Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth Whitening Associates (TWA)
Teeth Whitening Associates are New Zealand’s most respected and trusted professional teeth whitening authority. We have the largest network of active Associate clinics throughout New Zealand, extending into Australia. As Australasia’s #1 wholesale supplier, we provide teeth whitening equipment, whitening gels, and consumables, as well as extensive, recognised training in the practice of teeth whitening. We set individuals, existing salons, and dental clinics up to allow them to build successful teeth whitening businesses.
We don’t just sell teeth whitening machines or gels. We work WITH you, whether you’re an existing beauty salon or dentist wanting to expand your services to your clients, or if you’re brand new to the industry and want to start your own business to bring in a healthy income and be there for your family, too. We help you from the start – and there is no finish – we’re here for you always. We’re your one-stop-shop, and provide the equipment, training, ongoing consumables, marketing help, advice, etc that you need for a successful business.
We get you started by providing everything you need in one substantial package. This includes the machine, the training, and enough consumables for 20 clients. We even sort out your certification and registration with the New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association. Oh, and we can help with marketing your business, setting up your business, getting systems and processes in place, too.
No, we only supply the dental industry or teeth whitening businesses with products and equipment. We have take-home whitening kits, gels, and toothpaste available to our wholesale customers, and they can sell these to their clients.
We’re based in New Zealand, where we’re the exclusive distributor of Beyond dental products. We supply NZ and Australia, so we have packages and products available to our Australian clients, too. We provide the most extensive teeth whitening training available across the whole of Australasia.
No, LED light machines are outdated. If a machine does not use ultrasonic technology, it can be about as powerful as putting an LED torch in your mouth and expecting results! Clients expect practitioners to use modern state-of-the-art equipment, and LED machine sessions can take twice as long as new machines, causing client discomfort. Disappointed clients, no return business, and lack of client referrals aren’t what we want for our clients so we only provide the best teeth-whitening machines with ultrasound technology from our partner Beyond International in the USA.
New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association (NZCTWA)
The New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association (NZCTWA) is a Ministry of Health (MOH) recognised self-regulating trade group devoted to protecting public safety by ensuring teeth whitening practitioners are professionally trained, certified and regulated.
The Association’s mission is to not only protect public safety, but also to guard consumers from ignorance, unskillfulness, unscrupulousness, deceit, and fraud, and it does so by regulating members throughout New Zealand by setting high professional standards of Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Practise and Conduct.
The NZCTWA only registers and certify those already in the industry, not those new to the industry. If you already practice teeth whitening, or have your equipment, you may be able to join if you pass their 3-point criteria:
- You complete the NZCTWA training and pass a 32-question Knowledge Review paper
- You can provide evidence that you have been professionally trained in the practical, safe use of your machine and gel application by your equipment supplier (consistent with NZ Law)
- You must have up-to-date, professional, dentist-grade equipment rather than some cheap ‘toy’ LED system bought off the internet
That’s what the Start-Up Packages from TWA are for. With a package, you get the full training required by the NZCTWA to certify you, plus the very latest equipment and enough consumables for your first 20 clients. TWA sorts everything out for you; you just do the work and answer the questions, and we organize your certification, membership, machine, and products! Check out the Start-up Package.
Come through us at TWA. We are accredited training providers for the NZCTWA and we can help you get your certification and membership. If you’re new to the industry we’ll organize it all for you; train you, and provide your equipment, then deal with the NZCTWA for you.
If you’re already practicing or have your equipment, we can make sure you pass the criteria required by the NZCTWA and get you your certification, or help you meet the criteria if you don’t.
If you buy our start-up package, you can purchase it together (sharing the cost) and both study the included training material, then separately fill in the Knowledge Review paper required by the NZCTWA to become certified. Under your package, we will register both of you to the NZCTWA, and provided you both pass the Review form, you will both become certified.
Beyond International
Beyond International Inc is the global leader in aesthetic dentistry. The company has headquarters in Texas, USA, in Europe, and in Asia. Beyond provides quality dental products and equipment to dentists around the world, in over 28,000 locations to be exact, and is an established, esteemed aesthetic dental product provider, with over 255,000 dental clients around the world.
Beyond teeth whitening accelerator lights are registered, medical devices that are manufactured within strict ISO Certified facilities (International Standards Organisation). They use the latest ultrasonic technology for whitening teeth. Ultrasound is the newest, safest, and most effective technology in the aesthetic dental industry. The results received are faster, safer, and more effective than any other technology, such as LED or blue light. Beyond has many years of research and testing behind all its products and is at the forefront of the dental industry technologies.
