Is A Teeth Whitening Light Effective? | Colgate (2024)

FAQs

Is A Teeth Whitening Light Effective? | Colgate? ›

Researchers found that laser, halogen, and LED light-activation produced increased lightening of tooth shade and maintained the lighter shade longer than non-light-activated teeth whitening in a study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry.

In a study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, researchers found that laser, halogen, and LED light activation produced greater lightening of tooth shade and maintained the lighter shade longer than non-light-activated teeth whitening.

teeth whitening works by utilizing a combination of hydrogen peroxide gel and UV light. UV light doesn't actually whiten the teeth all by itself. Instead, it expedites the whitening process by exciting the molecules in the peroxide gel, allowing the whitening agents to penetrate the enamel more quickly.

No matter what type of tooth whitening process you use, it won't last forever. At-home products may give minimal-to-great results that last for a few months. Professional dental procedures may extend that time up to 2-3 years.

Blue light itself cannot whiten the teeth. Instead, blue light is used to activate a chemical reaction. You'll apply a specialized whitening gel to the patient's teeth containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The blue light activates the compounds in the gel and helps break it apart faster.

LED teeth whitening is available in two different settings: in the dentist's surgery and at home. In-surgery LED teeth whitening uses a larger light source, while at home, LED teeth whitening uses a mouth tray that fits over your teeth.

At-home LED teeth-whitening kits may deliver results. But the whitening you see is a result of the gel, not the light. “There is not enough data to show definitively that the LED offers a significant improvement over just using a tray with the gel,” says cosmetic dentist Dr.

Crest 3D Whitestrips can stay on the teeth for 3o minutes for faster results. Although some of these whitening kits include UV lights to “accelerate” the process, studies show that these lights may not be that effective and can possibly damage the teeth.

In addition, UV lighting comes with short and long-term risk factors that are important to make note of. Short-term risk factors include burns and bleeding of the gums, tooth sensitivity and even sunburn to the skin, while long-term risk factors may lead to wear on the teeth's enamel and even oral cancer.

Pros and Cons of LED Whitening

This method is affordable, free of UV radiation, and less painful than an In-Office whitening procedure. One of the downsides to this whitening method is that it whitens teeth gradually compared to in-office whitening.

What is the best way to whiten your teeth at home? ›

Longevity of the treatment – there is no permanent solution to teeth whitening that can last you all your life. Instead, you can choose the approach that gives you many years of service before needing retreatment or replacement.

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results. While the whitening results are great, you should also consider the cost.

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive household product you probably have on hand right now. When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage.

Your dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth. Then they will use a blue LED light, which activates the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide whitening gel. This helps break apart the gel faster. The resulting chemical reaction lifts stains off your teeth.

Research suggests that LED light therapy can help reduce and improve some skin conditions and issues. To see improvement in your skin, though, you need to have regular treatments. In-office LED light therapy uses more powerful strengths than at-home devices, which makes it more effective.

Classic at-home whitening strips are a great place to start, but teeth whitening kits that utilize the power of LED light might be even better. “While LED technology does not directly whiten your teeth, it helps to speed up the whitening process when using an at-home kit,” says bicoastal cosmetic dentist Dr.

Light therapy stimulates blood circulation and reduces inflammation. The blue light therapy itself provides mild whitening of the teeth. In conjunction with peroxide gel or paste, the blue light amplifies teeth whitening and germicidal effect.