“Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” -Connie Stevens
There is certainly no arguing with this timeless notion. Everyone wants to feel and look their best, and that begins with a bright smile. Even as far back as the Stone Ages, people were concerned about the appearance of their teeth. Here are some fun facts about the evolution of dental care.
- Early man used small sticks, a.k.a. chew sticks, to clean his teeth.
- The ancient Egyptians were the first to make “toothpaste.” As early as 2000 BC, they used wine vinegar and pumice stone powder to make teeth look and feel better.
- The Romans believed urine could be used to whiten teeth (gasp!).
- The Chinese were the first to create “toothbrushes” in the 1400s with bristles made of hair from a hog’s neck.
We’ve come a long way (thank goodness), but the importance of a clean, white smile has not changed. Throughout history, people have endured extreme pain in the name of whiter teeth and, in recent years, have spent countless dollars and hours trying to ensure their pearly whites were just that.
The teeth whitening boom was born in the late 1980s when dentists came to realize that hydrogen peroxide, which had been used as an oral antiseptic, was actually bleaching teeth. The result was the birth of a new industry and a marketing phenomenon. In the last decade alone, sales for whitening products were close to $33.7 million, according to dentistguideonline.com.
Teeth Whitening is also safer than ever before. When bleaching first increased in popularity Ultraviolet Light treatments were used to activate teeth whitening, but Livescience.com warns that “UV Teeth Bleaching is Not a Bright Idea” The FDA has received numerous complaints about burned gums from whitening procedures and the long term effects of UV light is thought to cause cancer and damage gums, lips and eyes. Most dental practices these days now use safer LED lights. In fact, GLO Science was one of the first to pioneer LED light technology, combining it with gentle warming heat acceleration and incorporating it into their proprietary products such as the GLO mouthpiece included in the Professional Teeth Whitening System.
Thanks to science and updated technology, smiles are now brighter than ever. There are numerous gels, pastes, and products on the market to improve the whitening experience – so many that it can be confusing for patients and practitioners alike. GLO Science has revolutionized the industry with the most effective, convenient, trusted and safe whitening methods for your patients.
Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, an NYU professor, inventor, and NYC dentist with a 30-year career and GLO product founder, has made it his mission “to combine the positive factors of whitening, eliminate all of the compromises that cause sensitivity, and create a synergized dual-whitening experience for patients.” Levine worked with a team of dental professionals, engineers, and product developers to invent GLO (Guided Light Optics) technology and create the first Professional Teeth Whitening System of its kind.
Here’s what sets GLO Science apart and how it benefits YOUR patients:
- Reduced Patient Sensitivity: GLO Science uses light and heat in a sealed environment created by its mouthpiece to maximize the whitening gel's efficacy and prevent dehydration and sensitivity. GLO also uses specially formulated hydrogen peroxide gel with special ingredients to prevent sensitivity.
- Innovative Technology = Shorter Exposure Times with Maximum Efficiency: The GLO Pro Chairside Whitening Treatment is the fastest treatment option for the brightest smile. Teeth can get up to 12 shades whiter in under an hour.
- Convenience: GLO take-home kits include GLO Vials for maintenance and touch-ups at home between office visits. In office touch ups only take 30 minutes and can last up to six months!
GLO’s advanced professional technology and formulations work together to fulfill its simple mission, “to make more people smile.”
According to Dr. