In our survey, we asked dentists from across the nation what percentage of their patients who initially request tooth whitening go on to have additional cosmetic dental procedures. Two out of three dentists reported a conversion rate of less than 40%. That doesn’t mean that tooth whitening “leads to more cosmetic dentistry”, but it means that it does lead to greater dental awareness for these patients with sufficient means to ask the very question in the first place.

“Whitening opens the door to more cosmetic dentistry,” commented one general dentist. Another disagreed, saying, “There sure aren’t as many patients beating down my door for cosmetic treatments like LVI and other gurus would have you believe. The kids’ karate lessons, the cruise, and the new SUV are all way more important.” Here are some better, even if not bigger considerations: 1 – Utah Dentists reported that 40-60% of patients who came in for whitening procedures requested additional medical treatments. 2 – In places where the economy was slowing, dentists found that just 20% of clients made up more than 60% of cosmetic dental procedures. While we don’t support the division of classes as such, we can understand why those with sufficient means ensure their toothy grin looks perfect, even in times when they may not have means sufficient to afford such dental luxuries. If they find the value, perhaps you might do so as well. 3 - Patients need to know the facts about tooth whitening - Tooth whitening is only temporary, and it has limitations. This has to be stressed to the patient. Cosmetic dentistry should only be done in the patient’s best interest. I have seen it completed on some patients who never needed it. A true doctor sometimes has to look beyond a patient’s teeth. There has to be a point when you say to a patient, ‘You don’t need it.’ Look at Michael Jackson. More doctors should have said no to him. Unfortunately, some doctors think they can do no wrong.

Consider these factors before making your decision. It is possible that there is no benefit to your future professional prospects that my require a crystalline set of pearly whites, or that the customers, distributors and investors would find no benefit either way. Only you can make these decisions. Regardless of your post in life, or the likelihood of your insurance to repay such expenditures, if you aren’t willing to part with your pearly white chompers, and you live in or around Snohomish County, you should take the time to talk to Dental Care Design in Lynnwood for a no-hassle, no obligation consultation to find out what is still possible, what possibilities still exist, and determine what your insurance might pay for them either way.