The Dangers Of Unlicensed Teeth Whitening: What To Look For

Thanks to a recent media spotlight on “veneer techs,” many illegal businesses offering non-prep veneer services have closed up shop. However, some have transitioned into offering another service typically performed by licensed dentists — teeth whitening.

While the legality around offering veneer services without a dental license is clear (it’s very, very illegal), teeth whitening is a bit of a different story.

“The regulation of teeth-whitening services varies significantly from state to state,” said Dr. Jimmy Londono, a Georgia-based dentist and professor at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University.

While some states, such as California, only allow in-office teeth-whitening services under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, other states, like Utah, lack specific laws against unlicensed individuals whitening teeth.

Although teeth whitening offered by non-dental professionals may be legal in your state, the three dentists HuffPost spoke to warned that visiting one of these businesses is still risky.

In a statement to HuffPost on teeth whitening, the American Dental Association said, “The [ADA] urges the public to be cautious of services that eliminate the role of the dentist and recommends that you consult with a licensed dentist when considering a tooth-bleaching product.”

Typically, in-office teeth whitening from a dentist can cost between $100 to $500 per treatment, with some types of teeth whitening services costing upwards of $1,000.

But with a single teeth-whitening session from someone who’s not a dentist running as low as $85, it’s easy to see why some are tempted to skip the dentist’s office, particularly for a treatment that’s seen as primarily cosmetic rather than medical.

Some businesses within the beauty industry, such as barber shops and nail salons, may offer teeth whitening as another beauty-enhancing treatment. And while teeth whitening is mainly a cosmetic service, the dentists HuffPost spoke to emphasize the importance of including your dentist in any decisions involving your oral health.

“Licensed dental professionals are trained to handle all aspects of teeth whitening, ensuring that treatments are both effective and safe,” Londono said. “The risks associated with unlicensed whitening practices outweigh the potential benefits.”

For many in-office teeth whitening services, a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide mixture is placed on the teeth to bleach stains for a dazzling white smile. While your teeth might appreciate the whitening power of hydrogen peroxide, your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth certainly don’t.

That’s why dentists use protective barriers like dental dams or gel to prevent the solution from irritating sensitive tissues, ensuring the hydrogen peroxide solution only touches your teeth.

“Placement of this material requires specific skills and training,” said Dr. Jon Marashi, a Los Angeles-based dentist.

If the barrier is placed incorrectly, Marashi cautions that the high concentration of hydrogen peroxide could potentially damage the patient’s gums and tooth-root surfaces.

“If [the protective barrier] is not properly protected, it can result in damage to the cementum and hypersensitivity. Peroxide can also get on the tooth root surfaces, which can cause nerve sensitivity and pain,” Marashi said.

When you visit a licensed dentist, you can not only rest assured that they have the correct training and experience for your dental needs, but they also have access to the correct materials and tools (and that they know how to use them).

“Unlicensed individuals often face challenges in obtaining professional-grade dental supplies, which are typically restricted to licensed practitioners,” said Londono. “They may also use substandard or improperly mixed whitening agents, which can lead to ineffective results or damage to the teeth and gums.”

Without a supplier number, Londono says unlicensed individuals may need to resort to purchasing their products from unregulated online marketplaces. “These products can be of questionable quality and may not adhere to safety standards, posing additional risks to patients,” Londono warned.

Some teeth-whitening businesses even carry teeth-whitening products that you’d be hard-pressed to find in a dentist’s office, such as 24kt Gold Teeth Whitening Gel, a gel mixture of 35% hydrogen peroxide and gold particles.

“While the use of gold in cosmetics is not new, there is no scientific evidence supporting any additional dental benefits from gold in whitening treatments,” Londono said. “The gold particles are primarily a marketing gimmick, designed to create a sense of luxury and exclusivity rather than to enhance whitening efficacy.”

“Gold should not cause any issues with whitening, [but] I do not see it helping with whitening, either,” said Dr. Rich Homer, an assistant professor and section head of Dental Conservation and Restoration at the University of Utah School of Dentistry.

While licensed dentists and dental professionals must maintain strict hygiene and safety protocols from their training, you cannot ensure the same from unlicensed individuals.

“[Unlicensed] practitioners may not adhere to proper hygiene practices or safety protocols, increasing the likelihood of infections or other complications,” Londono said.

Additionally, Londono notes that in the event of a medical emergency or adverse reaction, unlicensed individuals may not be prepared to provide aid.

“The oral cavity is complex and must be looked at in its entirety before a product is placed in the patient’s mouth,” Homer said.

When you visit a dentist for a teeth-whitening session, your dentist isn’t just there to administer the bleaching agents — they also use their years of experience and expertise to determine whether or not teeth whitening is an appropriate option for you.

“Certain individuals should approach teeth whitening with caution,” Londono said. “Those with sensitive teeth or gums, significant dental restorations, or existing oral health issues may experience discomfort or complications.”

Additionally, Marashi recommends those who grind their teeth or have exposed dentin avoid teeth-whitening services. While a dentist may easily spot if you grind your teeth, an unlicensed individual may not be able to do the same.

“For the safest and most reliable results, seeking treatment from a qualified dental professional is the best approach,” Londono said.

The expertise from a licensed dentist can not only provide you the safest option, but they can also determine whether or not certain bleaching agents are appropriate to whiten your specific teeth stains.

“Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration,” the American Dental Association said in a statement to HuffPost. “A licensed dentist will be able to tell whether whitening or bleaching procedures are appropriate courses of action for a patient’s concerns.”

Even if your state does allow non-dentists to perform teeth whitening, our dental experts advise the risk isn’t worth the reward.

“Dentists have the training and background to protect the patient from any unintentional soft or hard tissue trauma or side effects,“Homer said.

And if in-office teeth whitening from a licensed dentist isn’t in the budget for you, there are many safe, quality over-the-counter whitening options available.

“It’s important to look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for any at-home whitening treatments to make sure that the product has been tested for safety,” Marashi said.

Below is a list of dentist-recommended at-home teeth-whitening kits.

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