I just have to ask the question because I can’t stop wondering what’s with the blue light with Zoom whitening? I love my newly whitened smile. I don’t think my smile has ever looked so good. When I was telling my friend about Zoom, she told me I fell for a gimmick and that the blue light is pointless. Is this true? What is the blue light used for in Zoom whitening? Please tell me I didn’t fall for a gag?

-Gentry in New York

Gentry,

It’s possible your friend may have come across the controversial blue light debate online. The blue light is actually LED lights. The lighting runs at different intensities. A home tooth whitening systems may utilize an LED light. In this manner, when it is not done professionally, the light really doesn’t have a purpose. It is for show. So that may be how Zoom’s blue light is getting a bad reputation. These lights on the makeover shows you see on television and in some home whitening systems, utilize a timer and provide the consumer a feeling like something more is happening.

The Zoom whitening systems uses the light to trigger a reaction in the teeth whitening gel. It increases the rate at which the cosmetic dentist will be able to deliver results. When a non-light, Zoom system is used, most dentists agree that the results are not as noticeable. The quality of the blue light matters as well. But to answer your question, the blue light does serve a purpose when used in a professional dentist’s office. The active ingredients are activated when the light is administered during treatment. Your dentist will send you home with Zoom whitening gel for you to use for touch-ups. The at-home treatments, do not require a light. The results you see in the office are much faster than any take-home whitening system and much more dramatic. This is largely due to the combination of the ingredients in the Zoom formula, used with the powerful Zoom light.

Hopefully this helps you build your defense with your friend. The bottom line is that you love your new white smile!