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Costly laser burnishes the pearly whites
September 26, 1997
Web posted at: 11:12 p.m. EDT (0312 GMT)ATLANTA (CNN) -- In a big rush to whiten your teeth?
There's a new technology that may help you. But it's not without cost, or controversy.
The most common technique for whitening teeth involves bleaching with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Patients use tiny trays custom-shaped for their teeth. They fill them with a whitening solution that bleaches their teeth while they sleep.
But several hundred dentists around the United States are speeding up that process with a laser treatment.
Why lasers? "It's rapidity, it's excitement, getting in, getting it done, getting out and saying 'wow,'" dentist David Garber said.
Dentist David Garber on the new procedure 
51K/5 sec. AIFF or WAV sound Interaction between the laser light and the hydrogen peroxide solution speeds up the natural bleaching process of the hydrogen peroxide.
Derek Korn recently had the treatment with Dr. Garber and said he was delighted with results. The process took two weeks. He says people noticed the difference.
But The American Dental Association has not endorsed the process and wants to see more research on its safety and long-term effects.
Dr. Garber said that the process must be done with caution, and that the correct laser must be used. Used incorrectly, "they could affect the pulp, but they could also cause enormous pitting on the surface of the tooth," he said.
Fellow dentist Dr. David Hochberg, says that while the traditional trays take longer, they are both safer and half the cost.
"Most of my patients are not in the dire rush to have something accomplished in three-four days shorter time," he said.
To Korn, the speed was worth the price. "People just simply ask, 'did you do something with your teeth?'" he said, showing off his toothy smile.
CNN Health Correspondent Rhonda Rowland contributed to this report.
Related story:
- FDA approves laser treatment for tooth decay - May 7, 1997
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