What exactly is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a procedure fot lightening teeth to reduce discoloration and brighten the natural tooth color. The reasons for tooth discoloration are varied and range from foods such as coffee and red wine to tobacco use and the natural aging process. Traditionally, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is used in bleaching, a substance known for its ability to penetrate deep into the enamel and dissolve embedded color pigments. Hydrogen peroxide is very effective and delivers quick results but can cause pain. A gentler alternative is phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP), as used in innovative products like BRILLIANT Lumina. PAP enables gentle whitening without the side effects such as sensitivity and – with insufficient protection of the gingiva – damage to the gums that are often associated with hydrogen peroxide bleaching.

Which methods can be used for teeth whitening?

Tooth whitening can be divided into three different groups, which primarily differ in their concentration of active substances such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or PAP.

• In-office teeth whitening: Performed under professional supervision, in-office whitening often involves high-concentration hydrogen peroxide treatments, sometimes combined with light activation. Alternatively, gentler procedures are available, such as bleaching with PAP, which is less aggressive and preserves the tooth structure. Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide can only be applied by the dentist. However, teeth whitening with PAP can be performed by qualified practice staff such as dental hygienists or prophylaxis assistants.
• Home teeth whitening: With this method, patients receive customized bleaching trays and a bleaching gel from the dentist, often also based on hydrogen peroxide. This is used at home. This method is more flexible and gentler, as the gel has a lower hydrogen peroxide concentration. However, the trays must also work over a longer period, which means a longer treatment duration with bleaching trays. Since home bleaching is often also done with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the teeth are also attacked.
• So-called “Over-the-Counter” Teeth Whitening Products”: Products for teeth whitening available to everyone in drugstores or online, such as toothpastes or whitening strips (e.g., from ALPINE WHITE)[ET1], offer a simple and inexpensive way for patients to whiten their teeth themselves. These products usually do not contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide but PAP. However, this is much less concentrated than in in-office bleaching products, so they offer less intensive results. Drugstore products for tooth whitening are particularly suitable for long-term maintenance of a whitened tooth color after professional tooth whitening.

Why dentists should offer professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening has become a key factor for patients when choosing a dental practice. In times when oral health is improving, bleaching offers dentists an excellent way to attract new patients and specifically address the increasing needs for white, beautiful teeth. A radiant smile achieved through professional teeth whitening boosts patients’ self-confidence and promotes a positive image and good referral rates. Depending on the bleaching product offered, the positioning of the practice can be directed in a conscious direction. Integrating bleaching into everyday practice is straightforward and does not require significant investments. By offering this service, practices expand their range of treatments and create an additional source of income. At the same time, they position their practice as a modern facility that meets the aesthetic needs of patients and offers added value – a strategic decision that can sustainably promote the long-term success of the practice.

BRILLIANT Lumina – An innovative bleaching solution for bright teeth without hydrogen peroxide

BRILLIANT Lumina is a novel solution for teeth whitening specifically designed for professional use in practice. BRILLIANT Lumina does not use aggressive substances such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The bleaching agent used, PAP, has the great advantage that treatment is completely painless for patients, and no tooth sensitivities occur after bleaching. In addition, BRILLIANT Lumina offers a particularly natural result. While it whitens the enamel more effectively than hydrogen peroxide bleaching, it hardly whitens the dentin inside the tooth. This leads to an extremely natural appearance, as the yellowish chroma of the dentin core can still slightly shine through the whitened enamel. A result that no outsider would doubt the “inauthenticity” of this tooth color. Patients are enthusiastic about the BRILLIANT Lumina teeth whitening method for these reasons, as they do not have to accept pain or noticeably unnatural appearance. For practices, this innovative product for teeth whitening without H2O2 offers the opportunity to differentiate themselves from competitors and other practices. The product is particularly suitable for practices that place a high value on minimally invasive treatments and natural aesthetics.