Excessive whitening can damage teeth — Dentist
A dentist, Dr Michael Awua-Mensah, has cautioned against the unprofessional application of whitening gels and solutions to the teeth because it could cause damage, extreme sensitivity and gum burns.
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He said in the quest to achieve that ‘hollywood smile’, some people might be tempted to go above the recommended three-session rule even though it was impossible to bleach the teeth to a pearly white colour.
In an interview with The Mirror on Tuesday, Dr Awua-Mensah, who is a general dentist at the Safadi Medical Hub in Accra, explained that “natural healthy teeth are meant to have a tinge of yellow or grey and if one wants to achieve that A4-sheet white teeth, permanent solutions such as, veneers are viable option”.
The trend of teeth whitening is attributed to the desire of individuals to have picture-perfect smiles
Trend and process
The dentist attributed the trend of teeth whitening to the desire of individuals to have picture-perfect smiles like that of some international celebrities, the fear of being ridiculed by peers and the need to look and feel confident.
“At our facility, for instance, we always try to manage patient’s expectations and advise them because some come with unrealistic demands”, he explained.
Dr Awua-Mensah said the process was a non-invasive procedure done with the use of a bleaching agent called hydrogen or carbamide peroxide in high concentrations to break down stains and discolouration in order to brighten the natural colour of the teeth.
He added that a blue Ultra Violet light was then used to activate the chemical which could be found in toothpastes and mouth washes but in very low concentrations.
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“Three-sessions at most, with each sessions two or three weeks apart is recommended for better results and each session lasts about 20 minutes.
It is also advised that the treatment be done by a dental professional in order to determine the most suitable option based on an individual's needs and budget,” he stated.
Effects
On effects, Dr Awua-Mensah said when done right, patients often experienced a boost in self-confidence and a more youthful smile.
“It is, however, a temporary solution and its longevity depends on the individual’s oral hygiene, diet and lifestyle choices.
It typically lasts between six months to two years with good care but when you drink wine, coffee, tea, fizzy drinks or smoke often, you risk losing the effect faster”.
He mentioned some side effects as mild sensitivity or burn which cleared in a day or two but warned of the severe pains and burns when the chemical got in contact with the gums.
Cost
Touching on cost, Dr Awua-Mensah said this varied from affordable at-home kits to professional in-office treatments.
“In professional treatments, service charges are at the discretion of every dental clinic but often, prices are quoted after examination or consultation to determine the condition of the teeth and the extent of stains or discolouration”, he said.
Our reporter also spoke to another dentist, Miss Rebecca Owusu of Laserglow Dental Clinic at East Legon, Accra who said they charged Gh¢ 200 per session.
A staff of Beaming Smiles Dental Clinic at Dansoman, Accra said their price was pegged at Gh¢ 90 per session.
Dr Awua-Mensah then advised that although over-the-counter products were budget-friendly, they might not yield the desired results due to the low concentration of the active chemical and potential risks.
He also emphasised that some conditions were genetic and so might not respond to whitening treatment, however those which were not could be treated with regular scaling and polishing.
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He, therefore, said there was the need to consult professionals first.
Veneers
He explained that veneers were custom-made, thin shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that were bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve shape, correct misalignment, close gap, size, and colour.
In Ghana, veneers cost between GH¢ 1,500 to GH¢ 5000 for a custom made porcelain for a tooth
“It is a viable option but very expensive due to it being custom-made and tailored to each individual’s treatment plans.
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In Ghana, such treatment can cost between GH¢ 1,500 to GH¢ 5000 for a custom made porcelain veneer for a single tooth” he said.