Whitening Wednesday Podcast

It's Whitening Wednesday! ✨ Today we're heading all the way to Australia

“Don't let your patients brush before whitening—it causes sensitivity.” You've probably heard this one floating around the internet or taught by supply companies and educators. But here's the truth: it's a false trend that just won't die. This week's episode breaks down why brushing before a whitening appointment is NOT the enemy, where this misinformation started, and what actually matters when it comes to enamel, fluoride, and prep steps. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The “don't brush” whitening myth 00:56 – Where this info comes from (uneducated supply companies & trainers) 01:55 – Logic check: If brushing caused sensitivity, enamel would be in trouble daily 02:44 – Why enamel is one of the strongest structures in the body 03:42 – Charcoal toothpaste vs. regular toothpaste: when abrasion does matter 04:39 – The real science: fluoride before whitening & faulty bonding 06:08 – Brushing hard with gum disease = bleeding, not sensitivity 07:02 – My take: Don't follow the false trend. ✅ Regular brushing is fine ⚡ Concerned about fluoride? Use a non-fluorinated option

It's Rewind Week again! Today we're revisiting one of my favorite episodes – a conversation with powerhouse marketing coach Kelsey Riedel. This one's packed with timeless advice you can apply right now in 2025. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro – Feedback from our first Revisit episodes 00:54 – A note from Rach: Don't delete your old content (backups = gold for marketing) 01:41 – Why an outside perspective on business is often what you really need 02:46 – Meet Kelsey – top-rated business coach & host of Visionary Life Podcast 04:23 – Sponsor shoutout – Fern Whitening Supplies: best tech + products for whitening pros 05:21 – Kelsey's story: corporate marketing in Toronto → freelance → entrepreneurship 07:01 – Building digital strategy in the early days of social media 08:32 – Launching the Visionary Method – 7 steps to market your business 10:21 – The saturation problem: why Instagram growth isn't what it used to be 12:12 – The vanity metric trap: followers vs actual profitability 13:48 – When should a service-based provider invest in marketing help? 15:25 – Why your marketing plan must align with your strengths, not trends 16:28 – Hundreds of ways to get visible beyond Instagram & TikTok 17:44 – Listener Q&A: Kelsey's favorite organic channels (stories & podcasting) 19:20 – Paid ads: why most small businesses shouldn't start here 21:01 – Selling without discounts – using urgency & scarcity instead 22:42 – What service providers struggling with marketing should do first 23:38 – Kelsey's 1:1 private business + marketing coaching explained Follow Kelsey @‌kelseyreidl

There's a big difference between telling patients to avoid acidic foods after whitening vs knowing the actual pH of the gel you're working with — and most people don't think about how outdated that “no acids” rule really is. This week's episode breaks down the origin of the myth, what pH testing shows, and why your supplier's gel formula is the real answer. 00:00 – Intro: Truth or Trend: Acidic foods after whitening – myth or reality 01:18 – Where the “no acids” rule came from: high peroxide gels in the past 01:32 – What saliva pH normally looks like (6.5–7.3 range) 01:58 – Why modern carbamide blends + beauty gels sit closer to neutral 02:17 – Clinical testing: how saliva studies prove enamel safety 03:14 – Red flag gels: when pH dips below 4 and stays there

