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Light Emitting Diode System (LED) teeth whitening treatments are becoming a more popular teeth whitening method. They speed up the whitening process so you can achieve a brighter smile in less time.
However, there are many concerns regarding the safety of LED teeth-whitening lights. We discuss them in this article.
Current research shows that LED teeth whitening is safe and effective for at-home use. Users shouldn’t experience adverse side effects if they follow the manufacturer’s instructions.1
LED light on your teeth is safer than ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can cause cell mutations, while LED lights don’t. LED teeth whitening kits speed up the whitening reaction without the risks associated with UV light.2
Remember that the results from any teeth whitening treatment will depend on the user’s lifestyle and the cause of their teeth discoloration. Always talk to a dental professional to know whether you’re a good candidate for whitening treatments.
Get your brightest smile with NewMouth's top teeth whitening picks for 2024.
The bleaching agent in teeth whitening is usually made from carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. LED lights accelerate the chemical reactions that whiten your teeth by breaking down the peroxide faster, activating the whitening gel.
This light is provided in your teeth whitening kit. The average time to use the kit ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. However, this will vary according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
While LED teeth whitening systems are safe when used properly, you must know their potential side effects. These include:
Here’s a comparison of the results and risks of LED teeth whitening and other teeth whitening treatments:
LED Teeth Whitening | At-Home Teeth Whitening (Strips, Toothpaste, or Gels) | Professional In-Office Whitening | |
How It Works | Uses LED lights to speed up the teeth whitening process | Uses abrasives or low amounts of peroxide | Involves the supervision of dental professionals |
Safety | Generally safe when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions | Generally safe, but can lead to sensitivity with improper use | Safe for most people since it involves a dental professional’s supervision |
Efficacy | More effective than other at-home whitening treatments like whitening strips or toothpaste | Results are gradual but still effective | Uses higher concentrations of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, making the treatment more effective |
See NewMouth’s top 10 teeth whitening products of 2024.
If you’re planning to use LED teeth whitening, you must take note of the following precautions:
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