The Pros and Cons of Blue LED Light Teeth Whitening (2024)

We all desire a bright, healthy smile. Unfortunately, many factors can cause tooth discoloration, such as age, genetics, medications, food, and drink. People turn to professional teeth whitening and at-home treatments to achieve a brighter smile. One of the most popular options is blue LED light teeth whitening. This procedure involves shining blue light onto a gel applied to your teeth, which promises to brighten your smile in just one session. However, while blue light teeth whitening is considered safe, it has drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of this method and compare it to other teeth whitening options.

The Pros and Cons of Blue LED Light Teeth Whitening (1)

The Rising Popularity of Blue LED Light Technology

In recent years, we have seen a surge in the popularity of blue LED light teeth whitening treatments. Thanks to their safety compared to UV light, these light-activated procedures have become a go-to solution for people seeking brighter and whiter smiles. Blue light teeth whitening provides a non-invasive technique that is gentle yet effective in removing stains and discolorations. Unlike UV light, which has a reputation for causing damage to the skin and eyes, blue LED light technology is considered safe and has minimal to no side effects. So, it’s no surprise that people are turning towards this method as a safer and more efficient way to enhance their smiles.

Advantages of Blue Light Teeth Whitening

First, let’s look at some of the advantages of this method. One of the most significant benefits is its safety compared to UV light. While UV light teeth whitening has been linked to cancer and other health problems, blue LED light is considered safe and has minimal side effects. Blue light teeth whitening typically provides faster results than traditional DIY methods. You can achieve a brighter smile in just one session and save time compared to using at-home strips or trays. Another advantage is that it can effectively treat tooth discoloration caused by chemical or antibiotic use. This type of discoloration can be challenging to remove through other methods.

Disadvantages of Blue Light Teeth Whitening

Now, let’s examine some drawbacks of blue light technology. One common issue is tooth sensitivity. Due to the light’s intensity, some people may experience sensitivity during or after the procedure, which can be uncomfortable. Additionally, blue LED light teeth whitening does not work for all types of discoloration, particularly deep intrinsic stains. This means that this method may be ineffective if your discoloration is caused by factors other than surface staining, such as genetics, age, or trauma. Finally, blue light whitening may require multiple sessions depending on the type and severity of strains to achieve the desired results, causing inconvenience and possibly adding to the overall cost.

Other Light-Assisted Teeth Whitening Options

Blue LED light teeth whitening is not the only option for achieving a brighter smile. Halogen and ultraviolet (UV) light methods are other types of light-assisted whitening, but they carry potential risks, such as burns and oral tissue damage. On the other hand, professional in-office treatments provide a faster and more potent concentration of products, but they can be more expensive and may require maintenance. At-home kits offer the flexibility of whitening at your leisure and often at a lower cost. Still, they may require more time to achieve the desired results, and some products may create mild to moderate tooth sensitivity if not used correctly.

Blue LED Lights at We Whiten

We use blue LED light in our teeth whitening sessions at We Whiten. Our process includes thoroughly examining whether our method suits each individual. Our staff is trained to provide a comfortable and safe experience while working towards the brightest, healthiest smile possible. In addition, we offer at-home kits that utilize blue LED lights to maintain your smile between in-office sessions or for those who prefer the convenience of at-home products. These kits come with detailed instructions on how to use them effectively, ensuring optimal results. The blue light technology in our at-home kits helps enhance the lightening process, providing professional-grade results in the comfort of your home. In summary, blue LED light teeth whitening presents both advantages and disadvantages. It is a safe alternative to UV light methods, provides fast results, and effectively treats certain types of discoloration. However, it can cause tooth sensitivity, may not work for all types of discoloration, and may require multiple sessions. Other methods, such as halogen and UV light, professional in-office treatments, and at-home whitening kits, offer different advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice of treatment depends on individual needs and preferences. Contact We Whiten to learn more about our teeth whitening services and book an appointment. If you prefer the convenience of at-home methods, don’t forget to check out our products online. We are dedicated to helping you achieve a brighter and more confident smile!

The Pros and Cons of Blue LED Light Teeth Whitening (2024)

FAQs

What are the cons of blue light teeth whitening? ›

This comes down to you or your dentist using the lights safely. If not used correctly, it might cause soft tissue burning, gum irritation, damage to teeth, and increased tooth sensitivity.

