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When it comes to teeth whitening (or any dental care, for that matter), the one place to visit is always a dental clinic. Dentists study extensively about oral health, are trained rigorously and are licensed to perform dental procedures safely and effectively. That said, some beauty salons still offer teeth whitening services which non-dental professionals perform. While the offers and attractive deals might seem tempting, it is important to consider the potential risks.
Think of it this way: Would you trust a dentist to cut your hair? Probably not. Just as you would not let a dentist handle your haircut, you should not rely on a beautician for teeth whitening. At least hair grows back if there is any mistake but issues with your teeth can have long-lasting effects on your oral health. Let's look at how teeth whitening differs when done by a dentist versus a beauty salon.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth staining, caused by food and drinks like coffee, tea and red wine, often leads to extrinsic stains on the surface of your teeth. There are various types of teeth whitening products available on the market but they all contain one main ingredient, that is peroxides. Peroxides are bleaching agents, with the most common ones for teeth whitening being hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. When applied onto tooth, they penetrate the tooth surface and break down stains, making teeth appear lighter.
Read more about how teeth whitening works here.
You can get teeth whitening products in two main ways, that is through a dentist at a dental clinic or over-the-counter (OTC) at pharmacies/online. These products differ in the concentration of active whitening agents they contain.
- Dental clinics utilise professional-grade teeth whitening products. Professional-grade products are strictly regulated in Singapore. According to the Health Sciences Authority, "Dental products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide are only allowed to be used by or supplied through registered dentists." Typically, the concentration of agents used in dental clinics for professional in-office teeth whitening is 30% or more.
- Beauty salons utilise over-the-counter teeth whitening (OTC) products. In Singapore, OTC products are only permitted to contain a maximum of 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. This is a stark difference from professional-grade whitening agents. Therefore, the teeth whitening agents that beauty salons offer are just not strong enough for effective whitening.
How does teeth whitening with a dentist differ from beauty salons?
| Teeth Whitening Dentist | Beauty Salons | What it means | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expertise | Performed by a trained dental professional with specialised knowledge in oral health | Performed by staff without specialised dental training | Safer and higher standard of care with a dentist |
| Product Quality | Uses professional-grade whitening agents for effective and quick results | Often uses over-the-counter products, which is not effective | Teeth whitening performed by a dentist is effective while treatments done at a salon is not |
| Customisation | Provides custom-made trays for even application and optimal results | Typically uses one-size-fits-all trays or generic applicators | There is increased risk of complications such as gum irritation or burns, at a salon |
| Safety | Conducts thorough oral examination to ensure whitening is suitable and manages potential risks | Beauticians are not trained, equipped nor licensed to perform assessment of oral health | Dentists ensure that the whitening treatment doesn't cause additional dental issues |
| Regulation | Operates under strict dental regulations and standards for safety and efficacy | Not regulated, with varying standards for service quality and safety | Dentists adhere to high standards, ensuring safety and effectiveness |
| Guidance | Provides professional guidance on product use and maintenance | May not offer detailed instructions or advice on proper use and aftercare | Dentists ensure proper use and care, enhancing results and safety |
| Risk of Adverse Effects | Lower risk due to professional and customised treatment plans | Lack of professional supervision, hence increased risk of complications | Higher risk of issues like sensitivity or uneven whitening at beauty salons |
Related Articles on Teeth Whitening
- Five ways how to whiten teeth naturally in 2024
- How does a professional teeth whitening kit for home use work?
Why should I visit a dentist instead of a beauty salon for my teeth whitening?
1. Expertise and Safety
When you choose a teeth whitening dentist, you're getting care from someone who truly knows their stuff. Dentists have the training and skills to carry out whitening treatments safely and effectively. They take extra measures to minimise potential risks such as gum irritation and tooth sensitivity, which beauty salons often do not provide. These include:
Gingival barrier
For in-office whitening, dentists apply gingival barrier (protective mask) onto your gums so as to prevent the whitening gel from directly contacting them and hence, protecting them.
Lip retractors and suction
Dentists also use lip retractors to hold your lips away from the teeth so that the whitening gel does not accidentally get on the lips. Suction helps clear away any extra gel and saliva, keeping everything clean and protected.
2. Customised Treatment With Whitening Trays
For professional at-home whitening, dentists fabricate custom-made whitening trays that is made by taking a dental impression of your teeth. These trays are designed to hold the whitening gel in place evenly, so you get consistent results without any leaks.
Click here to read more about whitening trays to help with your teeth whitening.
In contrast, beauty salons typically do not offer custom-made trays. Instead, they use OTC whitening trays that come in standard sizes and can lead to several issues. For example, if the trays don’t fit properly, there will be uneven whitening or gel leakage, leading to patchy results or gum irritation.
3. Professional-Grade Products
Concentration of active whitening agent
Dentists use professional-grade whitening agents that deliver noticeable results safely. Plus, they can recommend the best products for you to use at home for maintenance. Professional whitening treatments use products with 30% peroxide or more, which research has shown to be effective.
In contrast, teeth whitening products sold OTC do not contain more than 0.1% peroxide due to strict regulations in Singapore. Beauty salons often use these OTC products or even non-peroxide based options. This means the whitening agents are not strong enough to give you results.
Blue light
You may have noticed dentists using a blue light during teeth whitening procedures at dental clinics. This light speeds up the whitening process by activating the peroxide. It is important to understand that blue light itself does not whiten teeth, it just makes the whitening agent work better. Without a strong enough whitening agent, the blue light is pretty much useless.
In addition, not all blue lights are the same. The ones at dental clinics are professional-grade that does not emit heat. At beauty salons, the blue lights might emit heat which can burn the gums and lips if not handled carefully.
Check out our article on the whitening lights used in a dental clinic.
4. Comprehensive Care For Your Oral Health
Thorough oral examination
Before starting any whitening treatment, your dentist will examine for underlying issues like cavities or gum disease. Fixing these problems first ensures that your whitening treatment is effective and doesn't lead to additional issues. However, beauticians in beauty salons are not equipped nor certified to perform a dental examination.
Personalised whitening solution
Not all teeth whitening treatment are the same and neither are your whitening needs. Dentists can offer a personalised whitening plan to suit your specific requirements and budget. For whiter teeth, many turn to whitening toothpaste and over-the-counter products, which contain whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide.
These can help reduce surface stains but for more stubborn intrinsic stains, stronger whitening gels or bleaching gel in a home teeth whitening kit or professional office teeth whitening treatments may be required.
Interested in our teeth whitening packages? Click here to find out more.
Conclusion
While these teeth whitening procedures can be effective, they may also lead to tooth sensitivity, a common side effect. Choosing the right method to avoid unwanted side effects and achieve the desired results is important.
Beauty salons may seem like a cost-effective and tempting option for some but visiting a dentist is actually a better choice for a safe, effective and personalised treatment. After all, a truly beautiful smile begins with healthy teeth.
Drop us a message here to book an appointment.
References
- Walsh, L. J. (2008). Dental bleaching and beauty salons-a case of “little white lies”?. Australasian Dental Practice Magazine, 19(4), 46-50.
- https://www.hsa.gov.sg/consumer-safety/articles/online-diy-teeth-whitening-kit-pain