How Temperature and Handling Methods Affect Whitening Gels (2024)

Avoiding Chemical Breakdown

The simple fact is that all peroxide-based gels are unstable. That is a GOOD thing! The instability allows the chemicals to break down quickly in the mouth. This releases the bleaching factor byproducts that results in teeth whitening.

The challenge with such instability, however, is that all whitening gels will begin degenerating immediately upon manufacture unless they are kept under constant refrigeration. If left at room temperature or exposed to warmer climates and hot shipping temperatures, the peroxide gel will lose potency.

Standard Practices

Most whitening gel manufacturers will store their gels in warehouses, which are usually not air-conditioned, let alone refrigerated. Then, they are shipped in unrefrigerated, warm or hot (temperatures can reach up to 165°) freight trucks to be stored again in other warehouses. Lastly, they are shipped out to dental offices in warm or hot delivery trucks/vans. So, it’s easy to understand why whitening gels lose a lot of potency between the factory and the application by the patient or dentist.

There are some whitening product companies which refrigerate their highest strength power whitening gels during the final shipping stage to dental practices. However, the gels are usually not refrigerated at any storage/delivery point prior to that. To compensate, the manufacturers add chemical stabilizers, such as phosphoric acid, to reduce chemical breakdown, but those also reduce the instability (and thus effectiveness) of the gels. Those same chemical stabilizers also increase the osmolality of the whitening gel by as much as eleven times, greatly increasing sensitivity felt by patients during whitening.

It’s important to understand that there are only two ways to stabilize whitening gels after they are manufactured:

1.Chemical Stabilizers – This includes phosphoric acid and an anhydrous base, which are only partially effective and can hamper how quickly the whitening gels ultimately break down in the mouth, as well as increasing sensitivity.

2.Refrigeration – Constant refrigeration is required throughout every step of manufacturing, shipping, storage, and delivery. This prevents the natural chemical breakdowns over long periods of time and eliminates the need to add chemical stabilizers.Eliminating the need for chemical stabilizers also results in the maximum effectiveness of whitening gels when placed on the teeth, as well as greatly lowering sensitivity felt by patients.

How Temperature and Handling Methods Affect Whitening Gels (2024)

FAQs

How Temperature and Handling Methods Affect Whitening Gels? ›

If left at room temperature or exposed to warmer climates and hot shipping temperatures, the peroxide gel will lose potency. Most whitening gel manufacturers will store their gels in warehouses, which are usually not air-conditioned, let alone refrigerated.

Why does whitening gel need to be refrigerated? ›

Those hydrogen ions are acid (pH = potential of Hydrogen). Whitening gels therefore become more and more acidic as they break down, resulting in an ever increasing possibility of sensitivity and pain. Constant refrigeration virtually stops breakdown of whitening gels.

Does heat speed up teeth whitening? ›

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than that in at-home kits. Also, your dentist can use heat, light, or a combination of the two to speed and intensify the whitening process.

How can I make my whitening gel work better? ›

The whitening gel is the most effective with clean teeth. Try the trays in first without any beach to check the fit and comfort. Make sure that the bleaching trays are clean and dry before applying the whitening gel. Moisture reduces the efficiency of the whitening gel and slows down the whitening process.

How do you store whitening agents? ›

Once clean, place the trays in the storage case and allow them to air-dry before closing the case. Store both the trays and gels in a dark, dry place, at a temperature between 59 °F and 77 °F (15 °C and 25 °C).

What happens if you forget to put teeth whitening gel in the fridge? ›

The challenge with such instability, however, is that all whitening gels will begin degenerating immediately upon manufacture unless they are kept under constant refrigeration. If left at room temperature or exposed to warmer climates and hot shipping temperatures, the peroxide gel will lose potency.

What happens if you don't refrigerate whitening trays? ›

NON-refrigeration of whitening products therefore results in degradation of whitening gels as well as an acidic pH by the time they are used on patients.

How can I maximize my teeth whitening results? ›

How to Maximize Your Teeth-Whitening Results
  1. Avoid consuming things that stain your teeth.
  2. Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
  3. Brush your teeth regularly.
  4. Consider brushing with baking soda once a week.
  5. Eat a tooth-friendly diet.
  6. Get a touch-up whitening.

Does whitening gel work without the UV light? ›

When it comes to in office teeth whitening patients prefer the use carbamide gel without the additional use of UV light treatments. The use of bleach trays to apply a carbamide peroxide solution is as effective as the same whitening tray use with UV lights.

What happens to teeth when heated? ›

With increase in temperature, the teeth progressively became fragile and difficult to handle. At the temperature of 600°C, teeth from all the three groups were disintegrated completely as soon as they were put in 10% formal formic acid for decalcification.

Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening gel? ›

Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.

How to get super white teeth? ›

For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
  1. Eat Strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

What is the most effective whitening agent? ›

Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is an effective skin lightening agent. The recommended concentration over the counter is 2%, but up to 4% is available from a dermatologist in some countries. It should be used daily for no more than 6 months.

What happens if you use expired whitening gel? ›

These products are typically marked down when they're close toexpiring. Using expired whitening products means you won't get the results youwant. When they expire, the hydrogen peroxide in them breaks down and leavesonly water and oxygen, which won't brighten your teeth.

Can you travel with teeth whitening gel? ›

However, it's crucial to consider TSA's guidelines on battery-operated dental devices and liquid restrictions. Teeth whitening gels, often part of these kits, must adhere to the TSA's liquid rule, typically limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container in carry-on bags.

Does opalescence go bad if not refrigerated? ›

Opalescence™ PF 10%, 15%, and 20% syringes should be stored between 36°F (2°C) and 81°F (27°C), which means that these products may be stored refrigerated or at room temperature.

What happens if you leave whitening gel on overnight? ›

If you've left your teeth whitening gel on for too long and are worried that it might have caused damage to your teeth, try not to fret. You may notice some slight sensitivity of the teeth, white spots on the gum or white flecks on teeth, or numbness on the gumline.

Can teeth whitening gel go bad? ›

These products are typically marked down when they're close toexpiring. Using expired whitening products means you won't get the results youwant. When they expire, the hydrogen peroxide in them breaks down and leavesonly water and oxygen, which won't brighten your teeth.

How long do you let teeth whitening gel sit? ›

Place a small amount of teeth whitening gel into the tray(s). Place the whitening tray(s) in your mouth carefully, making sure that it is seated all the way. Remove any excess gel from the gum tissue with your finger or dry toothbrush. Keep the tray in your mouth for 30-60 minutes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6284

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.