Does laser teeth whitening make your teeth whiter than those trays that the dentists give you? i've used those trays before, but wasn't totally sold on them. i'd like to get them whitened again, but maybe go a different route this time.

There : There are 3 broad categories of teeth whitening treatment: 1) chairside whitening (professional) - you get couple of rounds of (45-60min in chair) whitening treatment in dentists chair followed by take home kit for maintenance. This will give you quickest results as the bleaching agent used is very strong in concentration. It can be light or heat activated. 2) just the take home kit for whitening (professional) - your dentist will make you trays and give you the bleaching kit (the one that you used before as in your question). This will give you moderate results and will also need longer period of treatment. 3) in home whitening (over the counter products- whitening strips/toothpaste) - very slight change in colour is seen with these products. In any case, you will need maintenance since the whitening reverses over couple of months.

Dr. : Dr. Ma's answer is well organized and right on. If you have already tried a technique that hasn't satisfied you try something else. The in-office heat or light (laser or uv) activated systems will give you the most profound result in conjunction with a take home tray "touch up" kit to maintain the color.

About the same : Products to whitening your teeth are going to work depending on strength of the product as well as how good your dentist follows the instructions of the manufacturer , it could be take home kits with trays or done at the office with laser or led light.

Depends: The biggest factor regarding tooth whitening is the actual tooth. Some teeth are more resistent than others. For those teeth that prove to be super resistent, alternative procedures should be explored. Options would be bonding or veneering.