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Daniel P. Markmann, MD
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Should dentists turn off the light?

Should dentists turn off the light?

Posted Thursday, July 29, 2010

A recent British study is making some cosmetic dentists and their patients think twice about the way they approach teeth-bleaching treatments.

According to researchers, whitening treatments that implement UV light cause more harm than good. The team found no evidence to support the idea that UV light improves the performance of the bleaching agent that is applied to teeth. Furthermore, it could damage skin and eyes at least as badly as an afternoon of summer sunbathing, and possibly four times as much.

So, does this mark the beginning of the end for light-based bleaching treatments? Until further studies are conducted to prove these researchers' claims, availability will likely remain high, but additional precautions may be taken.

Tags: bleaching, procedure, research, side effects, study, treatment, UVA, UVB, whitening

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Dr. Jeffery W. Hadley | Cosmetic Dentist
I agree. My clinical experience has shown this to be true as well...and many American studies make this point: the best, most productive, reliable and efficient way to whiten your teeth is with simple peroxide gel and custom fit trays made by your dentist. There is just no science behind the light and plenty of side by side studies demonstrating it to be unnecessary.
Time spent in the chair with a trendy blue light (or as some like to call it, a"laser"), in my opinion, will only lighten your wallet.

Posted July 31, 2010 1:48 PM

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Dr. Joe Willardsen | Cosmetic Dentist
Bleaching with a light can create several problems. Because the light generates heat it has a tendency to make the bleaching gel runny after it is applied. If the highly concentrated bleach runs into the gum tissue it can be very painful for the patient. Even though careful steps are taken to isolate the gum tissue the bleach can penetrate under the protective barriers. If the bleach contacts the gum tissue it can turn the gum tissue white temporarily. In addition the light has a tendency to dehydrate the tooth. This dehydration makes the tooth appear whiter initially but once the tooth has re-hydrated it will show its true color. Newer "In-Office" bleaching systems have been developed to be used without a bleaching light.

Posted August 31, 2010 6:21 PM

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Dr. Jeffery W. Hadley
Cosmetic Dentist
According to Dr. Jeffery W. Hadley, expectations of those seeking cosmetic dentistry are sky high, and his joy is found in delivering beautiful results. From the simplest replacement to advanced restorative work, his busy, referral-based practice is testimony to his personal, meticulous approach. He attended the USC School of Dentistrym where he learned the artistic and clinical sides of restorative dentistry and how to make dramatic improvements. He joined the Navy, where he began general practice residency.

Visit Dr. Hadley's NewBeauty profile.

Dr. Joe Willardsen
Cosmetic Dentist
Many television hosts, newscasters, models, beauty pageant winners and professional athletes owe their smiles to Dr. Joe Willardsen, a well-established cosmetic, aesthetic and neuromuscular dentist who takes smile makeovers to a new level with what he calls a "nonsurgical" smile lift. He has been the official dentist of the Miss Nevada USA pageant for the past six years, and he's a regular on local television, where he helps viewers select from amongst new and proven dental techniques.

Visit Dr. Willardsen's NewBeauty profile.

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