Whitening Kits vs. Whitening at the Dentist
By Dr. Ronald K. Thompson | Published on June 30, 2011 | 0 Comments
If America is anything, it’s convenient – almost too convenient, some may say. With the countless drive-thru establishments you can visit to pick up a meal, delivery to your door for anything from your groceries to movies, and the vast selection of products you can find online, it’s simply amazing how we ever leave our houses nowadays.
But, when it comes to your health, perhaps taking the road of convenience and affordability isn’t the wisest route to be on. While you wouldn’t find a heart surgeon or psychiatrist on Craigslist, some feel that it’s appropriate to get their teeth whitened from a whitening kit they purchase at a local Walgreens or CVS, than to visit their Mesa, AZ cosmetic dentist. Ronald Thompson, the dentist and owner of East Valley Dental Care, elaborates on why going to the dentist before you purchase a teeth whitening kit is a sound medical decision for his patients.
The Mesa, AZ dentist, who performs general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and is even able to provide Invisalign for his Mesa, AZ patients, has nothing against people buying teeth whitening kits – they will in fact whiten one’s teeth if used correctly. What he takes some issue with is that when self-medicating, whether it be diet pills, over the counter orthotics, or teeth-whitening agents, people many times are not experienced or knowledgeable enough in the ways of biology and bio-mechanics to know what is best for them.
The way Dr. Thompson allures people to his office is by giving a $99 teeth whitening to his patients (with trays and whitening gels). This is a one-time price, and he will give them complimentary trays and gels on each of their regularly scheduled dental check-up visits. Although he does make some financial gain with this procedure, he really does it to get people in the door, so he can see if there are any serious dental issues that are pressing.
And this is Dr. Thompson’s real interest – his patients overall dental health. And because many people are scared to go to the dentist, if he can get them to come in for a teeth whitening, he still can do a quick check-up to see if any serious dental matters come up.
Moreover, the whitening that is done in a dental office is of a stronger concentration than over-the-counter products, and will last longer. So, even though you may be thinking that for half the price of seeing your Mesa, AZ cosmetic dentist you can purchase a teeth whitening kit, in the end, you may be paying even more for whiter chops.
Thompson does say that if a patient wants to go out and purchase a teeth whitening kit in a drug store that is fine; but please, he insists, check with your dentist first.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.