The use of blue light technology has been a common phenomenon in over-the-counter and in-office teeth whitening. This technology has been proven to speed up teeth whitening without significant side effects.
One of the latest additions to the teeth-whitening world is the electric toothbrush with blue light. These products can aid in teeth whitening in a more convenient way.
But are these products effective? Should you consider adding an electric toothbrush with blue light to your oral hygiene regimen?
Get all the answers to these and many other questions to help you determine if blue light electric toothbrushes are worth it.
Understanding Blue Light Technology in Toothbrushes
Blue light technology in teeth whitening refers to using blue light to activate the bleaching agents in a teeth whitening gel or solution. This light comes from a device directly placed over the teeth and left on for a specific amount of time.
How Does Blue Light Technology Work in Teeth Whitening?
The way blue light technology works in teeth whitening is pretty straightforward. When the blue light device is placed over the teeth, it activates the hydrogen peroxide in the teeth whitening solution.
The hydrogen peroxide further breaks down into water and oxygen, which, in turn, bleaches the enamel and removes discoloration and any stains.
According to dental experts, blue light technology can also penetrate the teeth, allowing the whitening solution to penetrate the teeth and work more effectively. This makes it possible to lift deeper stains which may be difficult to eliminate through other methods.
The concept of adding blue light technology to electric toothbrushes creates more flexibility and convenience for those looking to whiten their teeth and maintain their oral hygiene but don’t have the time or resources to go for different treatments.
Moreover, these toothbrushes make it easier to apply the bleaching agent much slower, meaning even those prone to tooth sensitivity can also enjoy pearly whites. An electric whitening toothbrush with blue light technology works just like the standard blue light devices, as it emits the light used to activate the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening toothpaste or gel, thereafter breaking down the stains on teeth.
Is Blue Light Technology in Teeth Whitening Effective?
Various studies have indicated that blue light technology in teeth whitening effectively removes stains. It also helps to maintain the overall brightness of teeth.
However, while blue light technology has been shown to be effective, its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the individual and the severity of their stains. You also have to ensure that you choose the best toothpaste to help you achieve a whiter smile.
Moreover, using blue light technology for teeth whitening may not be ideal for everyone. This is because those with gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral problems may have to resolve the issues before trying out blue light technology for teeth whitening.
Popular Blue Light Toothbrush Products In 2023
Blue light toothbrushes are becoming an increasingly popular trend thanks to their ability to boost oral hygiene while whitening teeth much faster than conventional toothbrushes.
Besides helping whiten teeth, the blue light therapy technology in these toothbrushes also assists in killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. The same can be achieved using other top-of-the-line electric toothbrushes like Quip, but only more effective than conventional ones.
You can find more information on our quip toothbrush review.
Several brands have already ventured into this trend by developing their lines of electric toothbrushes with blue light technology. Most of these products have advanced features that can help users in improving their overall oral health and brushing habits.
If you are looking for the best electric toothbrush for whitening with blue light technology, here are a few top-rated examples:
Snow LED Whitening Electric Toothbrush
Snow is quite a popular brand in the oral care industry, having developed a number of successful and highly-rated dental care and cosmetic products.
The Snow LED Whitening Electric Toothbrush is one of their latest entrants and has taken the top spot in many reviews as one of the best electric toothbrushes with blue light.
The electric toothbrush uses blue light therapy, which helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the mouth. It also comes with a built-in timer and a pressure sensor which allows users to brush for the recommended period and avoid damage to teeth and gums.
Oralucent Starter Kit
The Oralucent Starter Kit is another popular blue light toothbrush product in 2023. This complete teeth whitening and oral care kit comes with a blue light toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
All these items in the Oralucent Starter Kit work together to improve oral health and whiten teeth. The toothbrush uses blue light therapy to kill bacteria and improve the effectiveness of the toothpaste and mouthwash, and fasten the whitening process if using teeth whitening toothpaste or gel.
GOSmile Sonic Blue Smart Brush
The GOSmile Sonic Blue Smart Brush is another contender for the top spot among the best electric toothbrushes with blue light technology.
This is a smart toothbrush that uses blue light therapy to whiten teeth and improve oral health. It has multiple brushing modes and a timer to ensure users brush for the recommended two minutes. Moreover, it also connects to a mobile app that provides personalized brushing tips and tracks the user’s brushing habits over time.
Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush
Colgate is another large company with globally renowned oral care products. The Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush is a popular blue light toothbrush from the company. This product uses blue light technology to kill bacteria and improve oral health.
Like other smart toothbrushes, the Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush also connects to a mobile app that provides personalized brushing tips and tracks the user’s brushing habits over time.
The toothbrush also has multiple brushing modes and a built-in timer to ensure that users brush for the recommended two minutes.
Colgate also has a number of smart toothbrushes in their product line that you can consider, including the Hum toothbrush.
You can find more information in our comprehensive hum toothbrush review.
Pros and Cons of Using Electric Toothbrushes with Blue Light
Electric toothbrushes with blue light have transformed oral hygiene and teeth whitening. These products are rapidly gaining popularity, with many people switching from the famous debate on conventional electric toothbrush vs manual.
However, while these toothbrushes seem to be a game-changer, they still face a few drawbacks. It is important to go through various blue light toothbrush reviews and consider the pros and cons to help you to determine if they are the right products for you.
