A New Vision of an Old Objective
Colgate’s self-contained whitening ecosystem provides high-quality tooth whitening without the traditional side effects.
Since the landmark article about nightguard vital bleaching by Haywood et al1 was published in 1990, dozens of new whitening solutions have been introduced.2–7
The most popular tooth-whitening agents are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, both of which deliver good results. The agents release oxygen-free radicals that react with chromophores in the enamel and dentin, reducing their size or changing their structure. Although carbamide peroxide was the original whitening agent, hydrogen peroxide has been taking a leading role in the new whitening products because it delivers excellent results.
Currently, some in-office and take-home tooth whitening approaches produce sensitivity as a side effect. Many patients experience this unpleasant symptom after the treatment, sometimes for a few days. While the precise mechanism remains unclear, it is believed that whitening sensitivity is caused by the migration of free oxygen radicals to the pulp, where they lead to a reversible pulpitis.3,5
Optic White Professional
Colgate has focused its innovation efforts on improving the patient’s and dental professional’s experience. The professional whitening line, Optic White Professional for In-Office and Take-Home treatments, brings a new approach to whitening to life. Optic White Professional includes an innovative chemistry and device while also being designed for no sensitivity.
Along with its chemistry, engineering, and design, Colgate delivers an exceptional experience not only for patients but also for professionals. By removing the need for custom-made trays, gingival barriers, and additional steps, Optic White Professional In-Office and Take-Home products help improve the dental professional experience. Office treatment can be completed in little more than 30 minutes, delivered as three consecutive whitening cycles of 10 minutes each, allowing the patient to rest between cycles. Patients also can enjoy an unusual sense of freedom during the treatment, with time to check their phones or take a quick walk while using the patented LED light device.
John Gallob, DMD, BSN, shares his experience, “The new technologies in the Optic White professional kit are game changing. Most providers are familiar with patients interested in whitening their teeth, but many report negative experiences with the previously available options. The gels and high concentrations of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide often leave patients with gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity.
“I remember hearing one patient report after in-office whitening treatment that her teeth ‘felt like they were glass and if she clenched them, they would shatter.’ The ease of application of the Colgate paint-on technology, combined with the stability of the serum to stay where it’s placed following evaporation, is predictable and controlled.”
Clinical Performance
In the Colgate clinical trial on the in-office product, there were no reports of tooth sensitivity or gingival irritation and the subjects’ experiences were validated with a phone call 24 hours after the appointment. The Colgate Optic White in-office kit provides an excellent option for tooth whitening, showing six shades on average of whitening.
The Optic White In-Office and Take-Home products offer a synergy between innovative devices and chemistry, as well as a design focused on the patient and the professional, bringing to life an exceptional approach to whitening. A self-contained whitening ecosystem that doesn’t need additional equipment purchases and multiple clinical steps could help practices reduce chair time by providing a valuable addition to dental practices. We have the same objective as you: an exceptional experience and exceptional results for your patients.n
References
- Haywood VB, Leech T, Heymann HO, Crumpler D, Bruggers K. Nightguard vital bleaching: effects on enamel surface texture and diffusion. Quintessence Int. 1990;21:801-804.
- Global Teeth Whitening Market Size, Share, Trends, COVID-19 Impact & Growth Analysis Report. Available at: marketdataforecast.com. Accessed July 17, 2023.
- Kwon SR, Swift EJ Jr. In‐office tooth whitening: pulpal effects and tooth sensitivity issues. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2014;26:353-358.
- Daltro TWS, de Almeida SAG, Dias MF, Lins-Filho PC, da Silva CHV, Guimarães RP. The influence of violet LED light on tooth bleaching protocols: In vitro study of bleaching effectiveness. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2020;32:102052.
- Goldberg M, Grootveld M, Lynch E. Undesirable and adverse effects of tooth-whitening products: a review. Clin Oral Investig. 2010;14:1-10.
- Tavares M, Stultz J, Newman M, et al. Light augments tooth whitening with peroxide. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134:167–175.
- Epple M, Meyer F, Enax J. A critical review of modern concepts for teeth whitening. Dent J (Basel). 2019;7:79.
Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. July/August 2023; 21(7):46.
