Many of us dream of a whiter, brighter smile and with many treatments now available it’s easier than ever to get your teeth sparkling – but at what cost?
A recent report by the LGA has issued a startling warning about the number of ‘rogue’ beauticians now offering teeth whitening treatments and those who sell ‘illegal’ teeth whitening kits.
It claims some of the kits contain 300 times the legal limit of hydrogen peroxide, which would be like brushing your teeth with household bleach.
It also revealed a “worrying number” of unqualified staff offering the treatment, despite the fact that it is illegal for anyone other than a qualified dental professional to perform teeth whitening treatments on business premises.
In the UK, shop-bought treatments can contain a maximum of 0.01% peroxide, increasing to 6% for professionals. However, some illegal kits have been found to contain 33% peroxide, which could cause substantial harm to teeth and gums, including blistering and burns.
In one area of the country alone, 15,000 illegal teeth whitening kits were seized last year and, across the UK, 32 people were prosecuted.
If, like many other people you are considering teeth whitening then it is vital that you discuss any treatment with your dentist, and not a beautician is offering a ‘quick-fix’.
As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Safe and effective teeth whitening doesn’t happen overnight and requires the knowledge and skill of a dental professional.
We offer every patient a dedicated consultation to ensure our tooth whitening system is suitable for them.
Teeth are whitened over a 14-day period at home, using a custom-made tray and specialist whitening gel, which ensures even coverage – unlike DIY kits that can often result in uneven or spotty whitening due to ill-fitting trays.
The patient is then invited back to the surgery again for a final hour-long treatment to boost the shade and guarantee even coverage.
If you’re considering teeth whitening or any other form of dental treatment, make sure you speak to a qualified dentist first.
