Blue Light Teeth Whitening: Is It Safe, and Does It Work?

Blue light teeth whitening treatments have witnessed a dramatic increase among the masses in recent times. It is because of their exceptional safety, as compared to UV light procedures, which makes it a reliable go to option for most people wanting a whiter and brighter smile. 

There is a wide variety of whitening products and techniques, available both in office and at home, which can help you achieve your dream bright smile. Although their prices and effectiveness vary, none of them offer permanent results.  Most people often wonder which is the best teeth whitening in London?

Light activated teeth whitening procedure is one such technique that uses different types of light, including halogen lights, ultraviolet (UV) light or light emitting diode (LED) lights.The increasing popularity of blue LED light treatments has made them a more reliable option these days. It is a gentle, non-invasive technique which effectively removes discolouration and stains. While UV light is known to cause damage to the eyes and skin, blue LED light technology is known to have minimal to no side effects and is therefore considered a safe option. This is why more and more people are turning towards this treatment each day, and it serves as an efficient way to give them a more enhanced and radiant smile. 

If you are planning to get blue light teeth whitening treatment, you might be willing to know what to expect from the treatment. Read on this blog to find out how effective this process is, and if it is a safe choice for you. 

What is blue light teeth whitening?

In the recent world of dental technologies, blue LED light teeth whitening has emerged as a most preferred choice for most individuals seeking a bright and stunning smile. Do you know what this blue light teeth whitening is?

Blue light teeth whitening is an advanced system of whitening your teeth by treating them with light of specific wavelengths. This light can help accelerate the whitening process, producing excellent results in shorter time. 

Is blue light teeth whitening safe?

Blue light has turned into an inevitable part of our daily lives. From smart phones to television, every electronic device emits blue light. Blue light is already known for posing risks on circadian rhythms and how it accelerates macular degeneration associated with age.

But when it comes to treating your smile, safety becomes crucial. Blue light teeth whitening is a safe procedure which uses a blue LED light. This LED light does not heat up, and this is why it does not involve any risk of burn injuries to the soft tissues within the mouth from exposure to that light. So before getting the blue light teeth whitening, you should check on the following factors to determine if they are safe:

• Scientific backing

Blue light teeth whitening is a scientific procedure which uses a specific wavelength of blue light to speed up the activation of your whitening gel. This wavelength is suitable and tolerable for your oral health and does not necessarily cause any harm to your teeth or surrounding soft tissues. 

• Controlled intensity

Blue LED light teeth whitening uses specialised LED devices, including blue light emitters. All these devices provide exactly the right intensity of light, ensuring your effective teeth whitening but without producing any potential side effects. 

• Gentle formulations

The whitening gels are again formulated to be both gentle and potent. Reducing common side effects like gum irritation or tooth sensitivity should be your dentist’s ultimate priority. Blue light teeth whitening usually uses gently formulated whitening products which are suitable even for sensitive teeth. 

• Professional endorsements

Blue light teeth whitening is often recommended and endorsed by reputed oral care professionals and dental specialists because of its safety profile. This professional backing lays an additional layer of trust in the whitening process. 

• Individual variation 

Individual experiences vary across different cosmetic treatments. Monitoring the response of your gums and teeth to diverse cosmetic treatments is vital, and should consult a dental professional in case you have concerns. 

Patient safety is a top priority as a patient carrying a bad experience from their dental visit at your clinic would not return for their next dental need. Dental mishaps are, therefore, a prime reason why most people refrain from visiting dentists. 

Key Benefits of Blue Light Teeth Whitening 

• Quick results

One major benefit of blue light teeth whitening is the faster results. Unlike traditional whitening methods, which can take weeks or months to show visible changes, blue light techniques often provide noticeable improvements in just a few sessions, making it a quicker option for achieving a brighter smile.

• Convenience of at-home kits

Blue light whitening kits allow you to achieve professional-level results without frequent dentist visits, offering the convenience of whitening your teeth comfortably and privately at home.

• Cost-effective

Blue light teeth whitening kits offer a more affordable alternative to in-office treatments, allowing you to achieve a brighter smile at home without sacrificing quality.

• Advanced technology

Blue light teeth whitening uses advanced technology which involves a thorough and intense whitening process, removing every stubbo0rn stain from beneath your teeth surface. It is also effective in managing discolouration occurring due to use of some antibiotics or chemicals, which might be challenging when treated with other methods. 

