Prepared for a day to remember? Do you want to seem younger? Want to remove the tooth stains created by stopping smoking, drinking red wine, or drinking coffee?
Whatever your reason for wanting whiter teeth, it has never been easier to have a more brilliant smile. There are several methods for whitening teeth, including UV, halogen, remineralizing gel, and LED lights, that expedite the process. But is a light, with all its increased price, really necessary? Are the teeth whitening light also secure?
What Varieties of Whitening Lights Are Available?
To whiten your teeth at home, you may use several over-the-counter methods available. Or, if necessary, your dentist may whiten your teeth aesthetically in the office, with follow-up treatments at home. You may also use remineralizing gel. Everything depends on your budget and time limits.
There are several treatments, ranging from whitening toothpaste to teeth whitening light. The three most common types of teeth-whitening lights are as follows:
- UV (ultraviolet) light and magnetic radiation heat up as teeth are whitened. One kind of UV light used for teeth whitening is laser light. Due to the risk of burns associated with UV radiation at home, teeth whitening using this approach is often performed in a dentist’s office.
- The tungsten metal in the heart of a halogen lamp also generates heat. Similarly to UV lighting, halogen lighting is beneficial in dental offices.
- LEDs (light-emitting diodes) provide blue light to accelerate the whitening process without burning the teeth. Dentists may also use blue LED light. However, over-the-counter teeth whitening kits with LEDs often include LED components.
Does light-based dental whitening work?
First, let’s discuss how it operates: The lights must be used in conjunction with a teeth-whitening solution, such as hydrogen peroxide or a similar whitener. The whitener is activated by directing the light onto your teeth after you or your dentist have applied the whitening chemical.
But is the use of light-activation rational? In a study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, researchers found that using laser, halogen, and LED light-activation enhanced tooth lightening and maintained the lighter shade for longer than non-light-activated teeth whitening. Laser and halogen illumination was the most efficient.
Is it safe to whiten teeth using light?
It ultimately relies on your or your dentist’s utilization of the teeth whitening light.
UV radiation is seen as a hazard if it is employed inappropriately. It may lead to tooth injury, inflammation of the gums, burning of soft tissue, and increased tooth sensitivity. Therefore, when conducting a teeth-whitening procedure using UV light, your dental professionals will take every precaution to protect your teeth and gums.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for domestic use. This refers to the length of time that the LED light and whitening agent should be used.
If you have questions about teeth whitening light, see your dentist about the different techniques. Whether UV laser, halogen, or LED, whitening agents and light-activation procedures will help you make the optimal decision.
By revealing the many teeth whitening activation approaches, we hope you will be a better-informed dental patient when you meet with your dentist.