The dangers of teeth whitening without a license: What to look out for

Thanks to a recent media spotlight on “veneer technologies,” many illegal businesses that offer non-prep veneer services have closed shop. However, some have switched to offering another service usually performed by licensed dentists – teeth whitening.

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

“Regulation of teeth whitening services varies significantly from state to state,” he said Doctor Jimmy Londona Georgia-based dentist and professor at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University.

While some states, such as Californiaonly in-office teeth whitening services under the general supervision of a licensed dentist are allowed in other states such as Jutelack specific laws against unlicensed teeth whiteners.

While teeth whitening offered by non-dentists may be legal in your state, the three dentists HuffPost spoke with warned that visiting one of these businesses is still dangerous.

In a statement to HuffPost about teeth whitening, the American Dental Association said, “The [ADA] urges the public to be wary of services that remove the role of the dentist and recommends consulting a licensed dentist when considering a teeth whitening product.”

Typically, in-office teeth whitening by a dentist can cost between $100 to $500 per treatmentwith some types of teeth whitening services costing over $1,000.

But with just one session of teeth whitening by someone who is not a dentist as low as $85it’s easy to see why some would be tempted to skip the dentist’s office, especially for a treatment that’s seen as more cosmetic than medical.

Some businesses in the beauty industry, such as barbershop and nail salonscan offer teeth whitening as another beauty enhancing treatment. And while teeth whitening is primarily a cosmetic service, HuffPost dentists spoke to emphasize the importance of including your dentist in any decisions regarding your oral health.

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

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

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

“Placing this material requires specific skills and training,” he said Dr. Jon Marashia cosmetic dentist based in Los Angeles.

If the dam is placed incorrectly, Marashi warns that the high concentration of hydrogen peroxide could potentially damage the gums and root surfaces of the patient’s teeth.

“If [the protective barrier] not properly protected, can cause cement damage and hypersensitivity. The peroxide can also get into the root surfaces of the teeth, which can cause nerve sensitivity and pain,” Marashi said.

When you visit a licensed dentist, you can not only be sure that they have the right training and experience for your dental needs, but they also have access to the right 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 limited to licensed practitioners,” said Londono. “They may also use substandard or improperly mixed whitening agents, which can lead to ineffective results or damage to teeth and gums.”

Without a vendor number, Londono says unlicensed people may have to resort to buying their products from unregulated online marketplaces. “These products may be of questionable quality and may not comply with safety standards, posing additional risks to patients,” Londono warned.

Some teeth whitening companies even have teeth whitening products that are hard to find in the doctor’s office, such as 24K Teeth Whitening Gela mixture of 35% hydrogen peroxide gel and gold particles.

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

“Gold should not cause bleaching problems, [but] I don’t see it helping with whitening either,” she said Dr. Rich Homerosassistant professor and head of the Department of Restorative and Restorative Dentistry at the University of Utah School of Dentistry.

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

“[Unlicensed] “Professionals may not follow proper hygiene practices or safety protocols, increasing the chance of infections or other complications,” said Londono.

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

“The oral cavity is complex and must be considered as a whole 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 whitening agents—he’s also using his years of experience and expertise to determine if teeth whitening is the right choice for you.

“Some people should approach teeth whitening with caution,” Londono said. “Those with sensitive teeth or gums, major dental restorations, or existing oral health problems may experience discomfort or complications.”

Additionally, Marashi recommends that those who grind their teeth or have exposed dentin avoid teeth whitening services. While a dentist can easily detect if you are grinding your teeth, an unlicensed person may not be able to do the same.

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

Expertise from a licensed dentist can not only provide you with the safest option, but can also determine if certain whitening agents are suitable for whitening your particular 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 bleaching or bleaching procedures are appropriate actions for a patient’s concerns.”

Even if your state allows non-dentists to perform teeth whitening, our dentists advise that the risk is not worth the reward.

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

And if in-office teeth whitening by a licensed dentist isn’t in your budget, there are plenty of safe, quality over-the-counter whitening options.

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

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

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