There is no question that UV rays can be cosmetically enhanced to enhance our appearance. It can lighten your hair and give your skin a nice glowing tan, but what about when it comes to your teeth?
Since many dental practices utilize artificial UV lights and whitening solutions to brighten your smile, it’s fair to ask if the sun can do the same.
In short, the answer is no, the sun is not able to whiten your teeth naturally.
The Science Behind Teeth Whitening And UV Light
Most people tend to think their smile becomes naturally brighter and whiter during the summer months. The sun does not directly brighten your smile but it will darken the skin surrounding your smile.
Because we tend to spend more time outside during the spring and summer months, we’re also likely to develop a darker skin tone than what we would have in the winter. This can give the perception of a brighter smile, simply because your face looks darker than it is during any other time of the year.
Most patients who undergo professional teeth whitening that involves UV light might think that the concentration of these rays is responsible for brightening your teeth. In reality, UV light only acts as an aid to the peroxide gel placed over your teeth. By exposing your teeth to UV light with this gel, the peroxide molecules seep into your enamel even faster which gives you that stunning white smile.
Does the sun whiten your teeth? It does not, however, in professionally controlled settings similar rays can act as an aid that could make your smile seem brighter!
UV Light & Teeth Safety
It’s widely known that the sun’s rays can cause harmful skin problems when little to no safety precautions take place. The same can be said about using a DIY teeth whitening kit. Most provide warnings and instructions regarding the safety of UV and the whitening agents in these products. Misusing a home tooth whitening treatment through prolonged exposure to sunlight might cause damage to your enamel, uneven whitening, and tooth sensitivity.
Rather than attempt the teeth whitening process through a home kit and then spend hundreds on repairs, it’s better to pursue a professional treatment in the first place.
If you’re seeking a dentist that offers professional teeth whitening services, look no further than Naperville Commons Dental. We offer ZOOM! Teeth Whitening services that will brighten your smile in no time at all. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.
