December 7, 2015
Learn where to find FDA-approved teeth whitening treatments
Most Americans look to the FDA for reassurance that the foods and medications they put into their bodies are safe. Any while you would not actually ingest a teeth whitening product, you might nonetheless wonder what the FDA has to say about them.
If, like many people, you simply assume that all products on the shelf at your local pharmacy are safe, you will be surprise to learn that:
Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products are Not FDA-Approved
The teeth whitening products you can buy in the store contain lower levels of peroxide and other active ingredients compared to what you would receive in a dentist’s office. In fact, the levels are so low that these over the counter products are classified as cosmetics, not drugs. This means that they are not subject to the FDA and have not been reviewed or approved by that organization.
This is troubling because teeth whitening products contain more than just the peroxide or other active ingredient. But if the product has not been reviewed, how are we supposed to know all the ingredients are safe?
Recent research into another industry not subject to FDA regulation—namely the supplement industry—has shown that products seldom contained what was on the label. Often supplements were found to either not contain as much of the active ingredient as promised or else have additional off-label ingredients that could actually be dangerous to individuals with allergies or cause medication interactions.
If You Want Safe Teeth Whitening Treatments, Visit Your Dentist
If you don’t like the uncertainty that comes with using an over-the-counter teeth whitening product, you would be better off visiting the dentist for professional teeth whitening.
All teeth whitening products that dentist use are subject to FDA approval. This includes not only the peroxide gel but also any activation methods that are used, such as special lights.
Besides being safer, professional teeth whitening treatments are also more effective than over the counter products. Because they are administered under the care of an experienced dental professional, they contain stronger bleaching agents for a more dramatic improvement in the color of your teeth. Plus, the treatment is also more comfortable because rather than using awkward strips and trays, the whitening agent is carefully painted onto your teeth. Also, at the dentist, protection for your gums is provided to prevent irritation—a common compliant from at-home whitening product users.
Want Really Effective Whitening?
If you want to really improve the brightness of your smile, we recommend scheduling a dental cleaning before your teeth whitening treatment. This ensures surface stains will be scrubbed away, allowing the whitening agent to do more work on deeper stains. To make your appointment, contact one of our clinic locations today.
FAQs
California has stricter regulations for professional teeth whitening when compared to other states. One must be a registered dental professional in order to legally offer teeth whitening services in California.
Are teeth whitening products FDA approved? ›
Teeth Whitening Devices Can Only Be FDA Registered Not Approved. Because teeth whiteners are Class I medical devices, the FDA does not grant them approval. These devices must still be registered with the FDA, however, to show they adhere to general safety and effectiveness regulations.
Do you need a license to whiten teeth in New Jersey? ›
How Do I Get Trained To Offer In-Office Teeth Whitening In NJ? To offer teeth whitening services, you must be a licensed professional that operates or works in the dental field. Before worrying about training, you should first decide which treatment method and products you are going to use.
What makes you ineligible for teeth whitening? ›
People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
What qualifications do I need to do teeth whitening? ›
Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist.
What credentials do you need to whiten teeth? ›
Do you have to be certified to whiten teeth? No, there are no laws in the US and Canada that require you to be certified to whiten teeth.
Can I start my own teeth whitening business? ›
The teeth whitening business is a great business. It's very easy compared to other businesses, and, for most people, it's very profitable. You can set up a laser teeth whitening business just about anywhere: in a dental office, salon, spa, kiosk, or even have a mobile teeth whitening business!
Can anybody do teeth whitening? ›
You can have it done at a dentist's office, or do it yourself at home. Tooth whitening is most often done using peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.
How much is teeth whitening in Jersey? ›
In Surgery Whitening Combined with Home Whitening £474.
Which teeth cannot be whitened? ›
Teeth that have yellowed with age
Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
Though teeth whitening is a noninvasive dental procedure, at-home kits, even when used by the average healthy patient, can come with risks and side effects. Tooth sensitivity, adverse reactions to dubious ingredients, and a poorly done or inconsistent job of teeth whitening can result.
What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›
Teeth Whitening Disqualifications
Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.
Can you whiten teeth without a degree? ›
Only go to a registered dental professional for teeth whitening because whitening by people who aren't qualified, for example in beauty salons, is illegal. Home kits also carry risks.
Can you do teeth whitening if not a dentist? ›
If you are not a registered dental professional, it is illegal for you to offer tooth whitening treatment regardless of any short training course that you have undertaken. You should stop offering treatments immediately and remove all advertising as, to do otherwise, might put you at risk of a criminal prosecution.
Most Americans look to the FDA for reassurance that the foods and medications they put into their bodies are safe. Any while you would not actually ingest a teeth whitening product, you might nonetheless wonder what the FDA has to say about them.