Teeth whitening is probably the most controversial cosmetic procedure recently, as it’s been in the news in a somewhat negative spotlight more than once in the last few months. And while the procedure can be relatively safe and beneficial (in cosmetic terms) when done properly, there is sadly a large number of people who practice it incorrectly, sometimes even crossing the legal lines just to get some quick cash.
Recently, Janet Johnstone was tried and found guilty for a teeth whitening procedure which she had no legal right to perform. She was found in violation of the Dentists Act of 1984, and was fined £1750, along with an additional £200 victim surcharge. On top of that, she would also have to pay £2500 to the GDC for the offense. It should be noted that the sentence was served in Johnstone’s absence, as she actually apparently decided to skip her own court hearing.
Recently, the law has been getting harsher and harsher towards people practicing teeth whitening without a valid license, and there seems to be a very good reason behind the crackdown. Illicit teeth whitening has evolved into its own industry, bringing in good profits for those involved in it, but also putting naive patients at risk.
It’s been reported that, when performed incorrectly, teeth whitening can actually be a very dangerous and potentially harmful procedure, leaving patients with laser burns and even more serious consequences, and putting them in a hospital for prolonged periods of time. Meanwhile, those performing the procedures don’t seem to care too much that they’re endangering the health of a human being.
People are often lured to teeth whitening when they see their favorite celebrities advocating the procedure. It’s no secret that teeth whitening is very popular in Hollywood, but it should also be noted that celebrities always get the procedure done through legitimate channels, not illegal dentists that charge half the price. And according to reports, some of those illegal teeth whitening procedures can actually be extremely risky, as in some cases the patient is just given a kit for at-home bleaching, and instructed how to use it themselves.
In the end, teeth whitening can definitely work, but experts say that it should only be performed by people who have actually been properly certified for it. The low cost of illegal teeth whitening procedures is definitely offset by the higher risk involved in those operations; and considering that there is a very real possibility of spending the rest of one’s life with a permanent injury, it’s really not worth the danger for something that’s ultimately nothing more than a cosmetic procedure.