Why The Light Used In Teeth Whitening Is Effective

 

 

The latest trend in teeth whitening is, no doubt, at-home whitening kits using a light. With many celebrities like the Kardashians and the actress Lindsay Lohan using it, you might be wondering what all the hype is about and, more importantly, how effective this solution is. Dentists have used the concept of a tooth whitening light for a while, so the take-home kit concept is not revolutionary. We will encourage you to note that while the light is proven to work, many have achieved significantly whiter smiles from in-office visits compared to at-home kits. 

What Type of Light is Used?

Teeth whitening usually involves a UV or LED light. With an LED light (more common in kits), blue light is used to accelerate the tooth whitening process. LED lights are typically more popular since they don’t give off heat, making them less dangerous than a UV light, which can offer safety concerns, especially with at-home use. Fortunately, many studies have shown that blue LED light virtually affects teeth whitening and doesn’t damage your tooth’s underlying enamel. 

Light Combined with Hydrogen Peroxide

You will first need to apply some whitening or bleaching gel on your teeth for the light to work. These gels typically contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide-based. The hydrogen and oxygen molecules found within the gel accelerate the oxidation reaction that is activated using light. The combination of the light energy used with the peroxide-based solution will be absorbed by teeth, which are porous. LED light helps the peroxide solution to be absorbed into the enamel and dentin layers of your tooth. In this reaction, any molecular bonds that contain discolouration are broken down. This creates a whiter smile from deep within the pigment of your teeth. 

Therefore, we can sum up an LED light's effectiveness by stating that it accelerates the chemical reactions that remove stains from your teeth. LED lights are known to improve significantly the effectiveness of the whitening substances you would typically purchase at the drugstore. However, they are only useful when combined with these treatments and cannot whiten your teeth.

The Process of Professional Teeth Whitening

The main reason why professional whitening services work better is that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used is stronger. To avoid any potential harm, a couple of crucial precautionary steps will be used. 

First, a dentist near you will likely use a lip retractor to keep your mouth open during the whitening procedure. They may also use gauze to ensure your mouth stays dry. Next, a rubber dam and other protective gels will be painted over your gums, lips and cheeks to reduce any sensitivity that might occur from substantial doses of hydrogen peroxide.

Once these precautionary measures have taken place, your dentist will brush the peroxide-based whitening gel over your teeth and point the blue LED light at your freshly painted smile. You will likely sit in place for between 10 and 20 minutes while the light penetrates beneath your teeth. Depending on the depth of your stains, the process of painting the gel and sitting under the light may occur a few times.

Options for Teeth Whitening in Winnipeg

To learn more about teeth whitening near you and if this is an effective treatment for your smile, we encourage you to contact a dentist in Winnipeg. Specialists at Garden City Dental can help to inform you of the latest updates on teeth whitening treatments and can even coach you through the process of using an at-home whitening kit. Consultations can be booked by using a form online or by calling 1-855-245-2998.