What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a procedure performed by Dentists to improve the colour of your teeth. It involves a tooth whitening gel either Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide that you place into some custom made trays that you wear over night to lighten your teeth. The active whitening ingredient (Carbamide or Hydrogen Peroxide) penetrates your enamel to get to the discoloured molecules and over a period of 4-5 days you will notice a huge difference in the colour of your teeth. It is the perfect way to finish off your smile after orthodontic treatment!
Frequently asked questions
1. My hairdresser does tooth whitening in her salon is it ok to go there?
The answer is no. Only registered Dentists, Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Clinical Dental Technicians working to the prescription of a dentist can perform tooth whitening. The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTC) state that they will not insure any individual to perform tooth whitening. First of all they will not have insurance and secondly they will not have the correct equipment and training.
2. Is it illegal for beauticians to offer tooth whitening?
Yes. The High Court case of GDC Jamous confirmed that tooth whitening is the practice of dentistry and can only be legally performed by a dentist or a dental therapist, dental hygienist or a clinical dental technician working to the prescription of a dentist.
3. Can I book my son in for tooth whitening treatment for his 16th birthday?
No. Under the Cosmetic Products (Safety) regulations 2012 every patient must be over the age of 18 weather they are accompanied by an adult or not.
4. I want my teeth really white! I’ve seen some high percentage tooth whitening gels online will they be ok to use?
No. Firstly as stated before, only registered Dentists, Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Clinical Dental Technicians working to the prescription of a dentist can perform tooth whitening. Regulations allow the maximum use of 6% Hydrogen Peroxide present or released. 10% of Carbamide Peroxide would release a maximum of 3.6% Hydrogen Peroxide therefore 16% Carbamide Peroxide is used in Dental Practices as the maximum Hydrogen Peroxide it will release is under 6%.
For more information on tooth whitening and what St Michaels Orthodontics have to offer – http://beta.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk/tooth-whitening/