Yes, of course! All of the health and dental products and equipment from Beyond are FDA Certified (Food and Drugs Association of America). Its globally patented OSMO whitening gel gets teeth 2-3 shades whiter faster than any other gel on the market. The products are all backed by the dental industry, and covered under Beyond’s product liability insurance.
Teeth Whitening
Yes, everyone can benefit from undergoing teeth whitening. Everyone’s natural teeth shade is different so results will vary, but your practitioner will explain your expectations to you. We recommend under 16-year-olds and pregnant ladies do not undergo a teeth whitening process.
Teeth whitening comes under the ‘cosmetic’ industry. Cosmetic teeth whitening is NOT a health or dental product, service, or procedure; the sole purpose of cosmetic teeth whitening is for beautification & appearance enhancement. This means it does not have to be carried out by a dental professional.
Yes, when carried out properly and professionally. We partner with Beyond and use their machines and gels. Scientific research has shown that the active ingredients in the Beyond OSMO whitening gels are effective and extremely safe for cosmetic tooth whitening. And in a recent clinical study, Beyond OSMO whitening gel was scientifically proven to be safer on the teeth than orange juice. The dental community has used these ingredients in performing teeth whitening for more than 130 years.
Teeth whitening gel was first used to whiten teeth in 1884 and although more than 130 years have passed, there has never been a recorded case of any hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening gel damaging the enamel of a healthy tooth.
It is far safer, more effective, and better all round to have your teeth whitened by a professional in a professional setting. You will have your teeth and mouth/gum health assessed before treatment to make sure it is safe for you to whiten your teeth. You don’t get that assurance when whitening your teeth at home. Plus, the results of professional teeth whitening are far superior to that of do-it-yourself teeth whitening.
The majority of dental clinics use their dental nurses or hygienists to carry out teeth whitening, so even when going to a dentist for treatment, you have to ensure the person doing the whitening is qualified to do so.
Similarly, when you go to a teeth whitening clinic or salon, you must still make sure the practitioner is trained and qualified. If they are, they will be trained in teeth/gum health.
Our trained practitioners use the same technology as used in dental offices around the world. However, there is one major difference in the whitening gels we use…SAFETY.
We supply our members with 6% hydrogen peroxide whitening gels (in NZ we can also supply 12% hp) and these are 580% less caustic than the gels used by most dentists. This means there is no risk to the gums or lips when using the gels, plus no sensitivity which is often associated with teeth whitening.
In New Zealand, you can become certified to practice teeth whitening through the NZCTWA. You will need to undergo full training, which includes both theory and practical. You will need up-to-date equipment and consumables such as the proper teeth whitening gels. You must show you are capable of providing a safe, effective treatment. Contact us, we help you with everything you need to become certified.
In New Zealand? Check out our Start-up package.
In Australia? We can train you and give you certification too. Check out our Aus Start-Up package.
While certification is not required to perform teeth whitening, we have found that patients are far more likely to undergo the procedure when their teeth whitening practitioner has been formally trained in how to perform the procedure, and are registered practitioners. Our training ensures you understand any teeth and gum problems you may encounter, the best practices to get the best results for clients possible, and how to use your teeth whitening machine and gels safely and effectively.
Teeth whitening has been classed as ‘Cosmetic’ and entirely for beautification, which means globally it’s considered to be a cosmetic procedure rather than a health or dental treatment.
Cosmetic teeth whitening is provided by both dentists and specialist aestheticians, or trained practitioners.
The teeth consist of many layers. At the very surface is the enamel. This is actually clear; it’s like a glass window covering your teeth. Underneath the enamel is the dentine, and this is the actual ‘tooth-bone’ that gives your teeth their natural white-ivory colour. When the enamel ‘window’ is stained, it’s like having a dirty window and your teeth appear yellow or darker than they naturally would. No amount of surface brushing can remove such staining. Teeth whitening cleans the enamel ‘window’ by cleaning away the stains, instantly revealing the natural whiteness of your teeth.
Because all teeth whiten differently, and all teeth have their own natural colour, it is not possible to guarantee how white an individual’s teeth might become. But for most, after undergoing whitening with new ultrasonic machines, your teeth can whiten between two to 14 shades depending on how stained your teeth are to begin with. Although individual results vary, the end result will be a whiter, glossier smile. Put simply, our teeth whitening machines and gels will take your teeth back to their natural colour and remove all stains. Doesn’t that sound good!
This varies from person to person and depends on diet and lifestyle. For most, teeth whitening results last fully for about three to nine months. Periodic touch-up treatments are recommended every three to six months for clients who frequently drink coffee/red wine or other staining foods and drinks, or for those who use tobacco products.
The full, deep clean treatment recommended for first-timers will take approximately one hour, including consultation and setup. This includes 45 minutes of actual treatment time. In that time, discolouration that has built up over years will disappear so it’s actually a very fast, effective treatment! Quicker than having your nails or hair done, too. For very severe staining, an extra 12-15 minute session will be needed, either the same day, or another day.
