The Hospital Group Asks: Are You Addicted to Teeth Whitening?

A perfect smile can be a real asset for anyone, and increasingly people are using teeth whitening treatments in order to try and obtain one. However, there are concerns that a small percentage of people are overusing these treatments, especially in the case of over the counter products, in some cases to the point of addiction. Dentists including Marty Zase, DMD, the current president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, have stated that there is a definite tendency for some people to overuse over the counter teeth whitening products, although the majority of people do not. Professional teeth whitening can last for as long as eighteen months and is the most effective way of achieving that perfectly white smile. The Hospital Group offers a free initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist and patient care coordinator with no obligation, ensuring anyone considering professional teeth bleaching can discuss the procedure thoroughly before making a commitment. Many of the patient care coordinators at The Hospital Group have undergone a teeth whitening procedure themselves and are therefore able to provide first-hand information about the treatment. The Hospital Group have put together this article in order to take a closer look at teeth whitening procedures, both professionally administered and over the counter and discuss the concerns of dentists about the small number of people overusing these.    



Professional Teeth Bleaching at The Hospital Group

Professional teeth bleaching has been shown to be the most effective way of achieving a pearly white smile without damage to the teeth or gums. Gums are protected using gel or a rubber shield and the whitening agent is applied through the use of a specially designed tray that closely fits the mouth. While results are instantaneous after the very first appointment, The Hospital Group usually advise patients to book two appointments a fortnight apart to top up and make the effects last longer. There are also home whitening kits available. The procedure is safe and painless, with any side effects such as increased sensitivity or discomfort in the gums being very short term – they will usually go away within a few days.    

Are Over the Counter Whitening Kits Safe?

There are two main types of home whitening kits available to purchase over the counter. There are either tray-based systems to be worn over the teeth for a certain amount of time, or whitening strips that can be applied to the surface of the teeth. The majority are supposed to be used on a daily basis for a period of two to four weeks before treatment is complete. There is no evidence to suggest that these products are unsafe, although they are far less effective than professional bleaching as the amount of peroxide used is so small. Most products have built-in safety measures to prevent people from over-treating unless they abuse the product. When the product is left on for too long, most people begin to experience throbbing pains in and around the tooth, although these go away after a time.    



Tips for Teeth Whitening  

The Hospital Group recommends that even in cases where a home treatment plan is going to be used, anyone considering teeth whitening first see a dentist to discuss whether or not this is a good option in terms of individual dental health, what results to expect and the reasons for discolouration in the first place. Having realistic expectations from the beginning is important, as some people will simply not have the teeth for the results they want. People thinking about having a teeth whitening treatment should do some or all of the following:  

• Use a desensitising toothpaste preceding and following treatments
• Have teeth professionally cleaned immediately prior to the first application
• Ensure all directions and instructions are followed precisely to avoid accidentally overusing products
• Avoid food and drinks that can cause staining such as tea and coffee
• If any increased sensitivity occurs at any point, stop the treatment immediately – once the sensitivity is gone treatment can be restarted, but for a shorter period of time or at a lower level of intensity
• If you have bridges, crowns or veneers, these cannot be treated with a whitening product

A perfect smile can make a huge difference to an individual, but it is important to go the right way about getting it and not ending up with teeth that glow in the dark or sore and sensitive gums. A free, no-obligation consultation with The Hospital Group lets you talk over your needs and any fears you may have with someone who has already experienced the procedure before making any commitment to any form of treatment, be that at home or chair-side. There is no damage to the structure of the teeth and the procedure is entirely painless, resulting in a much younger, fresher look.