It's re-wind week! Let's go back to the very first Whitening Wednesday episode recorded. Brooke from @‌bwbeautyyxe is here to share her story on how teeth whitening and gems changed her business. 00:00 – Intro – Where are the missing episodes? The re-release plan explained 01:04 – Why we're bringing YouTube episodes into Spotify + Apple 01:57 – Meet Brooke – my very first official guest on Whitening Wednesday 02:48 – Why being a dental professional ≠ being automatically good at whitening 03:43 – Brooke's esthetics background + shift into whitening & gems 04:28 – Pricing with confidence + not comparing yourself to others 05:55 – Sponsor shoutout – Fern Whitening Supplies: your go-to for tooth gems 06:53 – Full interview replay: Brooke's journey from nails → whitening → gems 07:58 – How a tooth gem sighting sparked a whole new business niche 09:13 – Adding whitening to a busy service menu + client demand 10:27 – Infection control differences: what Brooke learned the hard way 11:52 – Why professional setup builds trust + justifies pricing 12:36 – Competition in Saskatchewan & client demand for whitening 13:08 – How Brooke set her whitening prices (hourly wage + product cost) 14:25 – Why charging more can actually help your image + client experience 15:49 – Goodie bag extras: toothpaste, bamboo toothbrush, lip balm, aftercare 17:07 – The #1 client question: “Will it cause sensitivity?” 18:31 – The #2 client question: “Is it permanent?” + managing expectations 19:19 – Handling refunds, confrontation, and over-delivering 20:52 – Learning contraindications & whitening outcomes through experience 21:40 – The 24-hour “wait and see” rule for results 22:20 – Narrowing down services + focusing on niches that actually scale 23:42 – Why scaling down freed up resources + made growth easier 24:22 – Brooke's dream: whitening + gems as her main services 25:06 – What she mastered (gel application) vs what she still struggles with (barrier) 26:39 – Confidence with clients + home studio challenges 27:58 – Client perspective: why some prefer a home-based studio 29:14 – The pros & cons of renting a space vs staying home-based 30:42 – What Brooke wishes she knew before starting whitening & gems 32:07 – Why dental professional-led education matters in this industry 33:33 – How bad training creates a “domino effect” of misinformation 35:00 – Where to find Brooke + her new Etsy store for tech resources Follow Brooke @‌bwbeautyyxe

There's a big difference between tooth gems with retainers vs on retainers — and most people don't think about the long-term consequences. This week's episode breaks down the two trends, what's actually safe, and why one of them could be an expensive regret. 00:00 – Intro: Truth or Trend: Tooth Gems & Retainers – what's safe, what's risky 00:58 – Quick ortho math: Why retainers are $$$ (then and now) 01:20 – Two questions to ask: Under a retainer vs on a retainer 01:32 – Hawleys vs Essex: How retainer style changes gem safety 01:58 – Essex fit factors: Thickness, flexibility, and why tight = pop-off risk 02:20 – Safe gem sizes under retainers: Why SS2–SS3 might survive, navettes probably won't 02:41 – The “on the retainer” problem: Permanence + long retainer lifespan 03:00 – Adhesive reality check: Yellow etch means that gem's not coming off 03:20 – Patient commitment warning: Why you need informed consent for retainer designs 03:29 – Fit concerns vs aesthetic regret: Why fit isn't the issue — it's the “I'm over this design” factor 03:50 – Truth or trend verdict: On the retainer = trend (likely to fade) On teeth under retainers = truth (here to stay with the right gem + retainer match) 04:10 – Final mic-drop: Choose the gem for the retainer, not the other way around Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

This week, I'm unlocking the vault. Inspired by Taylor Swift finally dropping behind-the-scenes on her first podcast interview, I realized I've never actually shared the behind-the-scenes of a flawless chairside whitening appointment. If you've ever wondered how me or the U Whitening team set up, flow through, and deliver results — this is the gold. These steps not only maximize client retention and results, but also make your life easier as a provider. From booking flows, to prep kits, to the exact step-by-step treatment sequence — I'm giving you the foolproof process that keeps clients coming back. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro – Unlocking the vault: behind-the-scenes of a flawless chairside appointment 01:28 – Sponsor shoutout: Fern Whitening Supplies – your go-to for all things whitening + gems 02:15 – Why your client flow matters as much as your gel 03:01 – Step 1 – Bookings made simple: website, descriptions, deposits, BNPL 04:55 – Foolproof automation: confirmation emails, prep instructions, & no-show prevention 06:27 – Step 2 – Pre-set your supplies: client goodie bag & chairside bag 07:24 – Inside the goodie bag: toothbrush, exfoliant, mouthwash, chapstick, whitening pen 08:12 – Greeting, brushing, and consent: the professional but friendly start 09:42 – Prep with active mouthwash & stain removal – why this changes results 10:32 – Retractors & photos: legal vs marketing, and my personal do's & don'ts 12:03 – Comfort tips: vitamin E, choosing retractors, and working with lip filler 13:45 – Gingival barrier done right: quadrant method + drooping fix 16:10 – Step 3 – Gel application: why 25% HP is my go-to and how to apply perfectly 18:22 – Direct application tips: plastic vs metal gauge tips & flow control 19:08 – LED attachment magic: Beyond II Ultra with flawless smile-line coverage 20:48 – The first 12 minutes: what I'm doing while the client naps 21:32 – Removing gel cleanly & safely: pro tips for arch-by-arch removal 22:15 – Repeat, disinfect, and prep ahead for your next client 23:05 – The finishing touches: rinse, lavender face wipe, & post-whitening gel 24:26 – Vitamin E swabs: lips, gingiva, and the ultimate comfort step 25:05 – Blue Color Correct + client mirror moment: delivering the WOW factor 25:51 – The sly upsell: turning at-home care into retail sales 28:16 – Post-appointment automation + the six-month recall reminder 29:02 – Recap – The foolproof whitening appointment in 45 minutes flat

