Information on the Blue Light in Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening systems are a bit of a misnomer: the procedure actually requires a laser to be paired with a special gel. Although more expensive than most whitening treatments, laser teeth whitening is usually the fastest.

Features

• In laser teeth whitening systems, the dentist spreads a peroxide gel over the teeth and uses a laser, usually set in the blue spectrum, to activate the gel. Dentists use compounds containing peroxide because this breaks down pigments in the teeth into colorless byproducts.

Time Frame

• The actual time it takes for a laser whitening system to work depends on the amount of discoloration, though most laser systems can work in as little as an hour. For a laser treatment, the dentist lays you down, applies the gel to the teeth, inserts a dental dam to prevent the peroxide compound from burning the mouth and shines the blue on the mouth for about an hour.

Benefits

• Blue light whitening systems are typically the fastest whitening system and take one trip to the dentist. However, laser whitening, at about $1,000, is the most expensive system. General dentists often offer laser whitening, but some practices specialize in this process. It is unlikely that dental insurance will pay for laser treatment since its benefits are purely cosmetic.