LED Teeth Whitening

The LED whitening process requires an appointment time of one and a half hours; this allows for the technician to take a medical history and complete an informed consent process with the client. The treatment time normally takes less than an hour and the whitening technician stays with the client during the treatment.

The Process

1. An initial shade reading is taken and agreed with client and recorded on client notes.
2. Cheek retractors are fitted which expose the teeth area and keep the lips and cheeks away from the teeth.
3. Lips are coated with a layer of vaseline to keep them moist and also acts as a barrier from the whitening gel. 
4. The gums are protected using a flowable composite material which is then cured with a ultra violet light to protect the gum.
5. The hydrogen peroxide is applied to the top ten and lower ten teeth and then the LED light is positioned near the mouth to accelerate the hydrogen peroxide and the timer is set for 10 minutes.
6. After 10 minutes, the hydrogen peroxide is suctioned off the teeth.
7. Steps 4 and 5 are repeated.
   
8. After 3 ten minute treatments the flowable composite is removed from the gums.
9. The cheek retractors are removed and client given a cup of water to rinse until all traces of hydrogen peroxide is removed.
10. The final shade is agreed with the client and recorded on the notes.
11. Written aftercare instructions are given to the client together with free phone number in case of queries.
12. An All In One home teeth whitening kit is given to client for top up maintenance use at home.

How it Works

The surfaces of the teeth (enamel) contains millions of microscopic pores and over time organic compounds from food, drink, tobacco etc penetrate these pores and enter the dentine causing discoloration.

The hydrogen peroxide whitens the teeth by delivering oxygen into the dentine layer of the tooth through the enamel which just acts as a window. The oxygen then breaks down the organic compounds trapped in the dentine into smaller lighter particles which reflect light better thereby lightening the colour of the teeth. The LED (Light Emitting Diode)  light simply accelerates the process by forcing more oxygen into the dentine than would be the case otherwise. Results can be dramatic and clients may see up to 15 shades difference. The process carries on working for a full 24 hours after the treatment so the full effect is not seen straight away. This is why clients are always asked to refrain from eating or drinking any teeth staining food or drink for 24 hours. Smokers are also asked to refrain if they can, for at least 8 hours following the treatment. The process does not alter the tooth structure in any way.

Safety

Vast amounts of research have been carried out into the safety of teeth whitening and this is a continuing process. To date studies have shown that there is no damage to the enamel aside from increased porosity for up to 48 hours after whitening. The procedure itself is not painful. In a small amount of cases, mild sensitivity can occur after whitening but this is temporary and will last for no more than 48 hours after treatment.

Teeth whitening will not undermine or damage any artificial dental work. Any whitening treatment will only restore crowns, bridges, veneers or fillings back to their original colour.

Teeth whitening is suitable for most people over the age of 16 (between ages of 16 - 18 parental consent is required) with no upper age limit as long as they are in good general and dental health. People with gum disease or excessive cavities should visit their dentist and have these conditions treated before embarking on any course of whitening treatment