There's a big difference between FDA approval, registration, and compliance—and most whitening reps don't get it. This week's episode breaks down the facts behind the label and why “approval” might actually be a red flag. 00:00 – Intro: “Are my gels FDA-approved?” Trend or truth? 01:01 – Cosmetic vs dental gels: what you can (and can't) use 02:10 – The red flag of “FDA approved” claims 03:20 – Medical-grade gels vs cosmetic scope (the real difference) 04:15 – Rach's “Ask Them” theory – get receipts or walk away 05:08 – What FDA & Health Canada actually regulate 06:04 – Facility standards, compliance & why your gel is still safe 07:05 – What to actually ask your supplier instead of “FDA approval” 07:55 – Why overselling “FDA approved” makes you look sketchy 08:30 – Final mic-drop: Stop the false trends Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

In this episode, we talk about why August is the real start of the end-of-year business rush — and how to lock in more bookings before 2026 hits. From making your booking process ‘dummy proof,' to adding Buy Now, Pay Later options, to cutting your chair time, this is your blueprint to keep your calendar full. You'll hear real stories of talented providers losing clients due to friction, learn exactly how to simplify your packages, and get actionable marketing tips (including a genius mailer trick) to reach the right clients. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro – Why August feels like the business year-end rush 00:58 – Sponsor shoutout: Fern Whitening Supplies – top supplier for busy clinics 02:02 – Reflecting on your season so far: what's working, what's not 03:05 – Mark Cuban truth: a business isn't a business without sales 03:45 – Step 1 – Make booking easy and ‘dummy proof' 04:05 – Two real-world examples: talented providers losing clients due to booking friction 06:10 – Why you must have a website, Google profile, and booking link 07:52 – Overcoming objections: ‘extra fees' vs client convenience 09:02 – Quick-start tools: Square, Shopify, Fresha, GlossGenius 10:15 – Keep packages simple: one full service, one take-home 12:05 – Step 2 – Add a Buy Now, Pay Later option 13:15 – How BNPL works and why it boosts sales by 30–45% 15:45 – Addressing provider concerns: fees, credit checks, and refunds 17:30 – Real-world Fern results from BNPL usage 18:12 – Step 3 – Reduce chair time for higher profits and happier clients 20:30 – Premium gel vs cheap gel: why faster is more profitable 22:02 – 2026 planning: audit what's working, budget for new marketing 23:15 – Marketing tip: use Canada Post/USPS mailers for high-income households 25:05 – Final recap – The ‘Flawless Three' for more bookings: easy flow, split payments, short chair time Listen Spotify Listen Apple Check out our sponsor: www.fernwhiteningsupplies.ca

