Light Emitting Diode, or LED, is a type of light that can be used to accelerate the process of teeth whitening. A gel solution is placed into a mouth tray that fits over your teeth, and then the LED light shines on the teeth and activates whitening agents in the gel.

There are two different types of whitening agents used. Bleach-based solutions usually contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove stains on and below your teeth’s surface. And non-bleach products work on surface stains only. The type of ingredients and their strengths vary among products.  

You can opt to have LED whitening treatments applied in-office by your dental professional, or buy LED whitening devices from your dentist or over the counter. While in-office treatments are stronger, at-home LED whitening devices like Colgate® Optic White® ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit offer rapid. You only need to wear the comfortable, flexible LED device for 10 minutes a day, with results visible in as little as three days.  

Is LED whitening safe? For the most part, it is considered safe. Sensitivity may occur with this type of teeth whitening, and will depend on the type of gel solution (bleaching agent), strength, and usage. Colgate® Optic White® ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit uses an enamel-safe gel designed for no sensitivity, so you can achieve maximum whiteness with no discomfort.

 When it comes to tooth sensitivity, everyone is unique in how they are affected, so it’s important to follow directions and only use them as instructed.

Which LED whitening system is going to get the best results? Well, your results will depend on the natural shade of your teeth, how much whitening gel is used, and your treatment duration, among other factors. It seems that people get the very best results from in-office LED whitening, but this can be expensive. At-home treatments like Colgate® Optic White® ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit still deliver excellent whitening at a more affordable price point, lifting up to 10 years of stains in a matter of days.

What about other at-home treatments? If you’re thinking about trying a non-LED home treatment, here’s what we can tell you. Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening strips and whitening toothpaste, only lighten the surface of your teeth. They work, but not to the same degree as an LED whitening system. You can use a whitening toothpaste in conjunction with other whitening treatments (such as an LED).

It’s important to remember that LED whitening treatments are not teeth cleaning systems. Make sure to continue with your home oral care routine of brushing and flossing (also known as interdental cleaning) after meals, and continue to attend  your regular check-ups and professional cleanings.

If you’re thinking about brightening up your smile, one thing is for sure: there are many options available. LED teeth whitening is one that provides big results, and can be done at your home or in the dental office. Talk to your dental professional about what system is best for you.

Most over-the-counter LED whitening kits typically take 1-3 weeks to deliver the desired results, but Colgate® Optic White® ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit can remove up to 10 years of stains in as little as three days. In-office LED whitening is the fastest option; you’ll typically see dramatic results immediately.  

An LED whitening kit is usually designed to be used every day for a specific period of time, e.g. 10 minutes per day for three weeks. If you use the whitening agents for longer than instructed, your risk of side effects like gum irritation and tooth sensitivity increase. For that reason, it’s best to closely follow the directions of the manufacturer or your dentist, and use the kit no more often than instructed.

The average cost of professional LED whitening by a dentist is currently around $750.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.