Laser Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need to Know

Choosing a teeth-whitening treatment is an important decision. After all, you’re entrusting the vibrancy of your smile to a procedure or product. There are a ton of options available, and anyone looking for a powerful, dentist-directed treatment should consider laser whitening.

Often confused with LED whitening, laser whitening is a different procedure, though many elements are similar. This guide will review everything you need to know about laser teeth whitening, so you can decide if it’s the best option for your needs.

How Does Laser Teeth Whitening Work?

During treatment, your dentist uses a special, low-intensity laser to activate a peroxide-based whitening gel. This causes a chemical reaction, helping the gel penetrate deeper into the tooth, removing stain buildup.

Because the laser emits a narrow, pinpoint beam, it is mostly used to whiten one tooth at a time — unlike LED light, which affects many teeth at once. However, some laser manufacturers have an attachment that allows a dentist to whiten up to five teeth at a time.

Is Laser Whitening Right for You?

Laser whitening is a great choice for people who have little free time and want to whiten their teeth quickly. Because the laser beam is so narrow, it’s also good for people who just want to whiten one or two teeth.

An ideal candidate for laser whitening also has a healthy mouth with no cavities or gum disease. Your dentist will do a brief exam to ensure your mouth is in good shape before they give you the go-ahead.

If your teeth are discolored from years of coffee drinking or smoking, a laser whitening session can remove years of stain in just one appointment. Laser whitening can remove most stains, but not all. Some stains, like those from certain medications, are deep in the tooth and may take more than one session.

Just remember that teeth whitening only works on natural teeth, so if you have veneers, crowns, bridges, they won’t get any lighter. If you need dental work, your dentist might recommend whitening your teeth first so that they can match the shade of your restorations to your new, bright smile.

Pros and Cons of Laser Whitening

Like any treatment, you should weigh the pros and cons as you evaluate your options. Here are some key points to consider before committing to treatment.

How Much Does Laser Whitening Cost?

Laser teeth whitening is an investment in self-care. It can boost your self-esteem and make you feel years younger. But it can be pretty pricey.

Depending on where you live and the brand of whitening your dentist uses, a session of laser whitening ranges from $500 to $1500. Some dentists include a set of custom trays in the cost, so you can touch up your smile at home after your treatment. If you don’t have a regular dentist, don’t be afraid to call around and compare prices. Just remember that cheaper isn’t always better.

Does Insurance Cover It?

No. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and rarely ever covered by insurance. Occasionally, insurance will cover the whitening of one tooth if they think it’s medically necessary.

Is Financing Available?

Many dental offices offer financing, whether it’s an in-office payment plan or through a third-party company like CareCredit or LendingClub. Some financing companies require a credit check, so be sure to read the fine print before you apply. And many plans include interest, so you end up paying more in the long run.

How Do I Get Laser Whitening?

Laser whitening is only available from a dentist. If you don’t have a local dentist, try searching online for local offices in your area. In-office whitening is very popular, so finding a dentist who offers laser whitening shouldn’t be hard.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, your dentist may recommend a cleaning immediately before your whitening procedure, since clean teeth are more receptive to whitening. They may also perform a comprehensive exam to check for cavities or gum disease.

What to Expect During Laser Whitening Treatment

Your dentist will use a cheek retractor to hold your lips and cheeks out of the way during your procedure. This keeps the whitening gel away from your soft tissue and exposes more teeth for even whitening. They will then paint a light-cured liquid rubber dam over your gum tissue to prevent the gel from irritating them.

Next, your dentist will apply the whitening gel, give you special protective glasses to wear, and begin shining the laser on each tooth. The heat and light will activate the whitening gel, allowing it to penetrate your enamel and lift out stains. After they’ve hit every tooth you want to whiten, your dentist will wash off the whitening gel, then reapply it. Depending on the severity of your stains, your dentist might repeat this process a few times. If your teeth are sensitive or you have stubborn, deep stains, you may need to schedule another visit.

Afterward, your dentist may give you a set of custom whitening trays ‌you can use at home to maintain your results.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The length of your laser whitening session can vary depending on the number of teeth you need whitened and the severity of your stains. You can usually expect to be in the treatment chair for about an hour. However, if you include setting up and applying the liquid dam plus cleaning up after your session, it could take up to 90 minutes.

After your whitening session, avoid eating or drinking for at least an hour. Whitening opens microscopic pores in your teeth, making them more susceptible to staining right after treatment. Eating or drinking during this time can cause your teeth to stain faster.

Side Effects

All procedures have some side effects, and whitening is no different. The most common side effects are sensitivity, pain, white spots, and gum irritation. Fortunately, they’re all temporary and usually improve in a few days.

In rare cases, the laser’s heat can cause an already injured or damaged nerve to die. If this happens, you’ll need endodontic therapy (root canal) to remove the tooth’s pulp.

Another side effect that might cause lasting sensitivity is thinning enamel. This rarely happens after one treatment — rather, it’s a cumulative effect of repeated whitening.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Most people see full results after a single visit. Your dentist may recommend a second visit if you have sensitive teeth or deep staining.

Some people notice that their teeth have white spots or look unnaturally white immediately after a professional whitening session. That’s because teeth get dehydrated during the whitening session and the white spots usually disappear in about 24 hours.

How Long Will My Results Last?

The longevity of your results depends on a few factors. If you are careful to limit food and drinks that cause stains, like tomato sauce, coffee, berries, or wine, your result may last around one year.

Smoking also stains your teeth. If you smoke, you should consider quitting, not only for your white smile but for your overall health.

How Do I Maintain My Results?

If you notice your teeth look duller after a few months, there are many options for touching up your smile. If your dentist provided custom whitening trays after your laser treatment, you can use them for quick touch-ups. Or, you can pick up whitening pens or whitening strips from a local drugstore or online.

Before committing to a particular maintenance routine, ask your dentist which method they recommend.

Final Thoughts

Laser whitening is a fast, powerful way to whiten your teeth. You can remove years of discoloration in as little as one hour and, if you’re careful, your results will last one year or more. It might be a little pricey, but with financing options, it could be more affordable than you think.

Treating yourself to a professional laser whitening session might be just what you need to boost your self-confidence and make you look and feel younger.