Most whitening gels used in North America are peroxide-based. Let me repeat that: peroxide-based. If you haven't already, go listen to our other episodes where we explain why terms like plant-based, organic, and all-natural don't actually apply when peroxide is involved. So now that we're on the same page, here's my hot take: I think this is a trend—and here's why… 00:00 – Intro: Truth or Trend – Let's Talk Pregnancy & Whitening 00:22 – What is “plant-based peroxide”? Reminder: it's still peroxide. 01:24 – Why there's no research proving it's safe for pregnant women 02:05 – Ethical barriers to pregnancy trials in cosmetic services 02:45 – What health boards actually say (hint: it's not “approved”) 03:15 – pH levels, formulation impact, and oral changes in pregnancy 03:47 – Gingivitis, gum sensitivity, and why it might hurt more 04:30 – Ingredient review and our 3-step client education approach 05:25 – Can pregnant clients whiten? Yes—but here's how we do it 06:30 – The “Show Me Theory” – stop accepting fluff marketing 07:10 – Why informed consent matters more than a sales claim 07:55 – Final thoughts: protect your biz, protect your client 08:30 – Outro: Share this with every provider who needs a reality check

Ever been confused by whitening gels labeled as hybrid, blended, or 30/5 and thought… what the hell does that even mean? Is it stronger than your 20% hydrogen peroxide—or weaker? This week on Whitening Wednesday, we break down the science (and the math) behind blended gels so you can stop guessing and start whitening with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just getting started, this episode will clear the fog and help you make smarter choices in your treatment room. Real examples, peroxide breakdowns, and a dose of shade for anyone still saying “blended gels don't work. Listen Spotify Listen Apple Podcasts Thanks to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies

Is 44% carbamide peroxide one of the strongest gels on the market? Nope. In this Truth or Trend episode, we explain why 44% CP is often misunderstood, how it compares to hydrogen peroxide, and what role it actually plays in cosmetic vs. dental-grade whitening services. 00:00 – Intro: What people think 44% CP actually means 01:22 – Why CP percentages must be divided by three to compare with HP 02:23 – What makes a product cosmetic vs. dental grade 03:29 – When 44% CP is appropriate for self-admin vs. provider method 04:15 – Why CP shouldn't be your premium chairside whitening option 04:45 – Final thoughts: Know what you're working with before charging dental-grade rates Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

Is a high LED bulb count the secret to better whitening results? Nope. In this Truth or Trend episode, we explain why bulb count is just a marketing tactic, what actually matters when it comes to whitening machines, and how to choose a system that delivers safe, effective results. 00:00 – Intro: What suppliers keep promoting about LED machines 01:04 – What LED light actually does during whitening 01:52 – Why more bulbs doesn't mean more power 02:39 – How excess bulbs can cause overheating and fake results 03:29 – Why arch reach matters more than bulb count 04:15 – The truth about take-home lights with high bulb numbers 04:45 – Final thoughts: What to actually look for in a whitening light Thank you to our Sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

Is drinking water before a whitening session the secret to preventing sensitivity? Nope. In this Truth or Trend episode, we explain why that advice is false, what really causes sensitivity, and how to prep clients properly for a safe, effective whitening session. 00:00 – Intro: What trainers are telling providers to do 01:04 – What actually causes whitening sensitivity? 01:52 – Teeth don't store water—how hydration works in the mouth 02:39 – Why dehydration isn't bad (in controlled amounts) 03:29 – Clinical study: Dental dam dehydration = brighter teeth 04:15 – If water fixed sensitivity, dentists would already use it 04:45 – Final thoughts: Stop telling clients to drink water—it's not helping Thank you to our Sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies

Thinking of launching a teeth whitening business this year? Don't make the mistake of skipping the essentials. In this episode of Whitening Wednesday, Rach breaks down the 2025 landscape for new whitening providers — including legalities, licensing, self-admin vs tray-based methods, startup costs, marketing realities, and how to know if the business fits your lifestyle. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck after a rocky launch, this episode gives you the real talk you need before throwing more money at another startup kit. No fluff. Just facts.

