There are some beauty crazes in the UK that come and go.
The quest for gorgeous white teeth, however, is a standard that’s stood the test of time.
To make their pearly whites pop, men and women have tried an endless variety of chemicals, treatments, and products, over the years.
And of those, the one most people seem interested in is UV teeth whitening.
Join us, today, as we put the teeth whitening effects of UV dental treatment under the microscope.
UV Treatment And Teeth Whitening
Are you looking for a brilliant white smile?
You’re not alone. Thousands of people enjoy the results of teeth whitening procedures, every year. It’s no surprise, then, that this is one of the most commonly requested procedures in dental offices, the world over.
Light teeth whitening by UV treatment is a very popular option among patients in the UK, across the board. There are both over-the-counter and in-office procedures available everywhere, to suit your needs.
Even so, this is a whitening treatment that has suffered a lot of misconceptions and has a lot of people in the UK confused as to its benefits.
Debunking UV Whitening Myths
The idea of easily whitening your smile is appealing to most people with stains or discoloration on their teeth.
That said, there are a lot of misconceptions as to how UV whitening actually works.
To better understand it, it’s important to start with what’s not true, so not to get ahead of ourselves.
You have to pay a fortune for UV systems
There’s no getting around it: portable UV teeth whitening devices are cool.
For the uninitiated, these usually take the form of a clear plastic mouthpiece with a device on the back that emits an electric blue light.
Very futuristic.
Moreover, the idea of using a light to break down plaque and stains just seems more advanced than rubbing chemicals on your teeth.
It’s this idea of UV whitening as “high-end” that allows some in-store whitening operations to charge very high prices for this service. Depending on the quality of their service, it may even be worth it, but there are also a lot of businesses who oversell their product.
The truth is, depending on your needs, this doesn’t have to be a very expensive experience at all.
Portable UV teeth whitening devices can be purchased for less than $100 apiece. With a little research, you can find one that works quite reliably for quite a small investment.
The downside to taking this route is that the effects might not be as long-lasting or professional as they might with a paid service. And, as with any other high-end service, these can run into money, depending on where you go.
Still, with this in mind, you may be able to shop around for better prices with in-store services.
UV light poses a health risk
With any procedure that improves the way you look, overnight, there are always concerns over potential health risks.
Whitening your teeth with UV tech is no exception.
There have been many rumours spread that UV light can damage the enamel on your teeth, your nerve endings, or your gums.
This idea has some degree of validity. Studies have shown that over-the-counter UV systems can be dangerous when used incorrectly.
The idea is that any combination of bleach and light wavelengths needs to be correctly balanced in order to be effective.
Often, with users in the UK who aren’t experienced or qualified, it’s possible to overdo it.
Always side with high-end products with good reviews. Even with this precaution, however, you still run the risk of slipping up during the treatment and damaging your teeth.
Better yet, get your work done in-office, by a professional with good client reviews.
This way, you minimise your odds of damaging your teeth or gums.
UV lights are the same as lasers
This one is simply a misunderstanding, but it’s one that’s convinced a lot of people over the years not to try UV treatment on their own teeth.
Let the record state, once and for all, that UV whitening is not the same as using a laser on your teeth.
Let’s get into the science of it.
Dentists use something called a metal halide UV light to help break down hydrogen peroxide, which is applied to the tooth, beforehand. During this process, oxygen is released. What this does, in turn, is to cause the peroxide turn the pigment compounds in your tooth’s enamel colourless, through oxidation.
This produces a whitening effect, making the entire process chemical in nature.
At no point is your tooth being bombarded with any kind of laser.
The Truth About UV Teeth Whitening
To start with, the truth about UV whitening is the same as many other kinds of self-improvement procedures: it’s fine, in the right amounts.
Now, with that said, there are some downsides to using this kind of treatment.
UV rays have been known to cause damage to organic systems over time. Think of getting a sunburn. As we’ve already mentioned, this kind of damage can be mitigated by using a better product, at home, or going to a more qualified dental technician.
Studies have shown the risk of damaging your teeth with this treatment actually outweigh the potential benefits. More than that, considering the risks of applying it yourself, and the cost of finding a dentist who can perform this procedure, it might not be worth it.
UV Teeth Whitening In A Nutshell
The benefits of brightening your smile with the use of UV tech aren’t always straightforward.
Much like any other beautifying treatment, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. UV rays have been shown to be damaging, over time, and many at-home users aren’t qualified to know how best to use the treatment.
