Due to its affordability and effectiveness, demand for teeth whitening has been steadily growing over the last couple of decades and in recent years has seen a spike in popularity driven by millennials and Generation Z, chasing the trend for an "Instagram-worthy" smile.
There are several teeth whitening options available ranging from home whitening strips to professional treatments carried out in a dental surgery. Treatments that use light to speed up the whitening process are a popular choice among those hoping for an instant result. The light is used in conjunction with a whitening gel to intensify the effects. The lights commonly used for this purpose include LED and UV, but which is safer, and which is more effective?
The light used in teeth whitening doesn’t actually whiten teeth by itself. The process involves first applying a peroxide-based whitening gel to the teeth. A light is then used to speed up the whitening process by exciting the molecules in the peroxide gel. This allows the whitening agents to penetrate the enamel more quickly and speed up the chemical reaction.
There are two general categories of light activated teeth whitening methods; those that are administered by your dentist and those that are obtained over the counter or via the internet and don’t involve a dentist overseeing the procedure. Light activated teeth whitening products bought online, tend to use a weaker strength bleach. The two main lights used are LED and UV and essentially, they work in the same way but each carry different side effects.
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and uses cold blue light technology to intensify the teeth-whitening process without radiating heat onto the teeth. You can find LED devices used in both over-the-counter products and treatments performed by your dentist. The main benefit of using LED teeth whitening over UV teeth whitening is that it's usually gentler on teeth and gums and doesn’t carry the burning risk that the UV light does.
UV stands for Ultraviolet Light and is a form of magnetic radiation that heats up in the tooth whitening process. The type of UV light used in teeth whitening is a laser and is usually performed in a dental office because it carries a greater risk of burning the soft tissues due to the heat that the light emits. Research has shown the UV rays can also be harmful long-term with a risk of damage to the eyes and an elevated risk of skin cancer. But to the UV rays similar those seen in tanning beds. The main benefit of UV over LED is that it’s more powerful.
Mixed reviews and studies exist on the best teeth whitening method and particularly the effectiveness of light sourced teeth whitening techniques. Many conclude that using light to activate the bleaching agent does not significantly increase the speed or give a better result than non-light activated whitening procedures. Researchers in other studies however, found that LED and UV light activated whitening produced greater lightening of tooth shade and maintained the lighter shade longer than non-light-activated teeth whitening.
As you can see, there is no one definitive answer to the question of which teeth whitening method is better and experts generally agree that it ultimately depends on individual’s needs and preferences.
Both LED and UV teeth whitening methods are non-invasive and both will provide instantly whiter teeth however, compared to UV light, LED light is considered safer whilst being just as effective.
Ultimately, the best teeth whitening method for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are unsure of which method to choose, it is always best to consult with a qualified dentist or dental specialist. Ultimately, the best teeth whitening method for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are unsure of which method to choose, it is always best to consult with a qualified dentist or dental specialist.
If choosing a light activated teeth whitening kit that isn’t supervised by a dentist, always choose a product that is safety approved. Ensure you follow manufactures guidelines with regards volume and frequency of use and never leave on longer than recommended. If you experience sensitivity or gum irritation, stop using and allow the tissues to return to normal before trying again. Avoid carbonated or acidic beverages for a few hours after whitening. Don’t overuse the product. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for advice on how frequently the procedure can be repeated.
Removing extrinsic stains caused by tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine and food dyes can leave teeth looking several shades whiter without having dental whitening carried out. Guided Biofilm Therapy is one of the safest and most effective ways to clean teeth as AIRFLOW® can access 100% of the tooth crown to remove plaque biofilm and stains. Removing the sticky film of bacteria and hardened tartar not only improves the colour but also allows light to bounce off the teeth more easily giving them a glossier appearance. Guided Biofilm Therapy can also help to maintain the colour of the teeth after whitening by keeping stains at bay.
Choosing non-invasive approaches like Guided Biofilm Therapy can complement cosmetic dental treatments by ensuring the underlying oral health is optimal, preventing gum disease that leads to unsightly recession and enhancing the effectiveness of the whitening procedures by enduring no stain or deposit harbours the whitening process.
Whichever teeth whitening procedure you choose to go for, always consult with your dentist to discuss options that will allow you to make an informed choice. Teeth whitening treatments aren’t right for everyone so always discuss with your dentist first who will recommend a treatment plan that considers all your dental history and oral health needs. They will also check the health of your mouth as it is very important you don’t use dental whitening products when you have active tooth decay.
