By Daniel Lewis Social media timelines are filled with folks using UV lights to whiten their teeth. From TikTok trends to Instagram influencers, people all over the internet are claiming these lights gave them the bright smile they’ve always wanted. Are these lights upending the professional teeth whitening business, reshaping long-standing practices and crumbling traditional practices?

In a time when patient safety and infection control are highlighted by a global pandemic, some dentists are still hesitant to use infection control barriers on their curing lights. While using barriers can require adjustments by the clinician (and have drawbacks, such as a dip in light output), proper application helps protect patients while minimizing issues experienced by the clinician.