Light meters are an essential tool for anyone who calibrates light-producing or light-sensing equipment. From indoor and outdoor digital displays to photography and even to indoor lighting, a professional-quality light meter should factor in any and all calibration systems.
Many foods and drinks today have negative side effects on our teeth. From high-acid content that erodes enamel and can cause increased wear on our teeth, beverages such as wine, as well as smoking and other nicotine-containing products many of these products also cause our teeth to appear dull or even yellowed. In recent years however many companies have released products that promise to not only clean the residue off of our teeth but, also, to turn back the clock and make them appear whiter and brighter and there are two primary methods for achieving this whitening effect:
Recently, however, some companies have released products which claim to be "professional strength" and that use similar techniques as professional tooth-whitening services. While this is true, most professional services use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and a powerful light to not only clean but also to protect teeth, these commercial products tend to be significantly less powerful than their professional-strength cousins and, as a result, achieve minimal effects when compared to their costs.
To better demonstrate the effectiveness, or lack of effectiveness, of these commercial tooth-whitening products their effects can be measured using a spectrophotometer which is a device commonly used in chemistry and engineering applications. A spectrophotometer measures either the reflection or the transmission of light from a surface or object and, in the case of tooth-whitening products, could be used to test differences in reflectance before and after treatments has been administered. The process would be simple and could be performed quite simply:
Regardless of the reason toot-whitening is desired, it's always best to consult with a dentist before undertaking any oral care regimen. The dentist can evaluate what is causing the wear and staining of teeth and can recommend the best course of treatment.
Author: Paul is a freelance writer interested in Konica Minolta spectrophotometers which is used for color measurement. For more information visit Konica Minolta.