• Evaluation of risks

This method allows evaluating potential concerns of whitening before you begin with the treatment, thereby minimising the risks of uneven whitening due to dental restorations or intrinsic stains. 

How does it work?

When it comes to blue light teeth whitening, the dentist applies a whitening gel to your teeth at first. Next a blue LED light will be used to activate the carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. It accelerates the breakdown of the whitening gel. A final chemical reaction occurs which lifts stains off your teeth. Whether you are looking for in-office or at-home blue light whitening treatment, the procedure is the same. 

In most whitening treatments, dentists use a peroxide based whitening agent directly on your teeth. Then they use a blue LED light on that whitening agent to boost its whitening effects. This helps in a more intense bleaching effect within a faster period, allowing you to get your results on the same day and resume your normal activities.

Once the dentist applies the whitening agent on your teeth surface, the agent is activated by the blue light and a chemical reaction takes place. It penetrates the tooth’s enamel, quickly and efficiently lifting existing stains through more intense bleaching. This treatment can help you achieve your goals rapidly and reduce the overall time for your whitening procedure.

When it comes to repairing a cavity within the mouth, the surface needs to be prepared with proper cleaning and making a bondable texture. Then the cleaned out cavities are filled with some resin filings and given custom shape according to their individual biting pattern. The ultimate purpose is to match the shape of the resin to your natural tooth shape.     

The resin hardens gradually and this is why it is crucial to quickly work on it and give it the right shape. Once you reach your desired results, the blue dental light is used to accelerate the curing process. The resin requires around 20 to 60 seconds to cure completely. After curing, patients can continue within normal chewing on foods within worrying about the resin being fallen out or misshapen. 

Procedure of In-office Blue Light Teeth Whitening

Here is how a dentist uses the curing LED light to perform your blue light teeth whitening:

• Choosing the right curing light

In recent years, dental curing light technology has significantly improved. However, not all lights are the same, so it is important to choose the right one for each task. LED lights are the most common, emitting blue light in a narrow range of 440 nm to 490 nm. Poly-LED curing lights, on the other hand, offer a broader spectrum, ranging from 390 nm to 490 nm. When using high-powered curing lights, it is crucial to avoid excessive exposure, as this can cause thermal damage. Understanding the different light types and their capabilities ensures optimal results while protecting the patient’s tissue and preventing damage from overexposure.

• Maintaining the curing light 

A dental radiometer is used to measure the energy output of your curing lights, specifically the light emitted at the tip of the guide. It is important to track these measurements regularly. This is ideal for keeping a weekly log, to establish a baseline for the energy your curing light produces. If you notice any fluctuations in these values, it may signal an issue with the curing light. Since the light is measured at the tip, even slight changes in distance, such as moving the wand away, can significantly affect the amount of light reaching the resin based composite in the patient’s mouth. To maintain consistency, always use your curing light in the same manner. This ensures reliable results and helps avoid variations in energy output, ensuring the best possible cure for your dental treatments. Regular checks can also identify potential equipment malfunctions before they impact treatment quality.

• Selecting the right tip diameter

The tip diameter of your curing light plays a crucial but often overlooked role in the effectiveness of light curing. Choosing the right tip ensures the proper amount of light reaches the in-mouth restoration. For most procedures, an 8 mm tip is typically sufficient. However, when working on larger areas, like permanent molars, using a wider tip can ensure the entire restoration is properly covered. This is also true for porcelain veneers or direct composite resin veneers, where even light curing is essential. If you use a tip with a smaller diameter, you will need multiple light exposures to fully cure the restoration. This not only prolongs the procedure but could also lead to an uneven or inconsistent cure, potentially affecting the longevity and quality of the restoration. Choosing the right tip size is the key to achieving optimal curing results and minimising the overall treatment time.

• Preparing the patient

It is important to inform your patient about the procedure and the purpose of the blue light. Building trust is essential in dentistry, so explaining what will happen, what to expect and why the blue light is necessary can help ease any concerns. Both the patient and the dental professional should wear proper protective eyewear. With growing evidence of potential vision damage from prolonged exposure to blue light, it is crucial for practitioners to protect their eyes, especially considering the frequent use of the dental light wand throughout the day. Ensuring safety for both the patient and yourself helps maintain a secure and comfortable environment during the procedure.