Can teeth whitening really be 100% organic? In this episode, we break down the truth behind “natural” marketing claims and explain why peroxide-based gels can't be fully plant-based. If you care about results and compliance—this one's for you. 00:00 – Intro: What we're calling out today 01:11 – The truth about peroxide-based gels in North America 02:43 – Why synthetic stabilizers are necessary for shelf life 03:42 – What fillers and thickeners actually do in gel formulas 04:37 – The fluoride factor: medical vs cosmetic gels 05:36 – Legal implications of marketing fluoride gels as “natural” 06:34 – Why peroxide-based gels can't be truly holistic 07:30 – Final take: Your gels can be clean, but not fully organic 08:00 – Send this to another whitening provider who needs to hear it! Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies

Do they really? Or are you just comparing your safe results to someone else's dehydrated, over-processed content? In this no-BS kickoff to Season 5! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Season 5 is here! Recap + ODA chaos 01:40 – It's not your product—it's your education 02:39 – Sponsor shoutout: Fern Whitening Supplies (Beyond II Ultra) 03:42 – Are your results bad—or just not faked? 06:08 – What makes a legit whitening gel and supplier 07:09 – Why teeth don't bleach like hair (and never will) 09:16 – Oxidation takes 24 hrs—stop expecting instant 10:22 – The fake results method: straight HP + 2-hour chairtime 12:57 – Ross-from-Friends white? Here's the step-by-step 14:47 – The real results method: short chair time, long-term gain 16:25 – Why take-home extension is your secret weapon 17:07 – You can't have your cake + eat it too—pick a side 18:19 – Be the provider who educates, not just sells 20:28 – Stop comparing 24-min protocols to 2-hour dehydration sessions

Season 5 is almost here! Get ready to deep dive into teeth whitening and business on an even brighter level. New episodes available starting next week!

This week, it's a solo episode you've all been waiting for — I'm pulling back the curtain on every advertising strategy I tested during my 4-month pop-up studio.

Welcome back to Whitening Wednesday!

Welcome to Whitening Wednesday! The Podcast for Teethpreneurs!

Season 3 | Episode 24 Whitening Wednesday Podcast is the season finale. Join Rachel Hicks talking with three incredible teeth whitening entrepreneurs on their business models. Part 1: Matina Lainas, the owner of @‌smileonthego in Toronto,Canada Part 2: Charlotte Anderson, the owner of @‌cosmeticteethwhiteningtech in Maryland, USA Part 3: Ezhane Gary, the owner of @‌amirahmismile in Arizona, USA Grow your business with Mentorrach: http://www.mentorrach.ca Our sponsor: https://www.fernwhiteningsupplies.ca

Season 3 | Episode 23 Whitening Wednesday Podcast takes us the United Kingdom. In this episode Rachel Hicks sits down Sophie Alexandra, the founder of Lash Fest. This episode highlights why conferences can be vital to expansive growth for service based businesses Grow your business with Mentorrach: http://www.mentorrach.ca Our sponsor: https://www.fernwhiteningsupplies.ca Instagram accounts: @mentorrach @fernwhiteningsupplies @‌Iamsophiealexandra Attend Lashfest: https://www.lashfestuk.com

Season 3 | Episode 22 Whitening Wednesday Podcast takes us to Ontario, Canada. In this episode Rachel Hicks sits down with Kayla Weir, the owner of Weir Whitening Co. This episode highlights pros and cons of starting in a home based studio and how to navigate growing with the pop business up model. Grow your business with Mentorrach: http://www.mentorrach.ca Our sponsor: https://www.fernwhiteningsupplies.ca Instagram accounts: @mentorrach @fernwhiteningsupplies @‌weirdwhiteningco

Season 3 | Episode 21 Whitening Wednesday Podcast takes us all the way to Pennsylvania. In this episode Rachel Hicks sits down with Meaghan Nieves, the owner of Pearly Whites By Megn. This episode is a must listen as the two discuss the highs, lows and everything in-between during running a teeth whitening business. Grow your business with Mentorrach: http://www.mentorrach.ca Our sponsor: https://www.fernwhiteningsupplies.ca Instagram accounts: @mentorrach @fernwhiteningsupplies @‌pearlywhitesbymegn