Laser Teeth Whitening vs. Bleaching

Dr. Strait's answer is spot on; however, I will add that Dr. Christiansen concluded that the best way to whiten teeth is with a combination of in-office "power bleach" with take home bleaching trays.  

If you are asking for convenience, that could be one answer. Deeper penetration? Perhaps another answer. Longest lasting? Maybe another.
The most in customer satisfaction has come from what is commonly called "Deep Bleaching" or "Kor Whitening®". It is not a product, but a technique that combines several products. The initial investment is more, but touch-ups are less frequent, so in a 5 year period it may end up cheaper.
So, is laser whitening the best? For you, maybe.

No.  Tray bleaching will work better and cost less.  Plus you can keep the trays to touch up relatively inexpensively in the future, if you want.

Additionally, the only time I ever hear about a 'permanent' or long-term tooth sensitivity caused by whitening is from the 'laser' or light activated type of whitening procedure.

Interestingly,  most dentist that offer 'laser' whitenings aren't actually using a laser.  Rather they are using a blue-light.   Zoom and Bright-smile are both blue lights.  If anyone is getting one of these procedures done, and the dentist says its a laser (or a UV light light for that matter), my recommendation is to immediately leave because that dentist doesn't know what they are doing.