That said, for a certain amount of money, and with a qualified professional behind the UV, it’s possible to use this treatment safely, in moderation.
Are you trying to whiten up your teeth, but you’re not sure where to start? For more on this and other great teeth-whitening techniques, head to the Crest Whitening strips blog, today, and bring out the best in your smile.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are Crest 3D White Strips with light safe?
The light from the 3D White Whitestrips with Light is safe for your eyes and skin. The light is not intense or hot, so it will not cause any damage to your teeth or gums. You may experience some sensitivity during treatment, but this is usually temporary and will go away once you stop using the strips. Whitening strips work – try Crest without hesitation.
Does Crest Whitestrips Work With Light?
Whether Crest Whitestrips work with light is a common question. Some Crest 3D Whitestrips are supplied with the LED accelerator light which is designed to activate the whitening ingredients in the gel more quickly. The light has been shown to speed up the whitening process by up to 50%.
Can you use Crest 3D White Whitestrips with Light more than once?
If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to limit your use of Whitestrips with Light to once a day. If you don’t have any sensitivity, you can use them twice a day.
How long do Crest 3D White Whitestrips with Light take to work?
The light works more quickly than the whitestrips alone, so you will see results sooner. Most people see a difference after the first treatment, but for best results, use them for the full duration per product direction.
Do I use Crest 3D White Strips with light everyday?
The LED accelerator light does not whiten teeth by itself. You should follow the product directions for the number of strip treatments you should do each day. If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to limit your use of Whitestrips with Light to once a day. If you don’t have any sensitivity, you can use them twice a day.
Which Crest whitening Strips are the strongest?
Our Crest Supreme Teeth Whitening Strips is supplied with the LED light and is our strongest product. It is also our most popular product. Crest 3D Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strips are another very popular and effective option.
Do dentists recommend Crest White Strips?
Many dentists do recommend Crest Whitestrips, as they are an effective at-home teeth whitening treatment. However, it is always best to consult with your dentist to see what the best option for you is.
Can I use whitening strips with LED light?
Yes. In fact, you will find many online stores in the UK like ours provide combination packs with strips and LED light.
What does LED light do for teeth whitening?
The LED light helps to activate the whitening gel and speed up the whitening process. It also helps to reduce tooth sensitivity.
How often should you use LED teeth whitening?
You should use it as frequently as recommended by the manufacturer or your dentist.
How long does it take for teeth to whiten with strips and LED light?
The duration of treatment will vary depending on the severity of your staining. However, you should see results after a few uses.
How long does crest blue light stay on?
The blue light will stay on as long as you keep the teeth whitening device in place.
What is the difference between strips and LED light?
Strips use a peroxide-based gel to whiten teeth, while LED light helps to activate the gel and speed up the process. It also helps to reduce tooth sensitivity.
How long does the crest LED light last?
You should expect to continue using your LED light for as long as maintain it by proper battery charge and storage. The LED lights are designed to last a long time.
Does LED light alone whiten teeth?
This is a common question and misconception. The LED light itself does not actually whiten teeth. The Crest LED light is used in combination with Crest’s whitening strips or gel to help activate the gel and speed up the process. LED light therapy is a great way to speed up the whitening process, but it’s not the only way. You can also use Crest 3D White Whitestrips or crest blue light with whitening toothpaste to achieve your desired results.
Are all LED teeth whitening lights the same?
There is a lot of variation in LED teeth whitening lights. Some are more powerful than others, and some have additional features like timers or UV filters. It’s important to do your research before purchasing an LED light to make sure you’re getting the one that’s best for you. The LED accelerator light provided by Crest in the UK are a great option because they are both powerful and affordable.
Are Crest 3D White Strips banned in UK?
Yes, Crest 3D Strips have been banned in the UK. European law restricts hydrogen peroxide content in cosmetic products to 0.1%, and 3D White Strips contain at least 6% hydrogen peroxide. As a result, they are not legally allowed to be sold in the UK. However, they are fully approved in many other countries, are proven safe, and available for purchase in the UK from online stores like that of Euro White.
Why are Crest strips banned in UK?
Hydrogen peroxide content in teeth whitening strips makes them susceptible to cause side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, but these are very mild and temporary. Overuse of Crest Whitening Strips UK could lead to more serious side effects. For this reason their use is restricted in all of Europe. Nevertheless, many people in the UK use them without any problems. Hence, are Crest whitestrips safe – without doubt, when used according to product guidelines.
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