Is Teeth Whitening Safe and Effective?

Accelerating Teeth Whitening with Light

When it comes to teeth whitening, light technology has been utilized to expedite the process. In order to safeguard against any potential harm, dental professionals take precautionary measures by applying a protective layer on the gums. Following this, a whitening agent is administered to bleach the teeth. This procedure, known as light-accelerated bleaching, employs the use of halogen, LED, or plasma arc light energy to accelerate the bleaching process. The basic concept is that the light triggers a reaction with hydrogen peroxide, resulting in teeth whitening. However, a study conducted in 2015 indicates that the light has no significant impact on the process and may even pose a risk by elevating the mouth’s temperature. Despite attempts by certain companies to introduce smaller versions of these lamps for home use, they have proven to be equally ineffective.


Internal Bleaching: Restoring the Natural Color of Your Teeth

Root canals are a common dental procedure aimed at removing damaged tooth nerves. However, it is not uncommon for the affected tooth to become discolored after the operation. To tackle this issue, dentists often recommend internal bleaching. This technique is particularly useful for front teeth that are visible when you smile. By sealing a bleaching agent inside the tooth and replacing it periodically over a few weeks, dentists can effectively restore the tooth’s natural white color.

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