bleaching

Tooth whitening brightens teeth, but some worry it may damage tooth enamel. Well, researchers have found that home bleaching does not damage enamel.

Published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, this study examined the effects of 10% carbamide peroxide (the active ingredient in many home teeth whiteners) on human tooth enamel.

They found that teeth bleaching does not effect enamel wear. (However, dentin is susceptible to erosion from tooth whitening products.)

This is excellent news, dispelling any notions that whitening yellow teeth through cosmetic dentistry can be bad for one's oral health.

Tooth Whitening and Cosmetic Dentistry Don’t Always Go Hand in Hand

Tooth Bleaching Not Always a Gateway to More Cosmetic Dental Work

tooth bleaching and cosmetic dentistry In this survey, we asked dentists what percentage of their patients who initially request tooth whitening go on to have additional cosmetic dental procedures. Two out of three dentists reported a conversion rate of less than 40%.

“Tooth whitening and cosmetic dentistry go hand in hand. 95% of my highest earning cases are cosmetic.” (Scotland dentist)
“Hype, for the average patient.” (Pennsylvania dentist who does not offer tooth whitening)
“It is the direction dentistry is going, so you either embrace the change or get left behind.” (Texas dentist)
“Whitening is not popular in blue collar neighborhoods.” (Illinois dental student)
“Maybe it’s just in my area, but there sure aren’t as many patients beating down my door for cosmetic treatments like LVI and other gurus would have you believe. The kids’ karate lessons, the cruise, and the new SUV are all way more important.” (Illinois dentist)
“Whitening opens the door to more to more cosmetic dentistry.” (New Jersey dentist)
“Tooth whitening is only temporary, and it has limitations. This has to be stressed to the patient.” (New Jersey dentist)