Want whiter, brighter teeth in just a few minutes? This dental procedure may be for you!

Years of wear and tear can leave your teeth more brown than bright.  Laser whitening is a quick fix that's more effective than over-the-counter treatments.

We spent some time with Deb Ward, who was looking to up the wattage on her smile.  "I've got a busy summer coming up with lots of events. So I thought why not, give it a try," she told us.  "I'd like to make them a little brighter, a little whiter."

Here's how it works.  A patient sits down in the dentist's chair and has a peroxide gel applied to each tooth.  Then the laser is focused on her mouth to bleach the teeth.  "With laser whitening, it's a one hour procedure. It gets done relatively quickly. Very little sensitivity is usually experienced by the patient and they get the results right away." said Badalamenti.

But the results aren't permanent.  Dr. Peter Badalamenti admits the brightness will fade in a few months.  And the procedure will run you between $800 and $2,000.  So what's the difference between the laser whitening and any number of products that promise to do the same thing at home?

Badalamenti says convenience and expertise.  "When you use the Crest Whitening Strips, you have to be compliant, the patient has to really know what they're doing. You have to leave them on."

Plus, a dentist will use a higher grade of peroxide that can't be found in stores.  Deb Ward has tried the at home whiteners but says she's never gotten the results she wanted. 

When it's time for the big reveal...  Deb can't believe it. She loves her new smile.

Dr. Badalamenti has a few tips if you do opt for the laser treatment.  He says have a cleaning before you go in to get better results.

Articles written about Dr. Peter J. Badalamenti have appeared in several magazines and newspaper publications.  Please click the link to enjoy.