Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface or damaging it.
Did you know that only Dentists and Hygienists under direct supervision of a Dentist can carry out tooth whitening treatments? In fact it’s illegal for beauty therapists, pop up salons and over the counter treatments to carry out tooth whitening, as it is deemed the ‘practice of dentistry’, for which you must be a member of the GDC.
So what’s all the fuss? Products which contain over 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only legally be sold to a dentist. If you use anything less that 0.1% it’s unlikely to have any effect on the appearance of your teeth.
The strong chemicals used in tooth whitening treatments could permanently damage teeth and gums if not administered correctly. Dentists have spent years studying the structures of the mouth and can therefore notice disease and can resolve any issues which may arise during treatment.
As a result of this, beauty therapists are not insured, so if something does go wrong with the treatment, it is unlikely that you can be compensated and you will need to seek professional help.
The matter is so serious that anyone found to be illegally prescribing tooth whitening treatment, could face up to 16 months in prison!
If you are considering tooth whitening, always seek the advice of a dentist. If you would like further information about tooth whitening call Dentistry@68 and we can book you in for a consultation.