UV Teeth Whitening: Details Regarding Safety, Workings and More

If you wish to have a bright smile on your face, opting for various teeth whitening products and techniques can be a good idea. They vary in price and effectiveness and depend upon your oral condition too. One such treatment is blue light or UV light tooth whitening treatment. However, you must always consult your dentist before choosing the procedure.

This article will focus on this UV teeth whitening technique and let you know how it works. If you worry about whether it is safe, you will learn about the same by reading this piece.

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How Does UV Teeth Whitening Work?

Ultraviolet teeth whitening is a procedure where your dentist applies a whitening gel based on hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. Then they shine a blue UV light on your teeth, and as the gel and the light work together, it helps in the teeth whitening process.

As per recent research, the light-based whitening procedure showed faster results than the process done without light. Additionally, the UV teeth whitening procedure lasts for a more extended time period.

Is the UV Teeth Whitening Process Safe?

There are no safety measures associated with the UV Whitening process. An article states that the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Infection Control do not maintain safety measures related to exposure to this light. It further reveals that you must take precautions while opting for this procedure.

Additionally, using UV for teeth whitening can result in burns and damage as the ratio of the gel to the exposure to UV varies from one kit to another.

While most teeth whitening procedures include peroxide-based whitening solutions, an LED treatment is much more acceptable. LED teeth whitening procedure provides a quick solution and wonderful results. On the other hand, UV light might harm the oral tissues and result in sensitive teeth too. There are other related concerns that arise if you undergo UV light treatment procedure.

What Is a Blue Light Tooth Whitening Treatment?

In blue light tooth whitening treatment, the LED light generates blue light to work on the teeth whitening process without radiating direct heat to your enamel. Blue light tooth whitening treatment can use any light, including UV, halogen, and LED lights. Blue LED light treatments for teeth are becoming more popular as they are much safer than UV lights.

Now let us step into the way this light treatment works.

How Does the Blue LED Light Treatment Work?

Your dentist considers the following steps while conducting the blue light tooth whitening treatment procedure:

Step 1: Your dentist will start by cleaning your teeth properly to eliminate any food particles or debris inside your mouth.

Step 2: Then, they will choose a shade similar to your teeth to compare the results after the process of whitening your teeth.

Step 3: After this, your dentist will put a cheek retractor on you and apply a gel on your teeth to protect your gums during the process.

Step 4: Then, your dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth and focus the blue LED light on your teeth.

Step 5: After rinsing your mouth, your dentist will check your teeth' colour to ensure the procedure's effectiveness.

Step 6: If required, they can repeat the procedure to ensure improvement of the teeth whitening.

Step 7: Your dentist will ask you to re-visit for check-ups and routine dental clean-up after the completion of the process.

How to Use Blue Light Teeth Whitening Products at Your Home?

You can do the blue light tooth whitening treatment at home as well just by following the easy steps. However, the kits might not come with stronger solutions like at the dentist’s. The home blue light whitening kit can come with whitening strips that contain required chemical components or plastic trays filled with whitening gels. Along with that, you will find a battery-powered blue light. Here is how your home kit will work:

Step 1: Place whitening strips on your teeth directly or put whitening gel into the tray set and insert it into your mouth to cover the teeth.

Step 2: Allow the tray to sit on your teeth before using the blue light.

Step 3: Then use the blue LED light to activate the whitening component. In certain products, the light directly connects to the mouthpiece.

Step 4: After the set usage time limit, the light will turn off automatically.

What Are the Advantages of Blue Light Tooth Whitening Treatment?

Blue light tooth whitening treatment comes with the following advantages:

Blue light tooth whitening treatment ensures whiter and brighter teeth.
The treatment lasts for a longer period of time.
The dentist ensures the complete safety of your enamel and gums during the process.
This process reduces staining and uneven teeth whitening.

What Are the Disadvantages of Blue Light Tooth Whitening Treatment?

The following are the few disadvantages you may face after going through the treatment process:

The process requires a long time, and you must make an appointment with your dentist beforehand.
Additionally, you might face tooth sensitivity post-treatment, which will subside after a week.

So now that you have a complete idea about UV teeth whitening and the blue LED light teeth whitening procedure, you can choose the one that suits you best. However, you must consult your dentist before opting for the procedure. Also, if you have any queries, you can clarify them with your dentist. After the treatment, try to avoid chewing tobacco or consuming alcohol or caffeine as this might stain your teeth again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is the blue light tooth whitening treatment safe to use?

This treatment includes using LED light which is safe and does not heat up the mouth. Therefore, you are entirely safe from burns and injuries inside your mouth.

Can UV light treatment damage my enamel?

Dentists consider UV lights harmful as they come with many short- and long-term adverse effects. While the short-term effects include burns and bleeding from your gums, the long-term impact might even lead to oral cancer. Therefore, it is vital to exercise absolute caution when opting for this treatment.

How often can one whiten their teeth with UV light treatment?

One should not repeat this process within 3 to 4 weeks of having the treatment. There is no dangerous effect of this procedure if a professional carries it out, however, one should maintain a time gap between two sessions to prevent any enamel erosion.