Do Tooth Whitening Lights Work?

Light-activated bleaching techniques offer an alternative to bleaching gels or over-the-counter white strips. However, according to Dr. Eric Morrison of the Center for Dental Health in Washington, D.C., it is unclear if light-activated whitening techniques are more effective than other options.

How it Works

• According to the American Dental Association (ADA), light-whitening is a chair-side service performed in the dentist's office. The ADA notes that during the procedure, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth and a special light is used to activate the bleaching agent.

Differences in Treatments

• According to Dr. Harald Heymann, professor of operative dentistry at the University of North Carolina, all whitening products work the same and are based on the use of hydrogen peroxide. The difference between treatments is how long it takes to get the effect. The stronger the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the product, the faster the effect. Alternative whitening methods include over-the-counter whitening strips, whitening trays or gels and whitening toothpaste/mouthwash.

Warnings About Teeth Whitening

• According to Dr. Gerry Kugel of Tufts University, one light-whitening treatment averages $500, making it much more expensive than alternative treatments. Researcher Joe Ontiveros, a dentist with the University of Texas, notes that it's hard to tell who will see benefits from using light-whitening treatments. Some patients experienced dramatic results, while others saw almost no change. The American Dental Hygienists' Association advises that whitening treatments work best on yellowed teeth without any dental restorations, such as veneers or colored fillings.