Dental bleaching with light, also known as light-activated whitening or power bleaching, is a technique used in some dental offices to whiten teeth. Here's a breakdown of this process:

The Process:

• Preparation: The dentist will first clean your teeth to remove any surface stains or plaque. They may also cover your gums with a protective barrier to avoid irritation.
• Gapped Teeth: Excessive space between teeth can be caused by missing teeth, a large jawbone, or tongue thrusting habits.
• Bleaching Gel: A bleaching gel containing peroxide (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) is applied to the tooth enamel.
• Light Activation: A special light source, typically a blue LED lamp or a plasma arc lamp, is shone on the teeth for a specific amount of time.

Effectiveness:

Research on the effectiveness of light activation in teeth whitening is mixed. Some studies show minimal to moderate improvement in whitening compared to using just the bleaching gel. Others suggest that light may offer some benefit, but it's not significant enough to warrant the additional cost.