SapphireThe sapphire whitening system is made by Den-Mat- they are the same makers as Lumineers. This system uses a very powerful sapphire Plasma Arc light along with a professional grade teeth whitening gel. Two studies were done by Den-Mat to compare the bleaching process with and without light. The same subjects received gel alone and gel with the light for the same contact time. More whitening resulted on the sides with the gel and light. According to Den-Mat, the light assists the bleaching process in two ways. Sapphire’s bleach formulation absorbs light in the blue end of the spectrum, which becomes excited and decomposes into reactive intermediators that attack the coloured compounds that form stains on teeth. In addition, the absorption of blue light serves to activate the coloured stain materials absorbed on the teeth. These photoactivated materials are quite reactive and their reaction with hydrogen peroxide results in faster bleaching. Based on this study, using the light with the bleach generally gives an additional 2-5 shades. The sapphire bleaching system is one of the fastest and most effective professional solution on the market. It’s completely safe since the bleaching gel is thick and stays stable at the “teeth areas” of the trays. Thus it does not drip over the gums. While Den-Mat claims there is a desensitizing agent to reduce tooth sensitivity, we have experienced with some patients moderate post sensitivity immediately after whitening that lasted less than 12hours. Ibuprofen or Naproxen will help if there is any post sensitivity.