Why Go to a Dentist for 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:

Consumers face NO risk by doing self administered teeth whitening
Self administered teeth whitening does not require the assistance of a dentist.
The consumer has the right to chose how they want their teeth whitened.
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

Tags:

opinion pros and cons

Comment on this

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Real Beauty News in Worldwide

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (0)

Okay but Buyer Beware....

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... more

Zoom Whitening vs OTC comes down to ROI

If a person simply wants whitER teeth, then the cheapest method is a good idea. But if they want them the whitEST, there should be professional supervision. Without a pro, the consumer likely will ingest much of the gel, creating free radicals in their body. They are more likely to burn the gum tissues, or to avoid this they would use lower concentrations of gels (which won't get teeth AS white). Is there NO risk? Doubtful, but buyer beware. #2 and #3 seem logical, but can be applied... more

High concentration of bleach in OTC teeth whitening

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 uses! You do not have trays to hold the bleach that are made for your mouth. The chances of having your gums fried are good and there is no one to check you to see how things are going with... more

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

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 results as well, however we have found that these procdures often resulted in higher levels of sensitivity and a decline in patient compliance as it may not have been done exactly as... more

Faster, safer, more predictable, convenient

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 rendered. 4. True. 1 1/2 hours is double the time required though. Whitening by dentist is certainly faster, safer, more predictable and more convenient. If you are willing to pay for these things and want... more