How Carbamide Peroxide Gel Is Used In Teeth Whitening
There is much conjecture and testing done on the efficacy and safety of using carbamide peroxide as a teeth whitening agent in take home trays and over the counter whitening treatments. Studies have been done, clinical trials and blind tests have been performed and the general consensus is that while there are some side effects with using carbamide peroxide gel, a 10% strength whitener is safe to use.
In this particular case the carbamide peroxide gel is part of a tray-based tooth whitening system where the gel is contained and measures have been taken to ensure minimal to no contact is made to the gums. These tray-based systems have come to be more accepted by the dental community as a method of tooth whitening that can be controlled to a certain degree.
To answer the question of what exactly carbamide peroxide is. It is a compound variation of hydrogen peroxide that is combined with urea and is also known as hydrogen peroxide urea. It is a gel that has been found will safely whiten teeth without causing significant tooth sensitivity or gum damage. The reason that carbamide peroxide is used rather than hydrogen peroxide is that it is a more stable substance.
By degrading more slowly, carbamide peroxide teeth whiteners can release it’s whitening potential over a longer period of time. This slower release and more gradual whitening effect results in a minimization of adverse side effects.
The carbamide peroxide gels that are used in take home whitening trays usually contain a ratio of around 10-16% of carbamide peroxide. Any gel that contains a higher strength than that runs the risk of causing extreme sensitivity and damage to the gums. A 10% concentration of carbamide peroxide is thought to be a safe level and a recent clinical trial has also shown that there is little difference between a 10% concentration and a 16% concentration.
Some of the tooth whitening products that use carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient plus the concentration used include: DenTek Complete White Touch Up Formula (10%), Nupro White Gold Tooth Whitening (10%), Maximum White Teeth Whitening Kit (22%), Opalescence 15% Teeth Whitening Gel (15%).
Opalescence Teeth Whitening
What Is Opalescence?
The product is actually called Opalescence Xtra Boost, a product of Ultradent Inc., and is a teeth whitening procedure that involves a carbamine peroxide gel that is applied to the teeth in a variety of different ways. After visiting your dentist and ensuring that your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned you can decide which Opalescence treatment is right for you.
Opalescence Provides 3 Options
There is an in-chair procedure available that is carried out in the dentist’s office, followed by a take home follow-up treatment to use for the few days after your in-office treatment. The Opalescence Xtra Boost involves a chemical activation applied directly to the teeth with no heat or ultraviolet lamps needed to complete the process. This treatment will only take an hour in the dentist’s chair.
Alternatively, you can buy a customised home use kit which comes in a variety of strengths. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will allow a custom tray to be made which will be used for the bleaching procedure. This process may take around a week to 10 days in total depending upon the desired results and the advice of your dentist.
Opalescence also has an over the counter option known as Opalescence Treswhite Supreme, which is a preloaded whitening tray that is inserted into the mouth for a 60 minute treatment. The trays contain high concentrations of peroxide and come in packs of 10, contain low levels of hydrogen peroxide so are safe to use and have a range of flavours.
The Opalescence home tooth whitening gel utilises a syringe and tray. The adhesive texture of the Opalescence gel ensures that it adheres strongly to the surface of your teeth, reducing the possibility of leaking, which is sometimes a problem with other products. The product information highlights that the structure of the tooth is not altered by the Opalescence treatment, it is simply made whiter.
Cost of Opalescence Teeth Whitening
In-Chair Treatment: A 60 minute treatment will cost around $280 – $300 per session. It may be possible that follow-up in-chair treatments will be recommended.
Take Home Whitening : Custom made trays and a professional grade gel that you can use to whiten during the day or night. Treatment can take anywhere from 5 to 20 days depending on the starting shade and the resulting whiteness required. The gel comes in syringes which cost around $35 per syringe. A full take home treatment can cost around $400.
Opalescence Treswhite Over the Counter Treatment: A pack of 10 lower and upper pre-formed and pre-filled trays cost $150. Each of the 10 trays are meant to be used for 1 hour each.
As with all other whitening systems it is strongly recommended to consult with a dentist before undergoing any treatment to determine that whitening is a procedure that will give you the results you want.
Check more Teeth Whitening options.
