Do at home teeth whitening lights work? Many Australian dental patients who want radiant pearly whites ask themselves this question.
Nowadays, individuals have several convenient options to achieve this objective, including whitening and activated charcoal toothpastes, baking soda, coconut oil pulling, over-the-counter whitening strips, and apple cider vinegar.
However, home light-activated treatments (LED teeth whiteners) have gained popularity recently, thanks to their convenience and the similar methods professional dentists use in their clinics.
As the term implies, light-activated whitening treatments involve shining light onto the teeth after applying bleaching material. Manufacturers have developed similar products that patients can purchase at supermarkets and pharmacies. If these products have aroused your curiosity, you’re not alone.
You may be wondering if these teeth whitening lights work as advertised. As experienced teeth whitening Gold Coast experts who have helped numerous patients achieve optimal dental health since 2000, we’re here to guide you on your journey.
This blog will explore the basics of at home teeth whitening lights, empowering you to make informed decisions for your long-term oral health and achieve an eye-catching, dazzling smile.
What Are Teeth Whitening Lights And How Do They Operate?
Teeth whitening involves the removal of physical discolouration or a chemical process that whitens the teeth from the inside. Teeth whitening lights utilise chemical agents to enhance tooth brightness and help patients achieve a radiant smile.
These devices have gained popularity because of their efficiency, durability, and immediate impact, making them a convenient alternative to conventional in-clinic procedures.
Three teeth whitening light options have resonated well with Australian patients. We encourage you to choose the alternative that meets your specific needs:
- Ultraviolet (UV) whitening: This teeth whitening light uses a laser that emits magnetic radiation, which heats your pearly whites. Only a highly experienced dentist can perform this procedure because of the risk of burning adjacent dental tissue.
- Halogen whitening: Similar to UV whitening, the halogen version emits heat to catalyse teeth brightening. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your trusted dental practitioner for optimum safety.
- LED whitening: This is the most common and convenient at-home teeth whitening light alternative. Instead of emitting heat, the blue LED light stimulates the production of hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth.
LED whitening products are not only safer than their UV and halogen counterparts, but also provide a sense of security as the risk of burning surrounding dental tissue is low.
Light-activated teeth whitening treatments require application of a chemical agent, such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide gel. The light stimulates the agent, allowing it to penetrate deep into the enamel and eliminate stubborn stains and discolouration.
Modern LED teeth whitening treatments typically last ten to thirty minutes, providing dental patients with a safe, fast, and convenient way to brighten their teeth. Please note that this method is not suitable for crowns, dentures, or dental restorations.
Are At-Home Teeth Whitening Lights Safe?
The safety of at-home teeth whitening lights depends on the timing and efficiency of their applications.
Unfortunately, improper use of UV whitening treatments can cause burns to sensitive tissues, irritate the gums, exacerbate tooth sensitivity, and damage teeth and previous dental treatments.
Although their LED counterparts are safer, patients can risk gum irritation and increased sensitivity if misused
For these reasons, we highly encourage you to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, specifically the duration for using the at-home teeth whitening light. Taking proactive measures will help you achieve optimum results, a captivating smile, and excellent long-term dental health.
How To Use At-Home Teeth Whitening Lights
We highly encourage patients considering an LED teeth whitening kit to use them carefully, as they will administer them without the guidance of a dental practitioner.
The steps on how to use an at-home teeth whitening light include the following:
- Select the appropriate whitening product: We recommend choosing an LED teeth whitening kit with a blue light device and a whitening gel from a reputable manufacturer with a good track record. If you have sensitive teeth, choose an at-home teeth whitening light specifically designed for their treatment.
- Prepare your teeth: Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to eliminate food particles and plaque, ensuring a clean setting for the whitening gel. To achieve optimum results, we recommend that individuals who whiten their teeth daily follow this routine.
- Apply the gel and turn the light on: Carefully apply the whitening gel to the tray or directly onto your teeth. Please follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for gel quantity and avoid applying it onto your gums.
To activate the device, insert the LED light into the tray and press the button. Please read the instructions carefully, as some manufacturers require manually turning off the device after the procedure.
- Final steps: LED teeth whitening typically takes ten to thirty minutes. Remove the LED light and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines if they recommend repeating the procedure for several days or weeks, depending on the severity of tooth discolouration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LED teeth whiteners work without gel?
LED light does not have teeth whitening benefits on its own. It catalyses whitening by stimulating the gel that eliminates stubborn stains and discolouration. Since the LED light cannot penetrate deeply into the enamel, it cannot achieve this objective. Therefore, LED whiteners cannot work without gel.
Do at-home teeth whitening lights work with teeth whitening strips?
Teeth whitening gels’ high concentrations of peroxide compounds require use without teeth whitening strips. The latter alternative is an aggressive treatment that patients should do twice annually.
Using both simultaneously may increase the risk of side effects and damage to tooth enamel. For this reason, we highly recommend that you consult your dentist, who can recommend the most suitable strategy for your unique situation.
Do you recommend LED lights for whitening teeth?
LED lights can speed up and enhance teeth whitening. Patients who seek long-term results opt for LED teeth whitening treatments due to their reliability and swift-acting features.
LED lights’ ability to minimise sensitivity and discomfort makes them a safe, cost-effective strategy for individuals with sensitive teeth.
Do all LED teeth whiteners work the same way?
In terms of function, LED teeth whiteners are the same. They emit similar blue light frequencies and power outputs.
Although some LEDs are more potent than others, they don’t necessarily produce better outcomes. These products differ mainly in shape and size—factors that may affect a patient’s comfort level while using them.
LED teeth whitener brand and gel quality may also affect your long-term results. We recommend discussing these factors with a trusted, highly experienced dentist, who can make the appropriate recommendation for your unique situation.
Conclusion
Do LED lights work to whiten teeth? Yes, they do.
These convenient alternatives to teeth whitening simulate hydrogen peroxide production to eliminate stubborn stains and discolouration, restoring a radiant smile and ensuring long-term dental health. Although at-home teeth whitening lights can preserve surrounding dental tissue, we encourage you to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to achieve optimal results safely.
Please contact your dentist Robina today to discuss your teeth whitening requirements, schedule a consultation, and receive premium, cost-effective dental treatments. As highly experienced practitioners with over twenty-five years of industry experience, you can trust us to help you achieve long-term dental health.