There are probably a dozen teeth whitening systems that utilize light activation and are called laser teeth whitening systems. Not all of these lights are technically lasers (most are halogen lamps) but all of them have the same effect, which is to hasten the tooth bleaching process. The methodology of laser teeth whitening is essentially the same for every product. While there are at home kits that use light, this method is meant to be a professional teeth whitening procedure.
Typically a laser teeth whitening session involves a single visit to the dentist, and probably multiple treatments while you are there. These systems coat the teeth with a gel or liquid that has a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which is the bleaching agent. Some of them use gels that contain as much as 32% hydrogen peroxide along with other additives. Because of the high level of bleaching agent, the period of exposure to the teeth is kept necessarily short so the possibility of damage or irritation is minimized.
Laser teeth whitening procedures begin with the placement of a dam around the gums and mouth so that only the teeth are exposed. When this dam is in place, the teeth are coated with the bleaching gel or liquid. Some laser systems have an additional coating that goes on the teeth prior to the bleaching agent. For most laser teeth whitening systems the light is then positioned so that it hits every tooth that is exposed. Some systems that use a true laser expose just a few teeth at a time to the light, and then only for a matter of seconds or perhaps a minute.
Almost all of the laser teeth whitening systems that have a proprietary light used as part of the process have developed lights that filter the infrared rays out of the light beam, which keeps the heating action of the light to a minimum. Keeping the temperature at a stable level keeps the teeth from dehydrating.
Sessions with a laser system can last from eight to thirty minutes and then be repeated after a break. Most systems use two or three periods of exposure. The result is obvious; laser teeth whitening systems have a substantial and immediate impact. However most of the laser teeth whitening system manufacturers recommend that the patient continue with at-home teeth whitening treatment after the laser session is completed. One system suggests that the patient use an at-home teeth whitener both before and after the laser treatment.