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
4 answers to “Why go to a dentist for teeth whitening?”

A: High concentration of bleach in OTC teeth whitening

Robert Fields, DDS

1. In Los Angeles shopping malls, there are spaces rented by people selling leather goods, jewelry and also teeth whitening!  These whitening kiosks have no professional supervision. They are marketing bleach for your teeth that is 18% in concentration! This is pretty powerful bleach, like your dentist... more

A: Predictability and safety are the most important reasons to have a dentist surpervised procedure

Michael J. Rechter, DDS

Going to the dentist is the best way to achieve safe, predictable results.  The in office procedures are the best as it is time efficient ( 1 visit), the most effective products can be utilized, and sensitivity and safety are most controlled. Dentist supervised at home procedures can result in very good... more

A: Okay but Buyer Beware....

Peter Boulden, DMD

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... more

A: Faster, safer, more predictable, convenient

Daniel W. Schiavone, DDS

In my experience: 1. There is an increased risk of soft tissue damage and post-op sensitivity with self administration but both are reversible problems. 2.True.  That's why it's "self-administered". 3.True.  Informed consent is an obvious requirement before any treatment is... more

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