As a result of an increasing concern over the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter teeth whitening products as they flood the market without certification and approval, the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) developed the New Regulatory Standards for Teeth Whitening Products in May 2013. This has brought about some changes over the dispensing of teeth whitening products in Perth and all other drugstores and supermarkets across the country. While consumers are assured about teeth whitening products dispensed through dental practices, considering majority if not all of them are certified, over-the-counter teeth whitening products generally are not. Hence, let us examine whether these products really work.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure ideal only for people who have healthy teeth and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best to this procedure, however it is recommended to consult a dentist before trying any of the over-the-counter teeth whitening products sold in the market.
Types of over-the-counter teeth whitening products:
1. Teeth whitening toothpastes
Toothpastes generally contain mild abrasives that are effective to remove surface stains. Since toothpastes are part of everyone’s daily hygienic routine, some contain added polishing or chemical agents to provide extra stain removal quality. While regular toothpastes help remove surface stains, whitening toothpastes can lighten teeth by one shade - still a long way to go compared to light-activated whitening performed at a dental practice which can ‘improve’ teeth color up to eight tones lighter.
2. Teeth whitening strips and gels
Whitening gels contain peroxide and are applied directly to the teeth’s surface with a small brush. The recommended application is twice daily for 14 days. Initial results are visible in a few days and are usually sustained for up to four months. Whitening strips, on the other hand, are virtually thin and invisible strips coated with peroxide-based whitening gel. The recommended application is twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Results are relatively similar to whitening gels.
3. Whitening rinses
Whitening rinses are a recent addition to the teeth whitening products range and contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide which is proven to whiten teeth. Like regular mouth wash, whitening rinses freshen the breath and help reduce gum diseases and dental plaque. Rinses are just swished around the mouth for 60 seconds twice daily and results may take up to 12 weeks to be seen. Experts say rinses are not as effective as the other over-the-counter products since contact to teeth is only for 2 minutes in a day compared to 30 minutes with whitening gels and strips.
4. Tray-based teeth whitening
Tray-based teeth whiteners are a whitening system which involves a mouth guard-like tray with added gel whitening solution which basically contains the bleaching agent, peroxide. The tray is worn for two hours daily – ideally during nighttime - for four weeks or longer depending on the degree of discoloration or the individual’s desired level of teeth whitening.
The facts about over-the-counter teeth whitening products:
• The New Regulatory Standards clarified that continuation of general sales for over-the-counter teeth whitening products is only for those that have lower bleaching ingredient strength of about 18% carbamide peroxide or equivalent to only 6% or less hydrogen peroxide as opposed to greater hydrogen peroxide concentrations of professionally applied teeth whitening systems. In terms of effectiveness, over-the-counter products perform lower.
• Over-the-counter mouth piece trays are generally “one size fit all” which could possibly compromise and irritate gums and soft tissues for some users. Ill-fitted trays allow more bleaching gel to seep into the tissue compared to a custom-made tray provided by dentists which minimizes the gel’s contact on the gums. In-office professional application of teeth whitening products allows the dentist to take an impression of your teeth and customize a mouth piece tray to fit your teeth more accurately.
• Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products in Perth are not endorsed by the ADIA because the association believes that professional consultation and application remains the safest and most effective teeth whitening method. However, several whitening toothpastes sold in drugstores are now certified by the ADIA.
• Over-the-counter teeth bleaching systems and products are cheaper than dentists’ supervised applications, however you need to weigh out if the cost of safety and peace of mind is something you would compromise.
Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products are really popular since they are cheaper than in-office procedures. Some do produce the whitening desired, however the concern is in the side effects they can cause to the teeth, gums and soft tissues in the mouth in the longer term. When in doubt, always consult a dental professional who will be able to provide you all the necessary advice you need on teeth whitening.
For more on anything Teeth Whitening, Cottlesloe Dental in Western Australia is a good source to go for information on Teeth Whitening.
No comments:
Post a Comment