Most people don’t feel confident about their smiles because of discolored teeth. Tight-lipped smiles are the order of the day. This is why teeth whitening near you is the most prevalent cosmetic dental treatment.
Since the demand for teeth whitening in Morristown, NJ, is high, countless products in the market are trying to meet the demand. Therefore, don’t be shocked to see different products, some good, some excellent, while others you may not be sure where to classify them!
In the same breath, there is a new product known as PAP, which is a peroxide-free teeth whitening treatment. However, there are still some questions that are surrounding this treatment. So, read along to get to dive into what PAP is all about.
PAP, In a Nutshell
PAP is an acronym that stands for Phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid, yes it’s a mouthful, and that’s why it is known as PAP. This is a synthetic organic peroxy acid, which is primarily used as a bleaching activator. Now, it has been used as a teeth whitening agent.
Like hydrogen peroxide used in conventional teeth whitening products, PAP causes a chemical reaction (oxidation), which dissolves or breaks down the stains, reducing the hue, thus making your teeth whiter.
Does PAP Work?
There aren’t many studies since the product has only recently been used as a teeth whitening substance. However, some research studies show that it is as effective as using hydrogen peroxide. This is because they primarily use the same method (oxidation) to remove the stains. However, there are still some more studies that have to be carried out. So, talk to our dentist before undergoing the teeth whitening procedure.
Where Can You Find PAP?
If you didn’t know, PAP is a common substance, and you might even use it every other day. This bleaching activator is widely used in many laundry detergents as a whitening agent. So, some products have adopted the same principle and now are using PAP as the main bleaching agent.
Is PAP Safe for You to Use?
The short answer is no! Or at least not yet. PAP is a relatively new product in terms of teeth whitening. Taking a lunge now may not be the wisest thing to do since the product isn’t properly understood as a teeth whitening agent. Some studies even show that there is no concrete evidence that the product works.
In addition, the early studies carried out swing in the opposite direction and revealed that PAP might cause more harm than good. It is potentially harmful to your enamel. Plus, the product is known to be corrosive, flammable, and even environmentally unfriendly.
Some studies also showed that PAP caused more damage to teeth than most teeth whitening agents purchased in your local drug stores. It caused etching patterns on the teeth, and there was a reduction in the micro-hardness of the enamel.
So, What Is the Best Alternative to Whiten Teeth?
Don’t underestimate the effects of teeth whitening, especially when it is done unprofessionally. Since most products use carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, you need to be careful lest you find yourself dealing with sensitive teeth, irritated gums, and unevenly whitened teeth.
Going for professional teeth whitening near you can make a lot of difference. Since our dentist knows that the bleaching agent can irritate, the necessary precautions will be taken to reduce the effects.
Generally, the teeth whitening procedure is carried out as follows:
- Our dentist will commence by making a record of your current shade of teeth
- Then, our dentist will clean your teeth and polish them with pumice (a grainy substance) to remove plaque
Next, gauze will be placed to keep your teeth dry. Retractors will be placed to ensure that your cheeks, tongue, and lips steer clear from the bleaching agent - Then, a barrier will be placed along the gum line to ensure that there’s no exposure to the bleaching agent
Your teeth will be coated only on the front surface with a teeth whitening solution, which is mainly hydrogen peroxide - Next, the bleaching agent on your teeth will be exposed to a curing light to activate the peroxide. You will wait for nearly half an hour for it to work
- Our dentist will rinse your teeth if the time has elapsed or the optimum shade has been reached. Then, fluoride will be applied to ease any tooth sensitivity that might occur
As you have seen, when teeth whitening is professionally done, your teeth will be in safe hands. In any case, before you decide to add the shine to your teeth, contact us at Dental Care of Morristown to help you make the right decision.