Teeth Whitening Terms Glossary
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: Voluntary program whereby companies submit their products for testing. Seal is given only to products that meet strict guidelines for effectiveness and safety.
- Boil and Bite: Term used to describe method of forming a mouth tray utilizing boiling water to "soften" plastic. Then the user biters down on the plastic for a period of time. As the plastic hardens, a dental mouth tray is formed.
- Carbamide Peroxide: Ingredient found in many teeth whitening products. 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide equals about 10% carbamide peroxide.
- Chromogenic Agents: Substances that cause teeth to stain or darken. Includes things like tea and coffee.
- Dentifrice: Another name for whitening toothpaste.
- Fluorisis: A condition whereby teeth are discolored and enamel is damaged. Usually acquired in childhood by ingesting too much fluoride.
- Gingival: Another name for "gum", as in below the teeth. Gingival irritation is a side effect of some teeth whitening treatments.
- Glycerin: Ingredient found in many teeth whitening products that is used to draw water out of teeth. Tends to cause thermal sensitivity.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Ingredient found in many teeth whitening products. 3% hydrogen peroxide concentration is roughly equal to 10% carbamide peroxide concentration in a product.
- Thermal Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to temperature (i.e. hot and cold).
- Thermoform: Another term used to describe the "boil and bite" method of creating a semi-custom mouth tray.
- UREA: A synthetic compound also known as carbamide peroxide that whitens teeth as it eventually breaks down into the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide.
Read The Rest of Our Teeth Whitening Guide:
Teeth Whitening
- Starting page with basic info and interesting surveys facts about whitening.
What Causes Yellow Teeth
- List of factors that cause teeth to become yellow over time.
Teeth Stains
- Page with basic info about teeth stains.
Before Teeth Whitening
- List of steps you should take before start of teeth whitening treatment.
Teeth Whitening Side Effects
- List of side effects and irritations teeth whitening can cause.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
- Text about teeth whitening toothpaste and usage guide.
Teeth Whitening Gel
- Info about teeth whitening gel and it's advantages/disadvantages.
Paint-On Teeth Whitening
- Info about paint-on (also called brush-on) teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Strips
- Text about thin and transparent whitening strips.
Teeth Whitening Trays
- What are teeth whitening trays, how are they used and more...
Teeth Whitening Kits
- Page about regular and custom at-home teeth whitening kits.
Laser Teeth Whitening
- The most effective but most expensive teeth whitening method.
Teeth Whitening Terms Glossary
- List of the most used teeth whitening terms.
Keeping Teeth White
- What can you do to keep your teeth white after the treatment.
