Knowing whether or not there's FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for teeth whitening can be a major factor in your decision to undergo the procedure. FDA approval is proof of the tested safety of this treatment.
Gels
At least some prominent teeth whitening gel systems have FDA approval, which has determined that the chemicals in the whitening gel are safe. Because the FDA has also determined that gel whitening can be considered a self-use cosmetic procedure, so long as certain procedural guidelines are followed, some gel systems are also safe for use at-home, away from the direct observation of a medical professional.
However, be aware that the FDA recognizing the gel systems as cosmetic procedures means that they do not recognize them as drugs or dental procedures; this means that the FDA does not as closely regulate the ingredients or effectiveness of the gels as they would with other medical devices.
Laser
Laser treatment for whitening has FDA approval, but again, it is considered a cosmetic procedure more than it is a medical procedure. The FDA rules that the lasers used in the whitening process are safe, and have even performed a study that finds that lasers can prove less painful than surgical tools when used in dentistry.
Knowing that teeth whitening has FDA approval also attests to the general effectiveness of the procedure, although you should be aware that cosmetic procedures are not as closely regulated as medical procedures. Since there are a number of whitening methods and manufacturers, be sure to research the type of whitening you're receiving so that you're positive it has FDA approval.
