Nicole Dahlkemper, DMD

Many dental offices wonder whether lasers or lights aid in the efficacy of in-office tooth whitening. Various studies show that hydrogen peroxide alone is effective in whitening teeth, and that light activation adds no additional benefit.¹ In fact, teeth whitened with light-activated bleaching gels have demonstrated shade rebound, losing their initial brightness within a few days.² Additionally, research indicates that extended light activation can cause pain during treatment, adverse effects on the pulp, and post-operative sensitivity.^{3, 4, 5}

Save your practice thousands of dollars in time and money while giving your patients the whitening results they are looking for by turning out the light! Educating and setting realistic expectations with your patients about an in-office whitening procedure will ensure that they understand the process and achieve the results they desire.

• In-office Vital Tooth Bleaching – What Do Lights Add? (Zoom!, Xtra Boost)
  "The clinical data indicate all three systems tested lightened 83 contralateral pair of anterior teeth to nearly the same degree of 1.6 to 1.8 combined value chroma . . . with or without the use of accessory lights." Compendium/April 2003, Vol. 24, No. 4A.
  
   
• Clinical Evaluation of Chemical and Light-Activated Tooth Whitening Systems (BriteSmile, Xtra Boost)
  "The use of light did not demonstrate any benefit over the chemically activated tooth whitening systems after a 2-week recall." Compendium/January 2006, Vol. 27, No. 1.
  
   
• New Generation In-office Vital Tooth Bleaching, Part 2
  "No light yet evaluated by CRA has enhanced results." CRA Newsletter, Vol. 27, Issue 3, March 2003.
  
   
• In Vitro Efficacy and Risk for Adverse Effects of Light-assisted Tooth Bleaching
  "… optical radiation did not improve bleaching efficacy relative to bleaching without irradiation. The use of optical radiation in tooth bleaching poses a health risk to the client and violates radiation protection regulations. Therefore, we will advise against light-assisted tooth bleaching." Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2009, 8; 377–385.
  
   
• Masters of Esthetic Dentistry
  According to Van Haywood, "Various types of lights and lasers were claimed to simplify and shorten the bleaching technique, although the research to date has shown the contrary. Use of a light does not alter the final outcome and may give an illusion of whitening owing to dehydration." Haywood, V. (2003) Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Vol. 15, No. 3.
  
   
• Colorimetric Assessment of Laser and Home Bleaching Techniques
  According to a study at the University of Iowa, "The recommended one-time application of laser activated hydrogen peroxide did not demonstrate any perceivable color change." Journal of Esthetic Dentistry. 1999: 11(2): 87–94.

1 - Mughal R. Does light activation enhance teeth whitening? DrBicuspid.com
2 - Papathanasiou A, Kastali S, Perry R, et al. Clinical evaluation of a 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office whitening system. Compend Contin Edu Dent.2000;23(4):335-348.
3 - CRA newsletter April 2000. Vol.24, Issue 4.
4 - CRA newsletter: Why resin curing lights do not increase tooth lightening. August, 2000.
5 - Hein DK, Ploeger BJ, Hartup JK, Wagstaff RS, Palmer TM, Hansen LD. In-office vital tooth bleaching—What do lights add? Compendium April 2003. Vol.24 N.4A.(Suppl.): 340-352.