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

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.

What is the effect of temperature and storage time on dental bleaching effectiveness? ›

The storage of bleaching agents for long periods at high temperatures can reduce the bleaching effectiveness of CP at 10% and 16%.

Does heat speed up teeth whitening? ›

The heat from the laser speeds up the whitening process, both whitening and dehydrating the enamel, giving quicker results. However once the enamel rehydrates, the teeth appear to darken again and further “top ups” are often required.

What is the best way of storing teeth whitening gel kits? ›

Anywhere in your home where heat isn't trapped in a confined space can be a great place to store tooth whitening kits when not in use. For some, under the bathroom cabinet or in a linen closet is appropriate. Others who live in extremely warm climates may want to store tooth whitening kits in the refrigerator.

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.

Where should teeth whitening gel be stored? ›

Store trays in the tray holder and gel in cool dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. The gel may be refrigerated to prolong the shelf life, but do not freeze. You may expect some slight gum sensitivity from wearing the trays, and your teeth may feel very slightly sensitive.

What temperature is the process of bleaching? ›

The general concept about bleaching is that, below 80°C commercial bleaching is not possible as peroxide starts working in higher temperature. To overcome this problem new technology has been developed to activate hydrogen peroxide below 80°C with the help of catalyst.

What is the effect of heat on the effectiveness of bleach? ›

Exposure to heat and light gives it the inertia or energy needed for the chlorine molecules to escape the solution and join with itself as a gas, causing bleach degradation. The higher the temperature, the faster bleach will degrade. Even 10 degrees can make a huge difference in maintaining your bleach's effectiveness.

What are the factors affecting bleaching process? ›

While the bleaching process appears to be a simple mixing of adsorbent and oil followed by filtration, the chemical and physical reactions occurring are complex and greatly reliant on process variables (i.e. moisture levels, temperature, contact time, and vacuum), oil quality entering the bleacher, the amount and ...

What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth? ›

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

What is the safest method of teeth whitening? ›

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

Does heat activate peroxide? ›

The stability of hydrogen peroxide solutions is influenced primarily by the temperature, the pH value, and above all by the presence of impurities with a decomposing effect. An increase in the temperature promotes the decomposition as well as a higher pH value.

What happens if you leave teeth whitening gel on too long? ›

Gum irritation: soft tissue irritation or chemical burns can happen during the whitening process if bleach is left on your gums for too long. This can be painful, cause white or red patches on your gums and take a while to clear up.

Are you supposed to spit out teeth whitening gel? ›

As the gel comes into contact with saliva, it should start to foam. If any of the solution seeps out of the tray, a cloth can be used to wipe it off to prevent gum irritation. It is important to not swallow any of the bleach and spit into a sink if necessary.

How many hours should you leave teeth whitening gel on? ›

Wearing for 6 hours or more at night will typically yield better results. We have a 10% carbamide peroxide gel, or a 16% carbamide peroxide gel – both designed to be worn overnight. These are the equivalent of 3.5% hydrogen peroxide and 5.7% hydrogen peroxide, respectively.

Does teeth whitening have to stay in the fridge? ›

Generally, teeth whitening gels containing peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, require refrigeration. These ingredients are responsible for the whitening effect by breaking down stains on your teeth. However, exposure to warmer temperatures can degrade these active ingredients over time.

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.

Are you supposed to keep Opalescence whitening in the fridge? ›

Each packet comes with and upper and lower pre-filled bleaching tray. Product must be kept refrigerated. Before using, allow product to warm to room temperature, this will make it easier for the tray to adhere to the teeth.

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