There is a great deal of information available about the benefits of teeth whitening, but much less attention is paid to its risks. When cosmetic dentists are talking to their patients about the possibility of utilizing their dental whitening services they should definitely cover the advantages and potential risks that are involved, and explain how their use of professional whitening kits from Life-Like can help minimize any perceived negatives. Here are some concerns dental professionals should discuss when presenting teeth bleaching to their patients:
- Hypersensitivity: Certain patients who already have a high degree of tooth or tissue damage might be overly sensitive to some of the ingredients found in teeth bleaching kits. Before using a teeth whitener, the patient’s mouth should be thoroughly examined by a dental professional. Any health concerns should be addressed and corrected prior to the whitening process.
- Gum irritation: Some over-the-counter tooth bleaching products come with a one-size-fits-all or a heat-and-mold tray to hold the bleaching agent against the teeth. The problem is that these ill-fitting trays can irritate the gums and cause tissue damage. A dental professional fashions a custom-molded tray, and closely monitors the bleaching procedure for any signs of irritation.
- Uneven results: If teeth are overly stained in one area before bleaching, the post-bleaching results might be rather uneven. Lacking post-bleaching instruction, patients could also fail to realize that they might need to avoid certain types of foods initially so as to avoid quickly re-staining their teeth. A dental professional can provide education, monitor the teeth whitening progress, and provide whitening touch-ups as needed.
- Over bleaching: If a little is good a lot must be better, right? So some patients overdo the home bleaching process. Other products that promise quick results also lead to an overly-exaggerated state of whiteness. The dental whitening process is different based on each patient’s overall and dental health, and should be initiated in a dental office over a reasonable period of time.
In general, bleaching is not recommended for women who are pregnant, and should be postponed until after the baby is delivered. Also be sure to ask your patients if they are smokers, as bleaching may have a damaging effect on tissue that has already been compromised.
The key to success in tooth whitening is to have a high degree of communication and education between the dental professional and the patient. Call Life-Like at 800-543-3545 to learn how to educate patients about the benefits and risks of teeth whitening.
Dr. Rodney Ogrin, Founder and Owner
Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions
About Life-Like: Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions provides dental products for teeth whitening. Cosmetic dental practices use Life-Like’s professional whitening kits and at-home teeth bleaching kits to provide whiter teeth for patients. Visit the website at http://life-like.com to participate in the company’s “Marketing for Dentists” program at no cost. “Like” the Facebook page to receive regular tips on its teeth whitener products. Call 800-543-3545 for more information about increasing practice revenue by marketing dental whitening.
