It is according to the state of Connecticut. We’re pretty sure a good number of dentists out there would agree.
According to a recent DrBicuspid article referencing a local New Haven Independent publication…the Connecticut State Dental Commission has ruled that tooth whitening is dentistry and can no longer be performed at spas, salons, and shopping malls unless it is done under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Tooth whitening at the shopping mall…what’s next Botox® in the dental office?
While at-home whitening methods may yield short-term results, we have to understand that in order to properly diagnose any problem or potential problem related to our teeth and gums before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure; we would require the help of a professional.
The same holds true of certain aforementioned wrinkle wrecking cosmetic procedures!
Bleachorexia issues aside, applying some whitening strips and following the directions on the box to magically transform our corn colored chompers into dazzling white chicklets does offer some convenience, but at what cost?
And we don’t mean the $50 or so the products cost, we’re talking about the cost of our optimal oral health. Convenience is great, but is it really that much more convenient and cost-effective (never mind safe) to knock out the teeth whitening while we’re browsing the discount rack at the local mall?
Maybe it is, and maybe most of us are completely comfortable with the idea of shopping mall teeth whitening. When you think about it, we do some pretty weird things already, and plenty of things that don’t make sense when we consider the consequences and potential pitfalls.
Who is to say we can’t do 32 cumulative things at one time that don’t make dollars or sense?
The local beauty salon could certainly be another place to throw down some cash on a super terrific bright smile package; even the ubiquitous nail salon could pull off some teeth whitening to diversify their product offering.
But with hair care and mani-pedis already reaching critical mass on cost quotient, how much can we expect to pay at these places to have our smiles enhanced?
And will it really be a safer, more affordable option than simply asking our dentist about safe and effective teeth whitening options performed by a professional in the field?
