--- title: The Science of Tooth Whitening and Peroxide - White Dental Beauty description: Discover the science of tooth whitening and offer your patients the safest yet most effective professional treatments. Using NOVON, White Dental Beauty teeth whitening has a special feature that aids the whitening process. image: https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/Blog%20Images/blog-post__featured-image--2.jpg --- [![White Dental Beauty](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/wdb-ws/img/logo@2x.jpg?width=106&height=106&name=logo@2x.jpg)](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk) - [CompoSite](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/composite) - [Teeth Whitening](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/teeth-whitening) - [#whiteology](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/whiteology) - [Blog](https://blog.optident.co.uk/white-dental-beauty) - [Get in touch](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/get-in-touch) - [Where to Buy](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/where-to-buy) - [Patient Information](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/patient-information) [Patient Information](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/patient-information) ![blog-post__featured-image--2](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/Blog%20Images/blog-post__featured-image--2.jpg) - [![Facebook](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/wdb-ws/img/facebook-16.png)](https://www.facebook.com/whitedentalbeauty) - [![Instagram](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/wdb-ws/img/instagram-16.png)](https://www.instagram.com/whitedentalbeauty/) 24 August 2017 Innovation ### The Science Of Tooth Whitening And Peroxide There’s a mathematics to tooth whitening. A science. And understanding this is fundamental if you want to lead the way in professional tooth whitening. As well as helping you grow your knowledge on one of today’s favourite cosmetic treatments, understanding the science will ensure you offer your patients the safest, yet most effective, [teeth whitening solutions](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/teeth-whitening). So let’s jump straight in… ### **The formula to whiter teeth** When it comes to peroxide based whitening agents, there are two choices: - Hydrogen Peroxide - Carbamide Peroxide They work in four simple steps… **Step 1: **H202 breaks down into HOO- (perhydroxyl ion) and H+ (hydrogen) **Step 2:** The perhydroxyl ion passes through enamel into dentine. **Step 3:** The perhydroxyl ion breaks down the large organic molecules that cause staining of the teeth **Step 4: **The chroma and value of the tooth is changed Behind effective whitening agents is the release of perhydroxyl ions, which is triggered when Hydrogen Peroxide moves into an alkaline state with a pH above 7.0.  Once released, they break down the large staining molecules and deliver the visible whitening effect. [![Download Your Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2916295/af54a874-99d8-46ea-981a-0757ef9ee160.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2916295/af54a874-99d8-46ea-981a-0757ef9ee160) But the maths behind it is more sophisticated than ever… As advancements in dentistry progress, and a new generation of whitening gels move to the forefront of the industry, whitening gels are finding novel technologies that enhance the release of perhydroxyl ions. NOVON - a patented technology present in [White Dental Beauty’s bleaching gels](https://optident.co.uk/manufacturer/white-dental-beauty/) - is comprised of a unique chemistry made up of three molecular entities:  - Hydrogen Peroxide - Urea - Sodium Tripolyphosphate ![science-hydrogen-peroxide](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/POSTULATED%20STRUCTURE%20OF%20NOVON.jpg?width=936&name=POSTULATED%20STRUCTURE%20OF%20NOVON.jpg "science-hydrogen-peroxide") This unique adduct gives all whitening gels featuring NOVON a unique feature: a pH jump that enhances the release of perhydroxyl ions and thus, the whitening effect. [And as the tooth whitening industry continues to thrive and grow](https://blog.optident.co.uk/tooth-whitening-in-numbers), we only expect this technology to develop further. ![perhydroxyl-ion-science](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/GENERATION%20OF%20THE%20PERHYDROXYL%20ION.jpg?width=936&name=GENERATION%20OF%20THE%20PERHYDROXYL%20ION.jpg "perhydroxyl-ion-science") ![science-professional-tooth-whitening](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/DIAGRAM%20OF%20WHITENING%20ACTION%20OF%20PERHYDROXYL.jpg?width=936&name=DIAGRAM%20OF%20WHITENING%20ACTION%20OF%20PERHYDROXYL.jpg "science-professional-tooth-whitening") ### **Calculating the makeup of a safe, effective bleaching gel** When deciding which professional whitening brand is going to help you build your practice, look for three key criteria: **pH level** The product should be manufactured with a pH below 7.0 - in acidic conditions. This allows the peroxide to maintain a stable state and allows for excellent shelf life. If products contain a reduced pH to stabilise the peroxide, they are going to be more acidic. This increases the chance of sensitivity and risk of damage to the enamel.   