Question:
There is a need to legalise tooth bleaching in the UK for the benefit of
patients. In many cases bleaching is the non-invasive treatment of choice.
Whilst tooth bleaching in the surgery with 35% Hydrogen Peroxide and home
bleaching with 10% - 15% Carbamide Peroxide are proven safe and effective,
the British Government has classified bleaching products as cosmetics which
makes them illegal. (For safety reasons, cosmetics must have less than 0.1%
of H2O2).
It is CODE's view that professional bleaching products should be immediately
reclassified as medical devices, which would enable them to be provided
legally by dentists. To this aim we intend to give a petition to the Prime
Minister which will be publicised in the general press.
Answer:
I am struck by this passage on the indicated web page...
"Many dentists do offer whitening treatments to their patients but they are
breaking the law for the sake of their patients health."
As far as I can see, bleaching IS a cosmetic treatment. I am uncertain how these
patient's health is being benefited by having whiter teeth.
Bleaching is a nice treatment, and I don't feel it should be illegal, but the
crusade needs to turn down the hyperbole a tad.
An improvement in cosmetics could improve ones mental health, which could
improve ones physical health. A prime example of this has been shown to
occur when plahseebough is used in treatment.
I suppose this is true. How about if they just tell the patient their teeth are
whiter. Power of suggestion??
Remember we are talking about the UK that is well know for their oral
hygiene.
Give them the mirror turn your P&C light on low and let them see,
Brush the teeth, do some scaling and a prophy
Using a 10 sec cycle with the composite light in that magical elliptical
motion
check your prophy on the anteriors
Cycle the P&C to high, show the difference to the patient in the mirror.
Bill em for a "whitening" procedure on the way out.
Repeat every 6 months sans perio,
every 3-4 with.
