Everyone wants things to act quickly, so what's the down side to using a high percentage of whitening gel. Well it's tooth sensitivity (pain). The higher the percentage of CP the greater the chance you will experience tooth sensitivity depending on your pain threshold and if the wear-time is constant.
Typically a percentage value of 6 to 10% CP is used for overnight whitening applications and 16 to 22% is used for one hour wear-times.
Studies have found that most people find it hard to allot one hour each day for a full two weeks to whiten their teeth and therefore they abandon the treatment, unsatisfied with the results. A success rate of less than 30%.
The same studies found if people were to use a somewhat higher concentrate of whitening gel, 30 to 35% CP but used a wear-time of only 15 minutes per day the success rate was above 90%. Some customers told us that they whiten for 15 minutes first thing in the morning while showering and 15 minutes at night while getting ready for bed.
If a dental whitening formula does not list the percentage of carbamide peroxide , it is safe to assume it is a low powered formula.
Base Ingredients:
Peroxide dental whitening gels are usually formulated in a base of glycerin, propylene glycol, carbormer or a combination of each. The best formulations are glycerin free since glycerin can create additional sensitivities and actually nullify the effectiveness of the gel, thereby slowing the whitening process. They should also have a neutral pH value for the same reasons.
Viscosity:
The Thickness (or viscosity) of a gel is extremely important. An effective formula will be a medium-high viscosity (otherwise known as thick or sticky). This helps the gel stay on the teeth where it can do its work. The best gels strike a balance such that a gel is fluid enough to be able to penetrate the pores of the teeth but thick enough to stay in place long enough to oxidize stains.
Active Ingredients:
Other ingredients can be added to the whitening gel formula. Some additive ingredients are potassium nitrate, fluoride and other assorted stabilizers. Our philosophy is to use a pure formula for dental whitening without unnecessary additives since there are no studies showing the long-term effects of such additives in combination with dental whitening agents. The only additive of value is potassium nitrate which can be found in sensitivity toothpastes but we have found potassium nitrate to be more effective to relieve tooth sensitivity if used separate from the whitening treatment.
Loading the Mouthpiece with Whitening Gel:
When you are putting whitening gel into the mouthpiece it is best to put a thin layer of gel around the inside front of the tray (the part that contacts the front of your teeth). When you place the gel tray over your teeth the whitening gel will distribute itself in such a way that it comes in contact with the surface of your teeth. It may take a few applications and sessions to determine the right amount of whitening gel that is just right for you. Keep in mind it only takes a very thin layer of whitening gel on the surface of the teeth to be highly effective.
Whitening Gel's Shelf Life:
ProWhite's teeth whitening gel has a 2 year life. To keep your gel fresh and extend its life it is best to keep it refrigerated when not in use (after your 5 to 10 day whitening program). Bring the gel back to room temperature before applying to trays. Do not allow the gel to freeze.