Although you should look for gels with a neutral pH when stable, effective bleaching requires the product to move into a pH of above 7.0 if it is to encourage the release of perhydroxyl ions. This means you should opt for a gel that has an increased alkalinity once activated. **Water Content** Peroxides naturally dehydrate teeth, which can be a cause of sensitivity. It can also result in a temporary whitening effect which dissipates once the enamel is rehydrated. For consistent and durable whitening effects - and a product that minimises sensitivity - look for a water based gel. Ideally, this will have a high water content of approximately 20% that still retains optimum viscosity. **Desensitiser** As one of the biggest risks of whitening with peroxides is tooth sensitivity, we recommend looking for a gel that contains Potassium Nitrate and Fluoride. **Peroxide Strength** While 10% Carbamide Peroxide is the original formula recommended by Dr Van Haywood, Hydrogen Peroxide or higher concentrations of Carbamide Peroxide usually have less wear time. To ensure you offer all your patients a greater choice and can meet their individual needs, look for a whitening brand with a range of peroxide strengths. [![Download Your Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2916295/af54a874-99d8-46ea-981a-0757ef9ee160.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2916295/af54a874-99d8-46ea-981a-0757ef9ee160) ### **What do the British Dental Association say?** The BDA suggest that the maximum concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide that may be used in the EU is 6% - present or released. As a guide, here is an overview of what this means for [gels containing Carbamide Peroxide](https://optident.co.uk/manufacturer/white-dental-beauty/?filter_types=tooth-whitening): - 10%CP produces a maximum of 3.6%HP - 16%CP normally release 5.3%HP ### **Improving patient care with safe, reliable products** Patient care is everything. Your patients should be able to trust you and your practice from the moment they walk through the door to the moment they leave. And offering the right products is a big part of this… Get to know what you need from each treatment solution; what’s safe and what’s going to deliver the most effective results? And make an educated choice when choosing the right brand for you and your patients. **Continue learning about professional tooth whitening with your free eBook…** *[![Get Your Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2916295/1e0eea7a-db00-4957-82d0-b089c1c932a6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2916295/1e0eea7a-db00-4957-82d0-b089c1c932a6)* - [![Facebook](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/wdb-ws/img/facebook-16.png)](https://www.facebook.com/whitedentalbeauty) - [![Instagram](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/wdb-ws/img/instagram-16.png)](https://www.instagram.com/whitedentalbeauty/) Please enable JavaScript to view the [comments powered by Disqus.](https://disqus.com/?ref_noscript) ### Discover More #### [Innovation Learn more Recommended Wear Times for White Dental Beauty When it comes to tooth whitening, every patient is different. Offer your patients a choice with White Dental Beauty's professional tooth whitening systems to suit a range of lifestyles.](https://blog.optident.co.uk/white-dental-beauty/recommended-wear-times-for-white-dental-beauty) #### [Business Learn more What Dentists Need to Know about Instagram Marketing Is your practice currently making the most of Instagram? Learn more about this powerful marketing tool and start attracting new patients today!](https://blog.optident.co.uk/white-dental-beauty/what-dentists-need-to-know-about-instagram-marketing) #### [Innovation Learn more Managing Patient Sensitivity With Tooth Whitening Tooth whitening sensitivity causing your patients pain? Discover the main causes, along with answers to common questions & the perfect solution.](https://blog.optident.co.uk/white-dental-beauty/managing-patient-sensitivity) #### Subscribe and we’ll send you brand new articles every month #### About White Dental Beauty is a worldwide leading tooth whitening brand, recognised for high quality products with clinically proven results. #### Shop Now Become a leader in professional tooth whitening [Order Today](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/get-in-touch#order-today) #### Contact Optident Ltd IDC Valley Drive, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8AL T: [+44 (0) 1943 605050](tel:+441943605050) #### Menu - [About](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/about) - [The Science of Novon®](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/the-science-of-novon) - [Teeth Whitening Gels](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/teeth-whitening) - [Compo***Si***te](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/composite) - [#whiteology](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/whiteology) - [Resources](https://blog.optident.co.uk/white-dental-beauty-resources) - [Blog](https://blog.optident.co.uk/white-dental-beauty) - [Get in touch](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/get-in-touch) - [Request a demo](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/request-a-demo) - [Where to Buy](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/where-to-buy) - [Patient Information](https://whitedentalbeauty.optident.co.uk/patient-information) #### Request a demo Discover White Dental Beauty and enhance your whitening treatments with an in-practice demo. 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