The truth about over the counter whitening products!
Achieving a dazzling, radiant smile is a common desire for many people. In today’s market, there is an abundance of over-the-counter (OTC) teeth-whitening products that promise to deliver just that. While these products may seem enticing due to their affordability and accessibility, it’s essential to exercise caution before reaching for that purple toothpaste or inexpensive whitening strip. In this article, we will explore the world of OTC whitening and help you understand what factors you should consider.
We’ll also introduce you to the safer alternative for teeth whitening, with insights from leading experts in the field, Dr. Linda Greenwall, the top leading whitening expert in the country, Dr. Nilesh Parmar, the leading implant and cosmetic dentist in the UK and award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr. Rhona Eskander.
Quick Fix or Just Quick Tricks?
Are you tempted by OTC whitening solutions like purple toothpaste, whitening strips, non-prescribed whitening gels, or charcoal toothpaste? While these products might be budget-friendly, they lack the professional guidance of a dental expert, which can pose risks to your oral and overall health. Dr. Linda Greenwall, an internationally recognized authority on tooth whitening and aesthetic dentistry, conducted a study in 2019 regarding the safety and effectiveness of ‘over-the-counter’ bleaching products in the UK. She has valuable insights to share, The safety and efficacy of ‘over the counter’ bleaching products in the UK
Dr. Linda Greenwall
Dr. Linda Greenwall’s research revealed that products containing concentrations greater than 0.1% or less than 6% of hydrogen peroxide (HP) should only be sold to dental practitioners. Unfortunately, an increasing number of ‘non-hydrogen peroxide’ products have flooded the market, available for purchase without prescriptions. These products may give the appearance of brighter teeth but do not provide actual teeth whitening and may contain unregulated chemicals that can be potentially harmful.
" OTC products lack regulation and scientific backing to ensure their safety and efficacy "
Historically, most trusted whitening treatments have used ingredients like Carbamide Peroxide (CP) and Hydrogen Peroxide (HP). Since the late 80s, when a revolutionary whitening method using night guards was introduced, countless studies have vouched for the safety and effectiveness of such treatments, but only when provided by professionals like Enlighten.
Click the image above to watch Dr. Nilesh speak about a well known over the counter colour correcting product.
OTC products may superficially remove stains, giving the illusion of whiter teeth, but they fail to address intrinsic stains that professional treatments target. Furthermore, many OTC products lack regulation and scientific validation to ensure their safety and efficacy. This landscape of quick fixes and instant gratification is influenced by social media, making it essential to navigate wisely.
Genuine or gullible?
Social media has become a significant platform for shopping and product discovery. However, it’s crucial to separate the hype from reality. While some products genuinely enhance our routines, others may be the result of clever marketing tactics. OTC whitening products cannot provide the long-lasting whitening results you seek and will be a wasted investment. Dr. Nilesh Parmar, a specialist in cosmetic dentistry, tested a popular OTC whitening product that went viral, and his verdict was clear – it falls short compared to professional treatments.
Click play to watch Dr. Nilesh Parmar talk about a very well known product in the market, stating it whitens your teeth instantly ^
Dr. Parmar’s verdict after testing the popular product simply doesn’t measure up to professional treatments. Nilesh’s thoughts on social media promoting teeth whitening products are concerning,
" OTC whitening products simply don’t measure up to professional treatments "
Dr. Parmar emphasizes that if teeth could be whitened as easily as OTC products claim, the dental industry, which invests millions in research annually to treat complex cases and ensure safe whitening, would have been revolutionized. Companies like Enlighten continue to thrive because they deliver consistent, long-lasting results that OTC products cannot match.
We also sought the perspective of Dr. Rhona Eskander, a multi-award-winning dentist renowned for her innovation in dentistry. While Dr. Eskander acknowledges the innovation behind OTC teeth whitening products containing Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP), she approaches them cautiously. According to Rhona, these products promise modernity and convenience but often fall short in terms of efficacy. The results are typically short-lived and inconsistent.
Rhona Eskander
While Rhona appreciates the innovation behind over-the-counter teeth whitening products with PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), she approaches them with caution. Rhona shares, “They promise modernity and convenience, and the appealing purple color is designed to neutralize yellow tones. However, from a professional standpoint, I often find their efficacy lacking. They might seem like a quick fix, but in reality, the results are often short-lived and inconsistent.”
Dr. Eskander has been using Enlighten Whitening for years, as it offers predictability and excellence. Enlighten consistently achieves the lightest shade (VITA shade B1), the most natural shade of white, regardless of the starting color. With a personalized 3-week at-home treatment, it ensures a comprehensive whitening experience tailored to individual needs.
Putting your smile first!
In a world where instant results are highly sought after, it’s essential to understand the importance of quality, safety, and lasting outcomes in teeth whitening. While a brighter, whiter smile is a universal desire, achieving it should be approached with caution and care, ensuring that your investment yields good results. Professional whitening is based on personalized assessments and treatments, ensuring that the procedure matches your unique needs and providing guidance on maintaining the results.
OTC whitening products, while accessible and tempting, fall short of delivering promised results. Their efficacy is limited, and their use can be ineffective and unsafe. When it comes to achieving a radiant smile, the expertise and personalized care offered by dental professionals are unmatched. Quality should never be compromised for the sake of convenience.
Dr. Linda Greenwall, an expert in tooth whitening and aesthetic dentistry, runs a private practice in London specialising in restorative dentistry. She founded the British Dental Bleaching Society in 2008 to advocate for better bleaching legislation and educate dentists. In 2011, she launched the Dental Wellness Trust to raise dental awareness globally.
Dr. Rhona Eskander, a Leeds University graduate, won 'Best Case Presentation' during her vocational training and 'Best Young Dentist' in 2016/2017. She is a member of several prestigious dental associations and has been recognised for her work in aesthetic dentistry.
Dr. Nilesh R. Parmar, specialising in implant dentistry and sedation for nervous patients, has won multiple awards including 'Young Dentist of the Year' in 2014. He holds degrees from all three London Dental Schools and offers training and mentoring in implant dentistry.
