The gels
Two chemistries do almost all the work in this industry. Know which is which and why.
What you will learn
- Hydrogen peroxide against carbamide peroxide
- The 3 to 1 relationship and what it means in practice
- How to store gel so it still works when you need it
The two that matter
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the common gels worldwide. Carbamide is made from hydrogen peroxide by adding a urea molecule to each one, which makes it far more stable.
That stability is why carbamide was invented for over the counter products. Hydrogen peroxide has a short life, especially at higher strengths.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Fast. Best results. Low shelf stability. What you use in the chair.
- Carbamide peroxide
- Slower but good given time. High shelf stability. Designed for home use over 10 to 14 days.
- Sodium perborate
- Good results, no sensitivity, no gum irritation, but results do not last.
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Same story. Good, gentle, and short lived.
Three to one
There is a 3 to 1 relationship between carbamide and hydrogen peroxide. 35% carbamide is roughly equivalent to 12% hydrogen peroxide. It is worth knowing when a client quotes you a number from a box they bought online.
Storing it
Your 16% hydrogen peroxide gel is heat sensitive. Keep it refrigerated at all times, and especially through summer. Sun or a warm room breaks the gel down.
Take the gel out before the appointment so it reaches room temperature. Cold gel gives poor results. This is one of the most common reasons a treatment underperforms.
Carbamide can sit at room temperature for up to two years. Brite Lounge’s own 16% formulation holds for over six weeks at room temperature, which is not the same as recommending you keep it there.
On the exam. This lesson answers questions 4, 17.