​Is cosmetic teeth whitening the same as dental whitening?

Cosmetic teeth whitening and dental whitening share the same goal — a brighter smile — but they are offered in different settings.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic enhancement, not a medical necessity, therefore it’s classified as an aesthetic service (a beauty treatment), not a dental treatment. In Canada, whitening products are regulated by Health Canada as cosmetic and are widely available over the counter, without prescription. Because of this, whitening falls within the scope of certified teeth whitening technicians and estheticians. Cosmetic teeth whitening and smile bars are not a new concept; they have been widely offered around the world for more than 30 years.

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Dental clinics may offer whitening as a cosmetic add-on alongside oral health care. In many dental settings, whitening is delegated to dental assistants and hygienists or provided as take-home kits for clients to use independently. This reflects the fact that whitening itself is a cosmetic procedure rather than a dental treatment.

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Since it’s a treatment purely done for aesthetic purposes and has no health benefits, whitening is not a core focus of dental training and is often learned through additional courses or on-the-job experience.

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At Mint SmileBar, teeth whitening isn’t an add-on — it’s our specialty.

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We have whitened 20,000+ smiles, produce our own brand of professional whitening gels, and supply them to dental clinics, salons, and spas. We also provide professional whitening education and have trained hygienists and dental assistants who did not receive formal whitening training during their schooling.