Historically, teeth whitening was known to cause sensitivity or be a painful treatment. Technology has come a long way and the ultrasonic machines and low % hydrogen peroxide whitening gels we now use mean that nearly every client experiences no pain or sensitivity during or after the treatment.
Our business packages
Our packages differ depending on whether you choose the popular teeth whitening Ultra II machine, or the more substantial Polus Advanced, popular with dentists. We offer some payment plans so you can get started for as little as around $2000 today. You can read all about our packages here.
Enough for 20 treatments! A start-up package includes all consumables needed to set up a teeth whitening business and treat 20 friends/family/clients, without the need to purchase anything extra. It includes consumables such as face masks, gloves, and cotton rolls, as well as whitening gel, cheek retractors, and mixing tips. Trust us – it’s everything you need!
Yes, we have a few different payment options to help you into your new teeth whitening business. We can split the full investment into two 50/50 part-payments (you would receive the training with the first payment and your machine with the second payment). We also offer three equal payments, and you’ll get your training, certification, consumables, and machine in stages. Or we can offer a 12-month interest-free repayment plan in conjunction with our finance providers. Conditions apply. Ask us about our payment plans; we can be flexible in many cases.
Yes, you can receive a grant for the total sum if you are part of an iwi. Check with your iwi leader if applicable. Or, you can go through WINZ, and apply using their Flexi Wage for self-employment funding. Their own conditions will apply.
Broken down, it costs approx. $35 to carry out a teeth whitening procedure on a client. This is mainly the cost of the whitening gel, and also covers consumables used such as cheek retractors, gel applicators, lip balm etc. Considering we recommend a treatment price of $299 to $399, depending on your area/set-up/competition etc, this leaves a large figure for you to cover the cost of your machine, your power, admin, hourly wage, with profit on top.
We suggest pricing a teeth whitening treatment using new ultrasonic technology at around $299-$399. This will depend on the area and who is already offering the service, so it pays to do your research first. But at a cost of $299 per 60-minute treatment, just two clients a week will bring in $598, which is $31,096 per year! And only six clients a week would bring in $1794 weekly, and a cool $93,288 per year! It’s up to you as an individual to set your revenue goals and price your treatments, but it can be very lucrative.
We do sell machines on their own to customers based in Australia (although we recommend our full start-up package) and in NZ to certified NZCTWA members only. We include a free practical training as standard. We want to make sure our machines are used correctly and are not giving sub-par results due to user error. The Beyond products have an impeccable reputation globally, and we want to help keep it that way.
The start-up package includes one of our ultrasonic teeth whitening machines; full, comprehensive theory training in the health and anatomy of the mouth, teeth, and gums plus the science behind teeth whitening; full practical training in how your machine works and best whitening practices; a full consumables pack with enough product for 20 clients to get you up and running and earning asap; membership and certification in teeth whitening from the NZCTWA and TWA membership. See more here.
No, you don’t. We provide full training, support, and help along the way, you just need to be open to listening, learning, and putting in the required work.
Your main ongoing costs will be for the gels and consumables needed to whiten clients’ teeth. Consumables include cheek retractors, cotton buds, face masks, gloves, sanitiser, lip balm etc. We suggest budgeting for $30-35 per client. There will also be general business costs involved such as power, internet, laptop, possibly GST or advertising costs. These all vary depending on how you wish to structure and run your business.
The theory training consists of working through our comprehensive and extensive training manual (PDF form) at your own pace, and once you’re confident, sitting down and undertaking a Knowledge Review exam of 32-questions, to test your learnings. The practical training also involves a training manual to study, plus videos to follow, and practicing the process of teeth whitening on family and friends!
It’s easy to get started! Simply have a look at all you need to know here and fill in the required form. We’ll process your details, send your invoice, and start getting all your goodies together.
Teeth whitening training
The training is all done online, via self-study of PDFs and videos. We also schedule a call with you during your practical training period to answer any questions you may have after whitening the first couple of clients (or friends/family). You can also ask for a Zoom call to go through something you’re not quite sure about. We can provide extra training or in-person training if needed (costs apply).
Our training is very extensive. Our theory training is in conjunction with the NZCTWA and is the only training they accept. It covers everything from the history and science of teeth whitening, the anatomy of the mouth, and gum conditions to how to whiten teeth, gel strength, and what to do/not to do. The practical training covers the process of teeth whitening from start to finish and provides videos to support your learnings.
Training is all done online. We have customers all across New Zealand and Australia so we have to be accessible to all. Practical training is via videos and also live Zoom calls if you need extra support.
