When asked about what they’d change about their appearance, many Americans say they’d like whiter teeth for a more radiant smile. This explains why there are so many whitening products and solutions available on supermarket shelves today. One promising new treatment is the use of blue light teeth whitening solutions. But how does it work, and is it as effective as it claims to be?
This article will talk about how teeth whitening products work and whether blue light teeth whitening is the right option. We’ll also talk about how you can get a teeth whitening appointment that uses blue light.
Blue Light Teeth Whitening: Does It Work?
You may have used one of the many over-the-counter whitening treatments available and experienced disappointment at the results. This is because while these products can lighten your teeth a little bit over time, they aren’t truly powerful enough to make a real difference. The presence of stains on your teeth might slow down the process even more.
In contrast to the whitening solutions you might find at the grocery store, a dental office has much stronger formulas available. These professional whitening treatments use chemicals in high concentrations but for much shorter periods. Then, blue light is shined on your teeth, which helps accelerate the process.
How Does The Process Work?
The process is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed at your dentist’s office. A whitening treatment can lift extrinsic stains and discolorations. However, note that it doesn’t work on intrinsic stains that are deeper within your teeth.
It starts with your dentist thoroughly cleaning your teeth, smoothing the tooth enamel out to allow the chemical agent to work effectively. They then measure the shade of your teeth to provide a reference for the before-and-after. After using special tools to retract your lips to expose your teeth, the dentist will shield your gums to protect them from the chemicals.
Finally, this is where the blue light comes in. After prepping and cleaning, the dentist then applies the whitening agent over the teeth, making sure to cover them thoroughly. This agent is carbamide peroxide, which bleaches the teeth. As the peroxide agent is sensitive to light, blue light enhances and accelerates the chemical reaction.
Lastly, the dentist monitors the reaction to ensure the right shade is reached and then rinses your mouth and teeth.
Conclusion
Blue light teeth whitening using LED lights is safe and is an increasingly popular dental procedure. Still, it’s important to discuss any potential side effects and risks with your doctor before opting for the procedure. You might experience some tooth sensitivity, and you may not be able to eat staining foods, drink alcohol, or smoke until a few days after the procedure. Fortunately, a smile you can show off to the world is the result.
With over 13 years of combined experience, Hermosa Dental uses the most advanced technology. We perform safe and comfortable dental procedures for all of our patients. We’re open on weekends and offer convenient and affordable appointments. If you have any questions or concerns, we’d be happy to help – see why we’re the best dentist in Houston! Call us at (713) 695-3400 for our East Little York location, (832) 427-1797 for our Highway 6 location, or (281) 747-7004 for our Porter location.