What are the pros and cons of LED teeth whitening? ›

Pros and Cons of LED Whitening

This method is affordable, free of UV radiation, and less painful than an In-Office whitening procedure. One of the downsides to this whitening method is that it whitens teeth gradually compared to in-office whitening.

What are the side effects of LED lights for teeth? ›

Teeth whitening LED light side effects

Some people may experience tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort when using whitening products. This discomfort is usually temporary and not harmful. If you experience more than mild tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort, stop use and consult your dental professional.

What does blue LED do to teeth? ›

Blue light itself cannot whiten the teeth. Instead, blue light is used to activate a chemical reaction. You'll apply a specialized whitening gel to the patient's teeth containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The blue light activates the compounds in the gel and helps break it apart faster.

What are the disadvantages of blue light treatment? ›

Blue light therapy on its own, without the photosensitivity drugs added, is safe and has very few risks. The biggest risk is for a potential skin infection if any post-treatment blisters occur and are popped or not cared for.

What are the disadvantages of blue light? ›

Exposure to blue light before bedtime also can disrupt sleep patterns as it affects when our bodies create melatonin. Interruption of the circadian system plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, sleep disorders, and cognitive dysfunctions.

Why do my teeth hurt after LED whitening? ›

The reason for this discomfort is that the bleaching agent, whether it be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, causes a chemical reaction on the tooth surface. This, in turn, increases the porosity of the enamel and makes it more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.

How long to use blue light for teeth whitening? ›

Then place the light on top of the strips and hold in your mouth until the light automatically turns off after 5 minutes (the mouthpiece should fit against your teeth, then wrap your lips around the mouthpiece to keep it in place). Remove the light and strips when finished.

How often should I whiten my teeth with LED light? ›

It's generally safe to use an LED teeth whitener once every 24-48 hours, depending on the strength of the device and the sensitivity of your teeth. The MOON Teeth Whitening Device is designed to be gentle and is safe to use twice a day for 14 days at a time.

What is safest teeth whitening? ›

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

Is LED whitening safe for enamel? ›

The good news: When used correctly, LED teeth whitening is generally safe for enamel.

Is LED teeth whitening better than laser? ›

LED treatments can take more sessions and are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity, while laser tooth whitening is faster, more intense, likely to be completed in a single session, and more likely to cause tooth sensitivity.

How safe is blue light teeth whitening? ›

Many people report noticeable improvements in their tooth shade after undergoing blue light treatments. Current research suggests that when used correctly and under professional supervision, blue light teeth whitening is generally safe and unlikely to harm the teeth or gums.

What are the side effects of blue light in dentistry? ›

Over exposure to blue light cure without protective measurements can induce apoptosis to the cornea, increased ocular inflammation and dryness of the eye. The short term risks associated with dental Lights cure is particularly low if safety measures are used.

Is blue LED safe? ›

Almost all blue light passes straight through to the back of your retina. Some research has shown blue light may increase the risk of macular degeneration, a disease of the retina. Research shows blue light exposure may lead to age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.

Is blue light bad for your teeth? ›

While UV light teeth whitening has been linked to cancer and other health problems, blue LED light is considered safe and has minimal side effects. Blue light teeth whitening typically provides faster results than traditional DIY methods.

What are the side effects of UV light teeth whitening? ›

In addition, UV lighting comes with short and long-term risk factors that are important to make note of. Short-term risk factors include burns and bleeding of the gums, tooth sensitivity and even sunburn to the skin, while long-term risk factors may lead to wear on the teeth's enamel and even oral cancer.

How long should you use blue light on teeth? ›

The specially-engineered Blue Light helps weaken yellow stains so that the peroxide can whiten teeth more effectively. When and how do I use the light? Use the light at the end of your ARC teeth whitening treatment (30 minutes total wear time).

Is dentist blue light safe? ›

Is it safe? Since it is not a laser, the dental curing light is not dangerous to the teeth and gums. Since it is very bright, it can put a strain on your eyes if you look at it too long. This is similar to the way your eyes strain if you look at the sun for too long.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 6174

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.