There are various procedures available today to help you quickly achieve a brighter, whiter smile. UV light teeth whitening is one such method proving popular among celebrities and social media influencers. Here we’ll take a balanced look at UV light teeth whitening safety, UV light teeth whitening side effects and alternatives to UV light teeth whitening.
The UV light used in UV teeth whitening doesn’t actually whiten teeth all by itself. The process involves first applying a peroxide-based whitening gel to the teeth. A blue UV light is then used to speed up the whitening process by exciting the molecules in the peroxide gel. This allows the whitening agents to penetrate the enamel more quickly and speed up the chemical reaction.
There are two general categories of UV teeth whitening methods; those that are administered by your dentist and those that are obtained over the counter or via the internet and don’t involve a dentist overseeing the procedure.
UV light teeth whitening products bought online, tend to use a weaker strength bleach. Depending how stained your teeth are, this might mean the product isn’t as effective or takes longer to get the desired effect.
It's very important to take all benefits and risks into consideration when opting for any teeth whitening application.
The most common side effectof all types of teeth whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity and gumirritation. This can vary from mild to moderate depending on individualtolerance, the condition of the teeth and gums prior to whitening, frequency ofuse and duration the whitening agent is left in contact with the tissues.
In addition, UV light teethwhitening comes with short and long-term risk factors that are important tomake note of. Short-term risks of UV light whitening include burning of thegums and also ‘sunburn’ to the lips and skin. Long-term effects from overexposure include an increased risk of oral and skin cancer similar thoseassociated with over use of sun-beds.
When UV light teeth whiteningmethods are carried out by your dentist, the gums and lips are covered toreduce the risks and side effects. The gums are covered by liquid rubber thathardens and holds in place for the duration of the procedure. The lips &soft tissues will be covered with a protective balm and a retractor frame thatserves two purposes: one to hold the tissues out of the way of the UV light andtwo, to act as a protective barrier that the UV light can’t penetrate through.This significantly increases the safety of this procedure. Glasses that protectyour eyes from the effects of the light are also used.
Mixed reviews and studies exist on the effectiveness of light sourced teeth whitening procedures. Many conclude that using light to activate the bleaching agent does not significantly increase the speed or give a better end result and therefore its use has no real added benefit.
Finally consider cost. UV light teeth whitening kits often come with a higher price tag than other whitening solutions. This is largely driven by the extra equipment involved but also by consumer demand for an instant white smile.
If choosing a UV teeth whitening kit that isn’t supervised by a dentist, choose a product that is safety approved. Ensure you always follow manufactures guidelines with regards volume and frequency of use. Never leave on longer than recommended. If you experience sensitivity or gum irritation, stop using and allow the tissues to return to normal before trying again. Avoid carbonated or acidic beverages fora few hours after whitening. Don’t overuse the product. Refer to manufacturer's instructions for advice on how frequently the procedure can be repeated.
Blue LED light treatments are becoming increasingly popular because they are considered safer than using UV light, however research remains mixed about the effectiveness of using any light source to help whiten your teeth. Some studies suggest an increase in tooth sensitivity is experienced with light treatments.
Home-whitening kits provided by your dentist are considered safe and are considered the product most likely to whiten the teeth significantly.
You can also purchase over the counter (OTC) whitening products to help with stain removal and improve the appearance of the teeth. Unlike products administered by a dentist, these products have little or no peroxide which means if your teeth are intrinsically discoloured this may not work as effectively.
Whitening toothpastes target the surface of your teeth with varying levels of abrasives and chemicals. It can take time for whitening toothpastes to work (up to 6 weeks) their whitening potential is mild and care must be taken to avoid those with high abrasive potential.
Whitening strips containing a very small amount of hydrogen peroxide are now commonly available. The strips are applied daily to the front of the teeth for a period of time dictated by the concentration of whitening agent.
Whitening mouthwashes are one of the least effective products you can use, largely because the agent is only in contact with the teeth for a very short period of time.
Removing extrinsic stains caused by tea,coffee, tobacco, red wine and food dyes can leave teeth looking several shadeswhiter without having dental whitening carried out. Guided Biofilm Therapy isone of the safest sand most effective ways to clean teeth as AIRFLOW® canaccess 100% of the tooth crown to remove plaque biofilm and stains. Removingthe sticky film of bacteria and hardened tartar not only improves the colourbut also allows light to bounce off the teeth more easily giving them aglossier appearance.
GBT promotes prevention and encourages good habits for maintaining a whiter brighter smile for longer.
Teeth whitening treatments aren’t right for everyone. Always discuss with your dentist before investing. Your dentist will recommend a treatment plan that takes into account all of your dental history and oral health needs. They will also check the health of your mouth as it is very important you don’t use dental whitening products when you have active tooth decay.
Explore the SwitchtoGBT website to learn more about Guided Biofilm Therapy as a safe dental whitening option.
