Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in recent years, promising to enhance the smile and boost the confidence of anyone and everyone who undergoes the treatment. With the rise of DIY home whitening kits, various unregulated training courses and false certifications, many people claim to offer ‘professional teeth whitening treatment’ without this being truthful. In this article, we will explore why teeth whitening should always be performed by a qualified and legally registered dental professional, the importance of working with someone who has the correct credentials and how to ensure your teeth whitening treatment is safe and legal.
The Importance of Legal and Qualified Technicians for Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, also referred to as teeth bleaching, involves the application of bleaching agents to remove stains and lighten the colour of your teeth. While it may seem like a simple procedure, it requires a specific set of skills and knowledge to ensure the treatment is carried out safely and effectively.
Health and Safety Considerations
The products used in teeth bleaching treatments contain active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can cause harm if not used properly or advised to use by a professional. If the bleaching agent is applied incorrectly or too frequently, it can lead to long-term tooth and oral health problems such as:
- Tooth sensitivity – Whitening agents can irritate the enamel, making your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Gum irritation – The teeth bleaching agent may come into contact with your gums, leading to irritation or even burns.
- Uneven results – Without the proper technique, the treatment may not work as expected, resulting in patchy or uneven whitening.
A qualified professional such as a dentist or a dental hygienist, will have all the necessary training to assess your oral health, choose the right treatment for your needs and avoid any unwanted side effects. They will also be able to advise you on the best aftercare to maintain your results.
Legal Regulations for Teeth Whitening in the UK
In the UK, the law surrounding teeth whitening is clear: only qualified dental professionals are legally allowed to carry out teeth whitening treatments. This includes dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists who are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
If someone who is not registered with the GDC performs teeth whitening, it is considered illegal. This is because they may not have the necessary expertise to carry out the procedure safely. Non-dental professionals offering teeth whitening services will be risking not only the health and safety of their clients but also the possibility of legal consequences.
Why Do People Think Anyone Can Do Teeth Whitening?
Despite the legal restrictions in place, many people still believe that anyone can perform teeth whitening. This misconception is partly due to just how popular and varied the list of non-professional services and DIY products has gotten. These services and products also tend to offer the promise of teeth whitening results at lower prices compared to professional alternatives.
Certification Does Not Equal Qualification
One of the reasons people might assume anyone can offer teeth whitening is because of the existence of various training courses. These courses often promise to certify individuals to carry out teeth whitening procedures. However, these certificates do not grant legal permission to perform the treatment unless the individual is registered with the GDC.
While some beauty therapists, for example, may complete a short training course and receive a certificate, they are not legally permitted to carry out teeth whitening without proper dental qualifications. Certification from a course does not substitute for the extensive education and expertise that comes with being a registered dental professional.
Cheaper and More Convenient Teeth Whitening Alternatives
Many non-dental professionals who offer teeth whitening will do so at a much lower price than a dentist, which can be very appealing for those looking for a more affordable option. However, these unregulated services are incredibly risky, as they lack the necessary safeguards and expertise, which in turn justifies the lower price point they feel comfortable offering. The temptation to save money can result in poor results or, even worse, harm to your oral health.
While it might seem convenient to opt for an unqualified technician, it’s important to remember that the risks often outweigh the savings. A professional, qualified dentist will ensure your treatment is not only safe but tailored to your specific needs so that the results will last longer.
Overview of Teeth Whitening Methods
There are several methods available for whitening your teeth, each with varying degrees of effectiveness and safety. Understanding these options will help you make an informed choice when seeking a professional treatment.
- In-office whitening – Performed by a dentist using stronger bleaching agents that are applied under controlled conditions. The results are immediate, and your dentist ensures the treatment is safe and effective.
- At-home whitening kits – These are usually provided by your dentist and come with custom trays and a lower concentration of the whitening agent. While less potent, these kits are safe to use under the guidance of a dental professional.
- Over-the-counter products – Available in stores, these kits vary in their effectiveness and often use weaker whitening agents. They may not deliver the same level of results or be as safe as professional treatments.
By choosing a professional treatment, you can be confident in the safety and quality of the results, as well as receive tailored advice based on your oral health.
Whitening Products Available in Salons or Non-Dental Settings
One of the most common places you will see unregulated teeth whitening services offered is in beauty salons and non-dental clinics. However, it’s crucial to be aware that these services may not be carried out by qualified professionals and could be operating outside the law. Non-dental professionals may use unregulated products, which can pose significant risks to your teeth and gums. Always check that the person providing the treatment is registered with the GDC and that they are using safe, legal whitening agents.
How to Spot an Unqualified Teeth Bleaching Technician
Choosing a professional who adheres to legal guidelines ensures your treatment is safe and effective. Theres’ a few different red flags or giveaways to keep an eye out for when researching or shopping around for the right technician to carry out your desired procedure. These include:
- Lack of visible certification or GDC registration – The most clear red flag – a qualified dental professional should display their credentials clearly for you to see.
- Overly cheap prices – While competitive pricing is reasonable, a significantly lower price could indicate substandard products or illegal services.
- No consultation or medical history review – A qualified dentist will always carry out a thorough dental examination to assess your oral health before recommending any treatment.
- No cleaning or polishing before treatment – Be wary of anyone who does not suggest or carry out teeth cleaning or polishing before the application of any whitening agent. It’s essential to remove any plaque or tartar buildup before the whitening gel is applied, to ensure consistent and long-lasting results.
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening
For some people, the fact of the matter is that teeth whitening might not be the most suitable treatment option available. This can be due to existing dental conditions like cavities, gum disease or enamel erosion potentially complicating the procedure. In such cases, a qualified dentist will identify these issues during your consultation or medical history review, and from there alternative treatments may be suggested such as veneers, composite bonding or dental crowns. Always consult with your dentist to explore the best solution for your smile.
Choose Professional and Legal Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is an effective and popular way to brighten your smile, but it’s crucial to ensure the treatment is carried out safely and legally. Always choose a qualified and GDC-registered dentist or dental professional to perform teeth whitening. Doing so will protect your health, ensure that the treatment is effective, and help you avoid legal issues.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, don’t take unnecessary risks with unqualified technicians. At Cheslyn Hay Dental Practice, we offer professional teeth whitening services that are safe, legal, and tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey to a brighter, healthier smile.
