Wanted: Whiter, Brighter Teeth (1)

AACD members say they expect the demand for teeth whitening to increase this year

MADISON, Wis. (4/21/10)—Teeth whitening seems to be on everyone’s wish list—and this momentum is likely to continue through 2011, according to a quick poll of member dentists at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

AACD members performed an average of 77 whitening treatments last year, and 57% said they expect this number to rise.

“We are doing more whitening than ever before in our practice,” says Shannon Pace Brinker, certified dental assistant and clinical editor for CPS magazine. Pace Brinker performed more than 400 whitening treatments in the past year, and gives credit for the treatment acceptance due to the ability to offer a high quality whitening system with options to treat her patients based on bleaching strength, time, finances and patient compliance systems within her practice at Greenbrier Dental in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Pace Brinker says that her practice has reduced its whitening fees, which has not only brought in more patients seeking whitening—but it’s also opened their eyes to other cosmetic dental treatments.

“Our existing patients are saying ‘yes’ to other procedures after the whitening such as bonding, replacing amalgam fillings, and replacing porcelain restorations to match the whitening they have achieved,” she said.

While the number of patients seeking whitening treatments will likely increase this year, Pace Brinker expects that the fees for whitening will actually decrease, due to specials offered by dental practices through deal-a-day sites like Groupon and LivingSocial.

Reference information: www.aacd.com/

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment.