Want To Whiten Your Teeth? Watch Out For This Major Scam

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.”

Teeth Whitening: A Risky Business

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