There seems to be a bit of disagreement within the dental community regarding the effectiveness of laser beams or other sources of light in tooth bleaching. Some dentists believe that tooth bleaching is more effective with the use of lasers and other sources of light, while others are of the opinion that the effect of tooth bleaching remains the same, with or without the use of lasers or lights.
The makers of light-activated tooth bleaching products promptly claim that the use of light makes bleaching all the more effective. While different manufacturers give different reasons behind the effectiveness of light-activated tooth bleaching products, the general logic behind them is that the laser or light "activation" acts as a catalyst and triggers a quick degradation of the peroxide whitener. The laser or light aids the bleaching process by quickly converting the peroxide into the reactive oxygen free radicals. The effect speeds up the bleaching process and also makes it more intense, giving better whitening results.
Bleaching lights can cost a few thousand dollars, making the setup of such a system quite expensive for the dentist. Until recently, there was a general acceptance within the dental community that the lights or lasers were essential for tooth bleaching. It was only when a few dentists realized there were no clinical studies to prove this that the controversy began.
Many recent studies by prominent dentists have shown that bleaching compounds contained in tooth whitening products seem to work well and give good results even without the use of lasers or lights. The use of lasers or lights had no effect on the results. The study was done by using the "split arch" method, wherein the teeth on one side were treated using just the whitener, while the teeth on the other side were treated using the whitener as well as an activating light source. The study stated that the results were the same in both cases. The teeth on both sides were equally whitened in the initial comparisons as well as the evaluations that were made after one year of treatment. With a conclusion like this one might wonder if the lights are merely a marketing gimmick.
This is why many manufacturers of tooth whitening products and dentists do not incorporate a light source as a part of the whitening process today. Some of the leading professional in-office brands that do not use an "activating" light or laser (or consider it to be optional) are:
• Ultradent Opalescence Xtra Boost
• Rembrandt Virtuoso Lightening Gel
• Niveous
Update 07-14-2007
Light or no Light?
According to a recent study done by CRA on light assisted whitening, the light does not do anything. The data from the study shows that one week post bleaching shades showed no difference between the non-light and light treated teeth for any of the three test systems.
View the CRA Study Here
However, in another study, it was shown that peroxide and light treatment significantly lightened the color of teeth to a greater extent than did peroxide or light alone.
View the Study Here
Update 04-18-2008
NPR recently did a segment on this subject titled "Simple Formula for Whitening Your Teeth"
View Here
Related Article: Am I really whitening? Tooth Dehydration and Light Assisted Bleaching
- TeethWhiteningReviews.com
Having said that the photographs in the JADA article may look impressive but they are not unlike comparing apples to oranges.
Two different sets of teeth? Do I have to illustrate the varibles that apply in this?
And the observation "light appeared to have a bleaching effect" What about the light having a "dehydrating effect?" Especially directly after the treatment.
Oh yes the sensitivity issues are pretty clear in our society. I have met many people who have undergone the light systems and all told me the sensitivity is almost not worth it. or that they will not do it again.
The CRA study seems to be more tangible and reliable. I think comparing these studies is ridiculous. One is an independent orginization (CRA) and the other study was conducted for and I suspect by a toothbleaching company (britesmile).
Thank you
My experience is that the light helps in producing better results.
thanks
Will H2O2 still break down without the light? Absolutely - which is how the Crest WhiteStips operate. The difference is that you wear the WhiteStrips for 2 weeks, whereas systems that use the light treat the client for 30-60 minutes.
I've included a link below that is an independent study of how the lights work. It comes to the same conclusion. I'm sure you'll find it most educational.
http://www.compendiumlive.com/issues/articles/2006-01_06.asp
Did you bother reading their conclusion?
"The use of light activation using the BriteSmile in-office bleaching system resulted in increased whitening at the immediate postbleaching evaluation compared with Opalescence Xtra Boost, which does not require light activation. This is believed to be the result of dehydration of the tooth caused by the generation of heat from the curing light.4 This increase was temporary, however; AFTER 2 weeks no differences were recorded between the 2 systems.
It is reasonable to conclude that with the increase in temperature, *dehydration* occured, which was subsequently followed by rehydration. Therefore, in spite of the initial perception that an increase in whitening took place, the 2-week postbleaching evaluation did not demonstrate a difference. This was confirmed by an absence of a statically significant difference between the 2 materials."
Dan: Dehydrating the tooth temporarily is not whitening. This is discussed in more depth here: http://www.teethwhiteningreviews.com/artman/publish/teeth-dehydration-effects-during-bleaching.php .
Did you bother reading my second paragraph? I'll repeat myself for your benefit. The results of the accelerator light show improvement after 30-60 minutes. The results without the accelerator light show improvement after 2 weeks. You then proceed to repeat what I had said. I have no problem admitting that you can bleach without the light - it is absolutely possible. It is not possible, however, to get these results after only 30-60 minutes without the light
Tooth Dehydrating is not teeth whitening. If you think it is, why not sell a blow dryer and market that as a teeth whitener?
As a practicing dentist who has read all the research, I can tell you the light only makes a difference in how fast the product works, not in the final result. Both light and heat speed up the degradation of hydrogen peroxide, and that's one reason the results with most systems are so variable. Most products are delivered by UPS to the dentist's office, and often sit in an unairconditioned truck all day. I use BriteSmile in my office for one-hour bleaching with good, not always great, results. For truly white teeth, I use a system called "Deep Bleaching" developed by Dr. Rod Kurthy. It does not require light at all, but has significant differences from other products. It is shipped in a thermal container with dry ice, so it never gets warm on the way to my office. It comes with a desensitizer, and it uses both in-office and take home trays to complete the process.