Yes, you can. We can travel to you to teach you hands-on practical teeth whitening training if you would like. Extra costs will apply. Contact us to ask about this.
Beyond teeth whitening machines and gels
We supply two teeth whitening accelerators. Both are from our supplier Beyond International, and both use the very latest in ultrasonic technology to whiten teeth faster, safer, and more effectively than ever. But they do have some differences. Check out the Beyond Ultra II and the more substantial, dentist-level Polus Advanced.
Ultrasonic teeth whitening technology is the newest, most advanced method to whiten teeth. It supplies a super-high frequency of 41,000 cycles (or vibrations) per second, well above a hearing range. This vibrates the whitening gel into the tooth enamel faster than any other whitening lamp available and lifts more stains faster and more effectively than older LED light systems. Other teeth whitening methods rely on the whitening gel soaking into the enamel; ultrasound vibrates the gel into the enamel, reaching trapped staining particles that older whitening machine technology can’t unlock.
As ultrasonic machines do the heavy lifting (literally!) in the way they get deep into staining particles and lift them out of the enamel, high % hydrogen peroxide gels are not needed, meaning the teeth whitening process is safer and pain-free, with no risk of sensitivity issues seen in older methods of whitening. This also means less gel is needed which saves $1000S in gel costs over a year of teeth whitening treatments. Also, the whole process is faster, meaning less time and discomfort for the client, and overall, a more profitable business for the practitioner.
No, the Beyond Polus Advanced Ultra will only whiten one client’s teeth at a time, although it has other features, such as a single tooth applicator, and a curing light. The Beyond Ultra II machine uses plug-in LED light units and two can be used at the same time, allowing for two treatments at the same time, doubling the profits. The Ultra II machine comes with one light included and a secondary one can be purchased here.
The Polus Advanced Ultra is a substantial machine popular with dental clinics, as it’s a large unit with a fully maneuverable arm. So no, it’s not really mobile. However, the Ultra II machine is smaller at approx. 8kg, sleek, and compact, and is easily mobile to transfer from room to room, or to take to a client’s house to provide a mobile teeth whitening service.
The Beyond Ultra II machines come in white as standard, but we can also get them in silver or blue, with matching silver or blue light heads! Extra costs apply, ask us if you want another colour (may involve a wait for your machine).
The warranty we provide is the manufacturer’s warranty. This is a three-year warranty against factory defects and includes the complete repair and/or replacement for any product or part found to be defective. In most cases, you would send the part/product back to us to be accessed.
Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is ‘pure’ hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In other words, the HP is not
combined with any other chemicals other than a glycol gel used to adhere it to the teeth. Carbamide peroxide (CP) is hydrogen peroxide dissolved in urea crystals to slow down
activation time. As a result of the combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea, weight-by-weight it is less active than “pure” hydrogen peroxide. In general, hydrogen peroxide gels are used for in-clinic procedures (professional use) and carbamide peroxide is used for home-applied tray use, that requires longer overnight periods. Hydrogen peroxide is highly reactive and is effective for only about 20 minutes once it has been released from its suspended phase which is too fast for tray delivery systems.
We provide 6% gel as standard, and we can also provide 12% gel to registered and certified practitioners in New Zealand, and 35% to registered dental clinics. We can supply 12% and 35% HP to registered dental professionals only in Australia, in accordance with the law.
Broken down, it is approx. $35 per whitening per client. The majority of this is the cost of the whitening gel, but it also includes consumables such as cheek retractors, face shields, mixing tips, applicator brushes etc. To buy products, you can get a login to our online shop and all products and prices are on there.
In New Zealand, someone whitening teeth can use maximum 12% hydrogen peroxide gels. Only registered dentists can use stronger gels. In Australia, 6% hydrogen peroxide gels are the maximum strength allowed by Australian laws; again, only registered dental professionals can use stronger gels.
The enamel of your teeth contains millions of microscopic pores. Over the years, unprocessed compounds from food, drink and tobacco go into these pores causing discolouration and staining. The hydrogen peroxide in whitening gel breaks down into oxygen molecules, which enter through the porous enamel to the dentin, which is the actual ‘tooth bone’ directly under the enamel. It is the dentin that provides the tooth its ivory-white colour. When activated by light, these oxygen molecules vibrate rapidly, lifting the staining molecule out of the enamel. Basically, the enamel is like a ‘window’ covering the natural-coloured dentin, and teeth whitening cleans this window, taking the teeth back to their cleanest, whitest shade.
The enamel pores usually remain open for up to 24 hours after treatment. It is therefore recommended that only white food and drink are consumed over this post whitening period to avoid re-staining. A top-up treatment three months afterwards is recommended to keep teeth at their whitest, brightest state.
