What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing stains and discoloration from the teeth to improve their appearance. Many factors can cause teeth to become discolored, including aging, smoking, and consuming certain foods and drinks. Teeth whitening is a popular treatment that can help to restore the natural color of the teeth, making them look brighter and more youthful.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by using a bleaching agent to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. The most common bleaching agent used in teeth whitening is hydrogen peroxide. When hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth, it breaks down into water and oxygen, releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin of the teeth. These oxygen molecules react with the molecules that cause discoloration, breaking them down and removing them from the teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening
There are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office whitening and at-home whitening.
In-office whitening is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist in a dental office. The procedure typically takes about an hour and involves applying a high-concentration bleaching gel to the teeth, which is then activated by a special light or laser. The light or laser helps to accelerate the whitening process, allowing the bleaching agent to penetrate the teeth more deeply and effectively.
At-home whitening involves using a lower-concentration bleaching gel at home. The gel is applied to the teeth using a custom-made tray that fits over the teeth like a mouthguard. The tray is worn for a specified amount of time each day, usually for several weeks, until the desired level of whitening is achieved.
Does Light Help Whiten Teeth?
Light is often used in conjunction with teeth whitening to help accelerate the whitening process. The idea behind using light is that it helps to activate the bleaching agent, allowing it to penetrate the teeth more deeply and effectively. However, the effectiveness of light in teeth whitening is a topic of debate among dental professionals.
There are several types of light that are commonly used in teeth whitening, including LED lights, halogen lights, and plasma arc lights. LED lights are the most commonly used type of light in teeth whitening. They emit a blue light that is believed to activate the bleaching agent and accelerate the whitening process.
Benefits of Using Light in Teeth Whitening
One of the main benefits of using light in teeth whitening is that it can help to accelerate the whitening process, allowing patients to achieve their desired level of whitening more quickly. Light can also help to improve the effectiveness of the bleaching agent, allowing it to penetrate the teeth more deeply and effectively.
Another benefit of using light in teeth whitening is that it can help to reduce the sensitivity that some patients experience during the whitening process. This is because the light helps to activate the bleaching agent more quickly, reducing the amount of time that it needs to be in contact with the teeth.
Drawbacks of Using Light in Teeth Whitening
While there are some benefits to using light in teeth whitening, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered. One of the main drawbacks is that the effectiveness of light in teeth whitening is not well-established. While some studies have suggested that light can help to improve the effectiveness of the bleaching agent, others have found no significant difference in the whitening results achieved with or without light.
Another drawback of using light in teeth whitening is that it can be expensive. In-office whitening procedures that use light can cost several hundred dollars, while at-home whitening kits that include a light can cost upwards of $100.
Conclusion
In conclusion, light is often used in teeth whitening to help accelerate the whitening process and improve the effectiveness of the bleaching agent. While there are some benefits to using light in teeth whitening, such as reducing sensitivity and improving the speed of the whitening process, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as the cost and the uncertain effectiveness of light. Ultimately, the decision to use light in teeth whitening should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
Relate topics:
Does Brushing Your Teeth with Peroxide Whiten Them?
How Often Can You Use Oral Whitening Strips?
Does Brushing Your Teeth with Peroxide Really Work?