• Shining the light

Most modern dental wands are activated by pressing a button to trigger the light. Once the resin based composite is placed, you can begin curing by shining the light over the restoration. Typically, curing takes just a few seconds, but the exact time depends on the material used. Be sure to confirm in advance the recommended curing time for the specific material. The goal is to expose the patient to just enough blue light to properly cure the material, without overexposing them. Proper timing ensures effective curing while maintaining patient safety and comfort.

If you are looking forward to get blue light whitening, in-office teeth whitening can be a more reliable and precise solution to go for. 

How to use at-home blue light teeth whitening kits?

A blue light teeth whitening kit allows you to whiten your teeth at home. However, the solutions in these kits are generally weaker than those used in a dentist’s office. The kits typically include whitening strips with a whitening agent or plastic trays that you fill with whitening gel, along with a battery powered blue light to activate the whitening process. While convenient, home teeth whitening results may vary compared to professional treatments.

The at-home blue light whitening kits work by:

1. Begin by applying the whitening product to your teeth. You can either place whitening strips directly onto your teeth or fill a set of plastic trays with whitening gel using a syringe. Then, insert the trays into your mouth to cover your teeth.
2. Allow the whitening product to sit on your teeth for the recommended amount of time before using the blue light. This waiting period helps the product begin to work effectively.
3. Next, use the blue light to activate the whitening gel. In some kits, the light attaches directly to the mouthpiece, eliminating the need to hold it in place. Many products also include an automatic timer, causing the light to turn off after a set period of use, ensuring consistent and controlled whitening sessions. Always follow the product’s specific instructions for best results, as treatment times and methods may vary depending on the kit.

Follow the specific instructions provided with your kit, as directions can vary between products. Some whitening kits may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results, so be sure to read and adhere to the recommended usage for the best outcome.

Side Effects of Blue Light Teeth Whitening

Although blue light teeth whitening is a safe procedure, it includes some minimal side effects which occur from the treatment process or the bleaching agent. Most side effects vary from tissue or gum irritation when the whitening agent comes in contact with the lips, cheeks or gums to experiencing teeth sensitivity post treatment. 

Is blue light teeth whitening effective?

Blue light teeth whitening, when combined with a peroxide-based whitening gel, can effectively accelerate the whitening process and may yield quicker results. However, it is important to use this treatment under professional supervision and follow the instructions carefully. When applied correctly, blue light whitening is generally safe, though overuse or improper technique can lead to temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Research indicates that blue light can enhance the bleaching process and help achieve a higher level of whiteness when paired with peroxide products. Always ensure you are following professional guidance to minimise risks and maximise the benefits of the treatment.

Conclusion   

Blue light teeth whitening offers a safe and effective solution for those seeking a brighter smile, whether in-office or at home. Its use of LED light accelerates the whitening process, providing quicker results compared to traditional methods. While generally safe, it is important to follow professional guidance and instructions to avoid potential side effects such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. The treatment is cost-effective, convenient, and provides significant whitening results, making it an attractive option for many. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, it is crucial to be mindful of individual needs and ensure proper usage for optimal results.

If you are willing to get blue light teeth whitening, book your appointment with one of our expert dentists at LondonTeeth Whitening.

 

FAQs

1. Can blue light work without a whitening gel?

While some dental specialists consider blue light alone is enough to whiten teeth, it is still under research. It functions best when used in combination with a bleaching gel. 

2. What is the role of blue light in the teeth whitening process?

The function of the blue LED light is to accelerate the action of the whitening gel. It makes your teeth whiter more effectively and rapidly. 

3. Can blue LED light teeth whitening remove all types of stains?

The blue LED light can usually act on stains caused by coloured foods or drinks or from smoking habits. However, it is not suitable for removing intricate stains from inside your teeth, or those resulting from injuries or some specific medications.

4. How long do the results of blue light teeth whitening last?

The results of blue light teeth whitening usually last for about several months or even up to years. This depends on your oral care routine and dental hygiene maintenance. Touch-ups might also be required to keep your smile shining the same. 

5. Who should avoid LED teeth whitening treatments?

If you are pregnant, your age is below 16 years, have some kind of gum disease or sensitive teeth, or have some past dental work, blue light teeth whitening might not be the right option for you. Consult your dentist in such cases. 

6. Do blue light teeth whitening treatments require special aftercare?

Yes, you need to avoid coloured beverages and foods for up to a couple of days to prevent staining of your newly whitened smile. Regular flossing and brushing along with routine touch-ups can maintain the whitening effect of your teeth.