Illuminating the whitening debate

Proper teeth whitening has had its share of ups and down. Whitening has popped up everywhere, in (non-dental trained/registered) places like beauty salons, gyms, spa retreats, solariums.

At the moment, only registered dental practitioners (hygienists, dentists, therapists) are allowed to do this procedure in chair, simply for safety reasons.

I have been in the dental industry since 1998 (as a dental assistant, dental technician and currently a dental hygienist and a dental practice owner). I have been told by my Zoom supplier that I am the first dental hygienist to do this in Australia and that is a great achievement.

Purely Whitening is my little dental practice in South Yarra, looking after patients who wish to whiten their teeth safely and in a pleasant environment away from traditional dental practices.
Patients coming in are pampered with gourmet coffee and tea, a comfortable chair and a movie while you get you teeth whitened in a professional dental practice performed by a registered dental practitioner.

Last November, the  Dental  Board  of  Australia  released  an  interim  policy  on teeth whitening/bleaching which states that teeth whitening/bleaching is an irreversible procedure in terms of its actions on human teeth, and  that any teeth whitening/bleaching product containing more than 6 percent concentration of the active whitening/bleaching agent should only be used by a registered dental practitioner with education, training and competence in teeth whitening/bleaching.

In the interest of public safety and protection Purely Whitening also advises the public to ask questions before you have a whitening procedure. ­Am I a candidate for whitening procedure? Is the whitening gel safe for my teeth and gums? Are there any side effects that would permanently damage my teeth? What training, skills and knowledge do the operators have and are they registered dental practitioners? What is their infection control protocol?

If you are not satisfied with any of their answers, look for a safer place/practice. Your choice should not be cost-driven  as you may pay the price later.

Purely Whitening is a specialised whitening practice where teeth whitening is performed by a registered dental practitioner who is trained, has knowledge and skills to determine the cause of teeth discoloration and understands the anatomy and physiology of teeth and gums, and complies with infection control. Whitening performed by a dental practitioner at Purely Whitening is a safe and effective form of dental treatment.

By ANDREA KLEMAN (pictured), Purely Whitening.

info: Purely Whitening is at 55 Claremont St, South Yarra. For more information, call 02 9829 7701 or email  [email protected]