If you want dazzling white teeth, you need to go beyond whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter whitening strips—they only provide minimal whitening. Instead, you should consider professional whitening treatments such as chemical teeth whitening or laser whitening.
First, make sure your dentist confirms your gums are healthy and your teeth are free from cavities before choosing the whitening method.
Should you choose chemical teeth whitening or laser whitening?
Teeth whitening is a procedure to lighten your tooth color and remove stains. Your choice greatly affects your budget and smile. Make sure you understand each method’s pros and cons from your dentist, and choose what suits your needs and budget—laser whitening is much more expensive.
What is chemical teeth whitening?
Chemical whitening can be done at your dentist’s clinic or at home with the right materials and a custom-made mouth tray.
It uses peroxide-based bleaching agents (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide), according to WebMD. Home whitening kits contain 3–20% peroxide, while clinic treatments use 15–43%.
The higher the peroxide concentration and longer the contact time, the whiter your teeth will be. But higher peroxide requires shorter application time to avoid dry teeth and sensitivity.
Each option has pros and cons. Always consult your dentist before trying home whitening kits. Results may vary due to factors like the age and depth of stains.
Difference Between Chemical Whitening and Laser Whitening
During whitening, the dentist applies a peroxide gel into a plastic or silicone tray, then fits it over your teeth.
The peroxide releases oxygen molecules that penetrate discolored enamel areas, breaking down stains chemically.
If whitening at home, your dentist provides a custom tray you wear while sleeping or for 30 minutes to 2 hours daily, repeated for days or weeks depending on whitening needed.
How does laser teeth whitening work?
Many believe laser whitening cleans dirt off teeth, but this is false, says dental surgeon Dr. Hank Michael. You still need peroxide; the laser heats the oxygen in the peroxide gel to speed up stain breakdown.
The dentist uses a CO2 or argon laser on the whitening trays to accelerate the chemical reaction. Laser whitening may remove stains through several sessions, usually one every 10 days, each lasting about 30 minutes.
Some choose laser whitening to avoid wearing trays overnight. In some cases, dentists combine laser whitening with night tray use for enhanced results.
Conclusion on Teeth Whitening
Your dentist provides a custom-fitted tray tailored to your jaw and teeth structure, ensuring the bleaching gel reaches exactly where needed.
Since you whiten teeth while sleeping, you don’t need to set aside time for the process.
Using a stronger bleaching agent for shorter times (about 30 minutes or less) reduces sensitivity.
Whitening trays are thin, transparent, and non-invasive, making them comfortable for most people.
Chemical whitening costs much less than laser whitening.
Because you can safely reuse your custom tray for up to five years, you won’t need to spend more on new trays.
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