Do Teeth Whitening Lights Work Or Is It Just A Gimmick?

Dealing with discoloured teeth is a common dental issue and there are several methods available to manage it such as dental crowns, dental veneers or teeth whitening. Among these options, whitening is considered the most conservative and least invasive.

In recent years, the whitening lights have become a popular addition to many whitening kits, promising faster and better results. But do teeth whitening lights work or are they just a marketing gimmick? 

Let’s shine a light on this intriguing topic!

What is a tooth whitening light?

How do whitening lights function?

Whitening lights come in three main types, that is LED light whitening (Light Emitting Diode),  halogen lights and UV lights (Ultraviolet) . When getting your teeth professionally whitened at a dental clinic, a whitening gel is first applied to the teeth. A whitening light source is then positioned to fully expose the gel to its light. So how does the light help?

Well, the primary ingredients in whitening gels are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are compounds composed of hydrogen and oxygen. They work by reacting with and breaking down pigmented molecules (teeth stains) into smaller, less coloured molecules thereby making the tooth appear lighter and brighter. Light activation helps in the tooth whitening process.

Simply put, these lights speed up the chemical reactions that break down teeth stains. This acceleration allows for effective targeting and removal of stains during the active period of the whitening agent. As a result, these whitening lights enable more stains to be removed within the first 24 hour period, contributing to a brighter smile. 

So, do teeth whitening lights work?

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So, do teeth whitening lights work for real?

In 2012, a study¹ demonstrated positive results from combining whitening gel with a whitening light during in-office treatments. This is supported by a 2016 study², which showed that using lights in such procedures was more effective than using whitening gel alone.

However, it's important to consider that these studies utilised high concentrations of whitening agents—35% carbamide peroxide and 37.5% hydrogen peroxide respectively. These concentrations are typical in professional or in-office whitening treatments. In contrast, at-home whitening gels typically only contain around 10-15% concentration. This difference suggests that while the whitening lights offer more effective tooth brightening, these advantages are particularly noticeable when paired with the higher concentration gels commonly used in dental clinics.

Furthermore, there are portable blue lights marketed for at-home use. It's important to note that these at-home whitening lights typically use a basic LED bulb emitting blue light, which generally lacks the efficacy of the professional-grade equipment found in dental clinics for enhancing the whitening process.

Despite the effectiveness of these whitening products and methods, it’s important to note that some individuals may experience tooth sensitivity during or after the treatment. Overall, the work varies depending on the method used and the individual's dental health. Dental Designs clinic can help you achieve a brighter smile through whiter teeth.