FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1997
CONTACT:
Chris Martin; [email protected]
Jann Ingmire; [email protected]
312/440/2806
Nine of Ten Dentists Offer Tooth Bleaching
CHICAGO - A survey published in a supplement to the Journal of the
American Dental Association (JADA) revealed that nine of 10 dentists
offer vital tooth bleaching, one of the most popular cosmetic dental
procedures to lighten the shade of teeth. The survey was conducted by
Clinical Research Associates, and the dentists were members of the
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. This sample is not
representative of all U.S. dentists. Results were presented at "The
International Symposium on the Non-Restorative Treatment of Discolored
Teeth," held last fall at the School of Dentistry of the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The symposium was supported by Colgate
Oral Pharmaceuticals.
The survey polled 8,143 dentists about their experiences with in-office
tooth bleaching procedures. Other results include:
Dentists' Experience with Tooth Bleaching
Almost eight of 10 dentists reported success with the tooth bleaching
procedures while 12 percent were not satisfied with the concept.
Dentists indicated that most carbamide peroxide products lose 80 percent
of their active ingredient 120 minutes after being place in the
patient's mouth. Based on this experience, the report
questions the necessity of overnight bleaching. However, the report
points out that many patients may prefer to have the bleaching trays in
their mouths while they sleep so as not to interrupt normal activities.
Side Effects
Dentists surveyed reported the following side effects in their patients
who received bleaching treatments:
* 62.2 percent noted tooth sensitivity in 10.7 percent of their
patients;
* 45.9 percent reported soft-tissue irritation in 5.6 percent of the
patients;
* 2.1 percent of the dentists noted systemic effects 0.2 percent of the
time; and
* 18.8 percent of the dentists reported their patients had no side
effects.
The reports of side effects underscore the need for patients to visit a
dentist if they are considering a tooth bleaching treatment.
Most Common Techniques
A majority (62.2 percent) of survey respondents said they used a
carbamide peroxide bleaching system, while many (26 percent) used
in-office light and chemicals. A few (7 percent) dentists use heat and
chemicals. The most common brands used are the three ADA Accepted
bleaching systems: Opalescence Tooth Whitening Gel; Colgate Platinum
Professional Tooth Whitening System and Rembrandt Lighten Bleaching Gel.
These products use a 10-percent carbamide peroxide solution, which is
equivalent to three percent hydrogen peroxide.
Restoring Teeth After Bleaching
A majority of dentists report waiting more than three weeks after
bleaching before they start restorative procedures, but 20 percent wait
more than three weeks. The report indicates that oxygen bubbles present
after bleaching make it difficult to bond to teeth. Restoring teeth
after bleaching is also desirable because it allows the dentist to match
the shade of the newly bleached teeth.
Average Fees
Members of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry in the CRA survey
reported in 1995 that, on average, they charge a range of between $250
and $440 for carbamide peroxide bleaching.
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