The latest advancement in laser whitening gel is used with an in-office laser that results in a very fast and effective bleaching system. The gel is applied to the teeth after appropriate gum and mouth soft tissue protection is placed. Then, a laser light is used to activate the chemical in the gel that has been especially designed to absorb energy from the light and quickly penetrate tooth surfaces. This technique results in a very fast laser whitening effect.

The ZOOM teeth whitening system is an example of this type of system. The length of time needed for full color restoration of course depends on the amount and type of tooth enamel discoloration apparent. Although very fast, many dentists are wary of this process due to the potential of gum and soft tissue discoloration.

The cost of this very fast laser whitening can vary based on your location with many of the larger cities being more expensive than other areas. Laser teeth whitening process in a professional dental office can be expected to cost between 250 and 500 dollars on average for the full treatment. Generally speaking, the price of teeth whitening increases with the number of in-office treatments required. So the more discolored the teeth, the more visits are required and the potential of a higher total cost. Dental insurance typically does not cover laser whitening as it's considered cosmetic.

Remember though that once the dentist has you in the office, they will want to do a complete exam to check for general dental health. Few if any dentists will do a whitening treatment on teeth that need corrective dental work done. That is, a good cleaning, cavities filled, etc.

Dentists, like all professionals, will push to get all the business they can from you. It's in your best interest though to carefully consider the importance of good dental health. So if it comes to a choice between teeth whitening and good dental health, your best interests are served by having a solid set of teeth even if they may not be as white as desired. This means that if you want whiter teeth from a dentist office, plan on a full commitment to total tooth care and mouth health.

Laser teeth whitening treatments though are not more effective on whitening teeth than many quality custom tray home products. Though much faster results are available, you run the risk of gum and tissue damage due to the aggressiveness of the products used in laser whitening. Teeth sensitivity can also be an issue.

So the results are in. Much faster and expensive laser teeth whitening or a slower though probably safer home teeth whitening solution, the choice is yours.