- Better cleaning efficiency: Electric toothbrushes are more efficient at removing plaque and bacteria than manual toothbrushes. When combined with blue light, which has been shown to kill bacteria and improve oral hygiene, the cleaning efficiency of electric toothbrushes becomes further enhanced.
- Stain removal & whiter teeth: Blue light effectively removes surface stains on teeth, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile. People that regularly consume a lot of tea, coffee, or red wine, may find this toothbrush helpful as it helps to get rid of surface stains brought about by such drinks over time.
- Improved gum health: Several electric toothbrushes with blue light with advanced capabilities come with a gum massage feature. This feature has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the gums. Such a feature on a toothbrush can benefit those with gingivitis or other gum problems.
- Time-saving: Electric toothbrushes are designed to clean teeth more efficiently and quickly than manual toothbrushes. This can save time in the morning or evening, allowing individuals to get to work or bed faster. Moreover, those that wish to whiten their teeth no longer have to switch between devices (teeth whitening kits and toothbrushes) during their oral care routines, as all this can now happen in one device.
- High costs: Electric toothbrushes with blue light are often more expensive than manual or basic electric toothbrushes. This can be a drawback for individuals on a tight budget.
- Battery life: Electric toothbrushes with blue light require batteries or a rechargeable battery, which may need to be replaced or recharged frequently. This can be inconvenient for users who travel frequently or forget to charge their toothbrushes regularly.
- May trigger tooth sensitivity: Some users may find that the blue light irritates their teeth or gums, especially if they have sensitive teeth or gums. It is important to start using the toothbrush slowly and stop using it if discomfort or irritation is experienced.
Ultimately, the decision to switch to an electric toothbrush with whitening light should be based on individual preferences and needs. You may also have to consider additional features like a toothbrush subscription to narrow your search.
Nevertheless, conducting personal research and consulting with a qualified dentist before changing your oral hygiene routine would be prudent.
Cost Of Electric Toothbrush With Blue Light
The cost of an electric toothbrush with blue light varies depending on several factors, including the brand and the additional features. You can easily find basic models costing from $20 to $50.
However, more advanced models with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity or time-tracking can cost over $100.
Generally, such toothbrushes are more expensive than basic electric or manual toothbrushes. Nevertheless, it is advisable to research and compare prices before settling on a product.
In-Office Blue Light Teeth Whitening Procedure
The in-office blue light teeth whitening procedure is pretty straightforward. Once your dentist has applied the whitening agent to the teeth, they, thereafter, place a device with blue light therapy over your teeth to speed up the process.
The same case applies to at-home teeth whitening products. You simply apply the whitening gel and then cover your teeth with the blue light device.
Alternative Light Technology Teeth Whitening Treatments
Some users may not find blue light as an ideal teeth whitening treatment. Fortunately, there are other light technology teeth whitening treatments that you may consider, such as:
Halogen light
Halogen light has been shown to improve the results of a teeth whitening procedure. Although more research is still needed in this field, this option is available in some dental clinics, and you can inquire from your dentist if they offer halogen light teeth whitening.
Ultraviolet light
You may also opt for an FDA-approved ultraviolet light or laser to boost your teeth whitening efforts. It is important to discuss your options with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for UV-light teeth whitening.
Is Blue Light Teeth Whitening Safe?
Blue light teeth whitening is generally considered safe. It can be found at the dentist’s or in at-home teeth whitening products, the latest entrants including toothbrushes. The blue light used is non-ionizing and does not contain sufficient energy that can cause any harm to the body.
However, some people may experience mild to moderate sensitivity when using blue light technology for teeth whitening. Should this happen to you, discussing your options with your dentist would be prudent.
FAQ
Blue light technology toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses blue light to whiten teeth. The blue light emitted onto the teeth helps activate the whitening gel or toothpaste and enhances its whitening effects.
The results from using a blue light technology toothbrush vary from one person to another, depending on various factors like the severity of the stains. However, it is possible to see results within just a few weeks of regular use.
As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to brush at least twice daily for approximately two minutes. This is also the recommended use frequency for a blue light technology toothbrush.
You may not be an ideal candidate for using a blue light toothbrush if you have braces. This is because the light may not access behind the brackets and wires. It would be advisable to wait until the braces are removed to start using these toothbrushes.
Sources
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- Evaluation of bleaching efficacy of 37.5% hydrogen peroxide on human teeth using different modes of activations: An in vitro study. (2016). Retrieved 29 March 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4872582/
- A clinical study of the effectiveness of a light emitting diode system on tooth bleaching. (2012). Retrieved 29 March 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23056159/
- Tooth Whitening: What We Now Know. (2014). Retrieved 29 March 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1532338214000499?via%3Dihub
- A Clinical Study of the Effectiveness of a Light Emitting Diode System on Tooth Bleaching. (2012). Retrieved 29 March 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3466022/?_ga=2.16627894.1252143398.1512077656-970936839.1510722429
- The effect of light-activation sources on tooth bleaching. (2014). Retrieved 29 March 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4178330/
- Affordable electric toothbrush with LED whitening technology. (2021). Retrieved 29 March 2023, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-021-2829-y
