Laser Teeth Whitening vs Professional Teeth Whitening Trays

Many patients want to know if laser teeth whitening or poulsbo professional teeth whitening trays are better for achieving whiter teeth.

Laser whitening treatment is a more modern solution for whitening the teeth. Laser treatments offer customers whiter teeth in a short amount of time compared to other bleaching options. While it is safe and quick, it can be expensive.

Contrary to popular belief, the laser doesn’t actually do the cleaning. The dentists will apply a peroxide paste on your teeth and then heat it up with a laser. When using whitening trays, the peroxide releases oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and eliminate stains over time. Lasers are different because they expedite the process.

Whitening trays are worn home for a few days or weeks, depending on the color of your teeth. Laser whitening removes the stains after two to four thirty minute applications. The laser applications can be completed every 10 days.

	Laser Teeth Whitening	Teeth Whitening Trays
Pros	Quick solution and only requires 2-4 treatments Each treatment takes about 15-60 minutes Completed under the supervision of a dentist	They trays are customized to fit you’re your teeth Can be used while sleeping Trays are clear and thin Annual maintenance $30 Trays last for a few years
Cons	Applications must be spaced out 1-2 apart Dentist appointments must be scheduled for treatment Can result in tooth sensitivity Potential to damage the tooth pulp Annual maintenance costs about $1,000	Treatment typically takes more applications over a longer period of time

A common misconception is that laser whitening only requires a single visit. Most patients require multiple sessions before noticing results. Even with multiple sessions, the process is significantly faster than whitening trays.

One big debate around laser whitening is how safe it is. While the use of lasers appears to be safe, there are issues around the tooth’s sensitivity following treatment. There are concerns that the heat of the laser can permanently weaken the tooth’s pulp. There are also concerns about eroding the enamel of the teeth. Because most peroxide formulas approved by the ADA contain about a 10 percent concentration, the whitening results are slower. In comparison, laser whitening treatment uses a more intense peroxide concentration. The hydrogen peroxide used for laser treatments is typically around 35 to 44 percent. This can also cause issues with the tooth’s sensitivity for a short time after the treatment is administered.

One of the biggest challenges with the laser teeth whitening treatment is the cost. The treatment typically costs about $1,000. There is also a high risk of needing maintenance in the future as the teeth are stained and the color changes.

Determining which option is best for you depends on your budget, timeline for achieving the desired results and your dentist’s examination regarding your oral health.

The custom fit teeth whitening trays can be purchased from your dentist for around $500. When future whitening treatments or maintenance is needed down the road, you already have the trays and simply need to order the peroxide gel.

More Information on Teeth Whitening : Is Whitening for Me?