Okay but Buyer Beware....

Peter Boulden, DMD answers: Why go to a dentist for teeth whitening?

We're working on a story about cosmetic teeth whitening.  An organization called the CCTW (Council for Cosmetic Teeth Whitening) argues that self-administered teeth whitening is safe.  We would like your opinion on the CCTW statements:

  1. Consumers face NO risk by doing self administered teeth whitening
  2. Self administered teeth whitening does not require the assistance of a dentist.
  3. The consumer has the right to chose how they want their teeth whitened.
  4. With the economy melt down, many cannot afford the high cost of a dentist, nor want to sit in a chair for 1 1/2 hours to have their teeth whitened. Cosmetic teeth whitening is safe, affordable and effective

Peter Boulden, DMD
8 months ago
By Peter Boulden, DMD - Atlanta Cosmetic dentist

I agree with that OTC whitening CAN be both effective and safe.    Yet here are advantages to PROFESSIONAL whitening:

Stronger concentrations:   We simply have stronger concentrations of whitening agent.  Concentrations so strong that we must isolate the soft tissue (mucosa) and other surrounding tissue.    Without having this the tissue would 'burn'.  

 Time advantage:  Many people don't want to mess with trays and messy gels for two weeks at a time or more.   In this society, the in-office professional whitening represents time-saving and convenience.  

Consultation or Exam prior:  We routinely exam the person prior to undergoing whitening procedures.   We look for :

  • Undiagosed disease (like periodontal disease) or oral cancer screening
  • Old restorations that will not whiten.  Many people sometimes forget that they had old bonding done or crowns placed (and they won't whiten)

 

 

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