Whitening: Which Teeth Whitening Method Is For You?

Posted by The Popular News Today on Friday, May 27, 2011

By Emil Benjamin


A captivating smile is often one of the first things we notice about other people. For that reason cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening have become very popular in recent years.

The teeth whitening industry has become quite huge. Companies that have made dental products such as toothpaste have found new areas of revenue in do-it-yourself teeth whitening. Many dentists have found new patients by offering higher end teeth whitening.

The reason for this is because only a few people are blessed with pearly white teeth. For the rest of us, the teeth become discolored as we grow older. Much of this is from stains from food and drink, particularly tea, coffee, wine, and other such drinks which can discolor the teeth. Smoking is a huge reason for tooth stains as well.

For the rest of us who aren't blessed with natural sparkly white smiles, we are fortunate to have two very effective modern day methods to whiten our teeth: Bleaching and Laser Whitening.

Bleaching is a very common way to whiten your teeth.

The reason this is a common form of teeth whitening is because there are varied levels of bleaching. There are do-it-yourself-at-home strips you can purchase at just about any drug store. The higher range of bleaching which is more expensive and more effective can be done at your dentist's office. This is done with by using a shield to protect your gums followed by the whitening bleach which is applied to your teeth. This is not only more effective but also can be safer since home products do not provide protection for your gums.

Whether you are using an at-home kit or you are going to your dentist, the process is quite similar. The teeth whitening agent consists of peroxides which, after applied, break down so that the oxygen in the agent can enter your enamel which makes the color of your enamel whiter. Bleaching usually is done in repeated treatments over a few weeks time.

With the treatments done by your dentist, your visits include the creation of a custom made mouthguard to protect your mouth from the bleaching agents. After this is done, you are expected to continue treatments at home with the agents that your dentist gives you.

Laser Whitening is another common form of teeth whitening.

As it is more expensive, it tends to not be as popular. But as it is more expensive, it is also usually much more effective.

During the Laser Whitening process, a gum shield is also used by your dentist to protect your gums. Then the whitening product is applied to your teeth. A laser is used to stimulate the chemical on your teeth. The chemical reaction of the bleaching product ends up being a much more rapid color change.

Laser Whitening is not only faster but is usually more effective. Dentists say that you can achieve shades of white up to five shades lighter than otherwise. And the total procedure is done at one sitting in an hour. One "gotcha" however is that because this is a "power whitening", your teeth must be in good health. Your dentist will let you know if you can use Laser Whitening or not after examining your teeth.

Depending on how well you take care of your teeth, such as avoiding staining drinks and food, the Laser Whitening procedure can sometimes last up to a few years.

Whether you take advantage of Laser Whitening or Bleaching, just know that these days even though you may not be one of the lucky few that has naturally gleaming white teeth, there are fantastic methods out there today for teeth whitening to help you achieve a white, winning smile.




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