Teeth whitening services are popping up in mall kiosks and beauty parlors raising the question: Is this practicing dentistry?

Montgomery County, Alabama Circuit Court Judge Tracey Mc Cooey thinks it is. In a ruling dated Feb 5, 2009, the court found that the processes by which the plaintiffs (White Smile USA) provide teeth whitening services constitute the performance of a dental operation and not merely the sale of a product.

Judge McCooey cited the possibility that these businesses are compromising the health and safety of its customers in performing teeth whitening. There is a risk of cross-contamination and the spread of disease and or infection.

Contraindications to whitening need to be considered. These include but are not limited to: patients taking medications that are subject to photosensitivity, patients with decay, gum disease, or have root sensitivity, and patients with existing dental work that are not compatible with whitening.

Dentists recommend supervised whitening as the safest, fastest and most economical way to whiten your teeth and maintain the result. Light activated bleaching is not always the best option for every person. A dentist can consider a patient’s dental history and situation when recommending the most appropriate whitening method. Dentists find that light activated bleaching at the dental office is the fastest way of whitening your teeth. At home tray whitening with or without light activated bleaching is the best way to maintain a bright, long lasting white smile.

Dr. Edwards has extensive whitening experience. He and his staff help patients make an individualized choice. Call Smile Design Center at 321-751-7775 or visit www.smiledesigncenter.us for more information.