UV Teeth Whitening - Is It a Good Idea?
In their endeavor to have pearly white teeth, many people willingly undergo teeth whitening procedures that bring the quickest and most visible results.
While most of these methods are deemed to be safe in the hands of a qualified dentist, certain treatments may warrant a second look.
In particular, some people are starting to ask if UV teeth whitening is as safe and effective as previously thought.
A number of studies in the past few years have questioned the practice of using lights or lasers in combination with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth.
There are indications that ultraviolet or UV light can cause damage to the eyes, gums and lips in light-assisted dental bleaching.
The danger is present whether the procedure is performed in a mall kiosk or in a dentist's office.
UV light is said to act as a catalyst in the whitening process by breaking down the peroxide to produce free radicals that remove stains and discolorations in the teeth.
However, several independent studies indicate that the results in light-activated and non-light-activated treatments do not differ significantly.
In addition, researchers discovered that UV teeth whitening exposed patients to doses up to four times the radiation they would receive while sunbathing.
The eyes and skin are not suitably protected during the procedure.
Repeated exposure to UV radiation can cause cataracts and abnormal growths in the eye.
A number of complaints have been lodged with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving burned gums resulting from UV-assisted teeth whitening procedures.
Patients with photosensitivity are particularly vulnerable, along with fair-skinned individuals.
Although teeth whitening in general is a legitimate dental procedure, it is mainly cosmetic and does not contribute to oral health.
The majority of whitening agents work, albeit at different speeds.
A dentist is trained and qualified to apply high-concentration peroxide solution or gel to the teeth for fast results.
Dental whitening was typically performed in-office until the 1990's when home whitening kits or tray bleaching became widely available.
These home kits use lower concentration peroxide solutions that provide the same result but take longer.
Many people today routinely use at-home teeth whitening systems.
Dental bleaching has become so commonplace that some people automatically think that all methods for whitening teeth are safe and acceptable.
In the case of UV teeth whitening, there seems to be little evidence to support the claim that UV light improves bleaching efficiency.
While most of these methods are deemed to be safe in the hands of a qualified dentist, certain treatments may warrant a second look.
In particular, some people are starting to ask if UV teeth whitening is as safe and effective as previously thought.
A number of studies in the past few years have questioned the practice of using lights or lasers in combination with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth.
There are indications that ultraviolet or UV light can cause damage to the eyes, gums and lips in light-assisted dental bleaching.
The danger is present whether the procedure is performed in a mall kiosk or in a dentist's office.
UV light is said to act as a catalyst in the whitening process by breaking down the peroxide to produce free radicals that remove stains and discolorations in the teeth.
However, several independent studies indicate that the results in light-activated and non-light-activated treatments do not differ significantly.
In addition, researchers discovered that UV teeth whitening exposed patients to doses up to four times the radiation they would receive while sunbathing.
The eyes and skin are not suitably protected during the procedure.
Repeated exposure to UV radiation can cause cataracts and abnormal growths in the eye.
A number of complaints have been lodged with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving burned gums resulting from UV-assisted teeth whitening procedures.
Patients with photosensitivity are particularly vulnerable, along with fair-skinned individuals.
Although teeth whitening in general is a legitimate dental procedure, it is mainly cosmetic and does not contribute to oral health.
The majority of whitening agents work, albeit at different speeds.
A dentist is trained and qualified to apply high-concentration peroxide solution or gel to the teeth for fast results.
Dental whitening was typically performed in-office until the 1990's when home whitening kits or tray bleaching became widely available.
These home kits use lower concentration peroxide solutions that provide the same result but take longer.
Many people today routinely use at-home teeth whitening systems.
Dental bleaching has become so commonplace that some people automatically think that all methods for whitening teeth are safe and acceptable.
In the case of UV teeth whitening, there seems to be little evidence to support the claim that UV light improves bleaching efficiency.