Chairside Connection: Perspectives on teeth whitening

Dec. 20, 2024
Why is whitening so popular and impactful for patients? Life events often lead people to brighten their teeth. How can dental professionals guide them toward the best experience?

Teeth whitening is popular with today’s patients. Irene Iancu, RRDH and myofunctional therapist, enjoys hearing about the monumental life occasions patients often share with her when they request teeth whitening.

While these life events are often the reason patients ask for whitening, Irene says it’s important to understand other reasons behind their desire and to discuss their goals with them. Philips offers questionnaires and tools to help with this. But keep patient expectations realistic because they often come in with photos of what they want that aren’t achievable.

Then there are the patients who may be too shy to ask about whitening, so it’s up to us to try to bring them out of their shell with thorough questions and explanations.

How about the dental pros who don’t approach the subject of teeth whitening unless the patient brings it up first for fear of offending them? There’s a gentle way to bring this up that’s worked for me: “If you’ve ever thought about whitening your teeth, now might be the perfect time because … .”

While whitening may seem straightforward, it’s a complex topic for both patients and doctors. Hear what else Irene and I discuss about whitening to start off your new year.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at pmuniz@endeavorb2b.com.

Related:

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, named chief editor of DentistryIQ