Did you know that Americans spend over $1.4 billion annually on over-the-counter teeth whitening products?
It is a guarantee that not every one of these purchases was researched to determine if these products actually work. Do over-the-counter whitening products actually whiten teeth? Is it worth visiting the dentist and spending the extra money to have professional whitening done?
At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing everyone within reach oral healthcare education. Today’s blog will hopefully answer many of our frequently received questions about teeth whitening.
What is the Hollywood Smile?
Cosmetic dentistry is a progressive segment of dentistry. There are constantly new materials, technologies, and methods to attain the best possible results. Cosmetic dentistry refers to any sections of dentistry that are designed to make the teeth, gums, and smile of patients as aesthetically pleasing as possible. You will see many dentists market themselves as cosmetic dentists. There is no formally recognized training involved in cosmetic dentistry so dentists can freely use this term in their description. This information makes it crucial for patients to interview the prospective doctor to determine that particular doctor’s qualifications. The best way to become trained as a “cosmetic dentist” is to become a master at the different treatments involved in this section as well as the ability to properly treatment plan any situation.
Demystifying the World of Whitening Products
Would you like a whiter, more healthy looking smile? Often times whitening can have tremendous impacts on the overall appearance of the teeth. Below are some common questions and answers about whitening.
The FDA explains that “bleaching” is indicated for use when teeth retain the ability to be whitened beyond their natural color. Included in this category are products containing different bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. “Tooth whitening”, by contrast, is the restoration of the natural color of the teeth by removing debris and removable stains. This is exactly why many of the “over the counter” advertised whiteners are permitted to utilize the term “whitening” when in fact it is a bit of a misnomer and the advertised results can be a bit misleading.