The teeth whitening industry in Canada is booming — but here’s the catch: it’s unregulated.
That means anyone can throw together a “professional kit,” throw up a website, and call themselves a supplier. But just because something looks professional doesn’t mean it’s safe, compliant, or even remotely legit.
If you’re running a clinic, spa, or whitening studio — protecting your business starts with knowing the red flags.
Let’s break it down.
🚩 Red Flag #1: Claims of “Health Canada Approved” Whitening Products
Cosmetic teeth whitening products in Canada are not approved or registered by Health Canada.
Let’s be clear:
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Cosmetic products must follow the Health Canada Cosmetic Hotlist
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They do not go through a Health Canada registration or approval process
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If someone tells you their whitening gel is “Health Canada approved” — that’s a major red flag
The only way a product would be registered with a Health Canada medical license number is if:
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It contains fluoride, which makes it a medical product
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The HP percentage is over 25%, pushes the gel outside of the cosmetic limit
Also remember: cosmetic insurance will not cover you if you're using anything over 25% HP without a dental license. If someone’s selling you 35% and you're not a dentist? 🚩
🚩 Red Flag #2: Gold-Sealed Gingival Barrier
Let’s talk about that infamous gold-sealed gingival barrier you see all over cheap kits.
This stuff is a nightmare.
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It’s sold by the masses on AliExpress which makes it easy to secure for cheap
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It’s runny, hard to control, and often results in client burns
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It gives whitening a bad reputation — and gives your clinic a legal liability
Clinics using this barrier spend more time cleaning up disasters than delivering results. If it’s included in your kit? Throw the whole kit away.
🚩 Red Flag #3: Long Whitening Contact Times
Some suppliers push whitening contact times that are 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or longer under LED heat. Why? Because they don’t understand clinical research — or they just don’t care.
📚 Studies show that:
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Long contact times cause pulpal inflammation
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That inflammation = sensitivity, rebound whitening, and potential client injury
A good whitening system doesn’t need marathon sessions.
You need:
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A quality gel
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Proper stain prep
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Efficient LED exposure intensity
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And full absorption (not dehydration)
Don’t chase fake white smiles. Deliver real results that last — without damaging the tooth structure.
🚩 Red Flag #4: No Proper Labeling
This is a BIG one. If your whitening gel syringes or packaging:
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Don’t show ingredients
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Are missing a lot number or expiry date
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Have no labeling at all…
RUN.
That’s not just sketchy — it’s a public health risk.
Clinics using these products are sitting ducks during audits, and even worse, they’re risking client safety. Your supplies need to be traceable and compliant — no exceptions.
💡 Real Products. Real Results. Real Support.
At Fern Whitening Supplies, we make it our mission to raise the bar in this industry.
No fake claims. Real ingredients.
We’re:
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Backed by clinical data
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Transparent about ingredients, labeling, and sourcing
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Proudly Canadian
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Supporting both dental and cosmetic clinics with real education
🚀 Don’t Get Burned by Bad Suppliers
If a “supplier” seems shady — they probably are.
Keep your clinic protected. Keep your clients safe. And grow your whitening business with confidence.
Chat with Fern Whitening Supplies Today- We're always happy to help!