What is teeth whitening?
And how does the teeth whitening process work?
Tooth discoloration is caused by various dyes and pigments that adhere to the organic matter of your teeth. Removing these stains is usually done in two ways: physical removal and chemical bleaching.

Physical removal targets superficial discoloration (everyday stains on the surface) using an abrasive method. Chemical bleaching works on both superficial and deep-seated stains (stains embedded in tooth enamel), making it the most common and effective method of teeth whitening.

How does chemical whitening work to remove stains from teeth?
Chemical bleaching involves oxidizing stains and changing the molecules responsible for color adhesion. Simply put, bleaching agents penetrate tooth enamel and break down these molecules into smaller, simpler forms. The smaller the molecule, the lighter the color, resulting in an overall whiter appearance of the tooth.

Some common bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (called PAP for short).

What is the difference between peroxide and PAP?
Both PAP whitening and peroxide-based teeth whitening treatments use oxidizing action to break down stains and brighten the appearance of teeth.

As part of this process, peroxide releases so-called free radicals. These attack organic molecules to reduce discoloration, but can also cause unwanted side effects such as sensitivity, gum irritation and demineralization.

PAP reacts similarly with tooth discoloration, but without releasing free radicals. This means that the molecules responsible for the discoloration are safely broken down without risk of sensitivity, pain or damage.

Why isn't PAP used more often?
Most dentists continue to use peroxide-based whitening treatments in their practices because professional chair-based use can best limit the side effects of free radical oxidation. However, with the increasing availability and popularity of at-home peroxide products, the safety of these treatments is becoming at least questionable.

The use of PAP has not been widely explored by dentists, possibly due to its difficulties in formulation and stability. The higher the pH of PAP, the more effective. Unfortunately, this means that the formula loses its effectiveness after a short storage period.

What makes PAP+ special?
We have spent years perfecting the optimal formulation process that maximizes the benefits of PAP while maintaining its stability. The result is PAP+, a formula that effectively whitens teeth without unwanted side effects.