Best LED Teeth Whitening Kits

A light emitting Dioxide, also known as an LED, is a source that emits light when currents run through it.

In theory, when these lights come into contact with the whitening agents in a whitening solution, they ‘activate’ them and speed up the whitening process.

In other words, LED lights act as a catalyst for the whitening solution.

Are LED Lights safe

In almost all cases, LED lights are safe, which is why they are able to be sold in over the counter whitening kits.

Most LED light sources consist of a group of tiny lights that, together, produce large amounts of light. So not only do LED lights not get hot, they also can’t burn out. 

However, you should always read the instruction of the blue led light system you buy and make sure you don't over use it. To ensure safe usage. 

UV vs LED Lights

There has been an ongoing debate concerning the effectiveness of using LED light for teeth whitening. In order to understand fully, we need to break down the difference between an LED and UV light.

Some professionals claim that LED lights aren’t strong enough to produce effective whitening effects. So what light is strong enough?

Ultraviolet, or UV rays, are the reason we wear sunscreen. This is the type of radiation emitted from the sun, the same light used in tanning beds and is proven to speed up the activation of hydrogen peroxide based products - like whitening solutions.

UV lighting for teeth whitening is FDA approved but can only be used and administered by your dentist. This is a process known as laser whitening, and is not the same as LED teeth whitening.

The laser light of the laser treatment stimulates the whitening process and provides you with faster results in fewer treatments than at home varieties.

Therefore, the argument stands that LED teeth whitening is, in so many words, a gimmick.

Critics argue that because blue-light products are cheap to produce, teeth whitening companies will throw them into over the counter whitening kits to increase their profit.

However, there are accounts of users seeing a result (if only slight) when performing a teeth whitening treatment that utilizes an LED light.

In fact, in a test conducted by the Open Dentistry Journal, it was concluded that light does, in fact, speed up the whitening process.

The first thing to note about LED teeth whitening is that the LED light is not effective on its own. The light speeds up the process by activating the whitening agents (such as hydrogen peroxide) in the whitening gel.

It will not produce a whitening effect when used without additional whitening agents.

So while it’s semi-useless on its own, using an LED light could effectively mean less treatments are needed to attain whiter results.

Besure to pair your blue light teeth whitening system with a whitening gel, which all of them are sold with. Also, you are able to buy more whitening gel when yours runs out and keep the light. It will work with other teeth whitening gels as well.

Pre-Treatment

Most LED teeth whitening includes the use of a whitening gel or whitening strips, both of which can be slightly abrasive or cause sensitivity in the teeth. For these reasons, it’s important to implement certain pre-treatment practices.

Brush Your Teeth - Always brush your teeth before beginning any teeth whitening treatment. For starters, your teeth will be too sensitive to brush immediately after most treatments.

In addition, brushing your teeth helps to remove excess plaque and other substances that can prevent the whitening solution from reaching your enamel.

Use a Sensitive Toothpastes - While brushing your teeth, it’s a good idea to use a sensitive toothpaste to prep your teeth for the whitening treatment. While everyone will experience different levels of sensitivity based on their teeth and dental history, it can never hurt to be prepared and cautious. It is also a good idea to use a mouthwash that is designed for sensitive teeth as well. 

Practice/Fit Your Mouth Tray - If you are using a whitening kit that includes whitening trays, it’s important to practice fitting them over your teeth prior to filling them with the whitening gel.

Most whitening trays will be slightly customizable so you can ensure that you are getting the best fit possible on your teeth. A well-fitted whitening tray can prevent whitening solution from leaking and getting onto your gums or in your mouth.

Treatment

As I mentioned above, LED lights or blue light teeth whitening systems can be found in a variety of over the counter whitening kits, but are generally included in those that contain either a whitening gel or whitening strips.

To start the treatment, always follow the directions and instructions provided on the box. In general, the treatment process will look something like the following:

Whitening Gel

If your whitening treatment includes whitening gel, you will begin the process by filling your whitening trays with the solution. The whitening gel may be in a tube or pre-distributed syringes.

Make sure not to overfill the mouth trays as this can cause the whitening solution to leak out during treatment and can cause discomfort in your gums!

Leave the whitening tray on for the recommended time and turn on the LED light. There will be specific instructions on how close to hold the light to your teeth and for how long, but, in general, keep the LED light situated over your teeth and allow the activation process to begin.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips work in a similar way to the whitening gel. Take the top and bottom strips from one of the foil packets located inside your whitening kit.

Carefully place both strips across your teeth (with the sticky, gel side touching your teeth!) and align them as needed.

After completing your LED teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to practice certain follow-up care (as is the case with most whitening treatments!)

Soft-bristled Brush - The whitening solution (whether applied with gel or strips) will cause your teeth to be more sensitive than usual. For this reason, you want to avoid being too abrasive and brushing too hard. Getting a soft-bristled brush can help prevent you from over-brushing!

Desensitizing Toothpaste - Yes, this toothpaste is as important post-treatment as it is pre-treatment. As I mentioned above, your teeth will be more sensitive following your whitening treatment and can benefit from a softer, non-abrasive toothpaste.

Avoid Certain Foods/Beverages - It’s important to avoid consuming certain food and drink after your whitening treatment. Because your enamel is temporarily weakened post-treatment, it is not as effective in preventing staining substances from reaching the lower (dentin) layer of your teeth - a layer that cannot be whitened!

Therefore, try to avoid dark sodas, coffee, tea, red meats, tomato juice, berries and other stain-causing foods immediately after your whitening treatment.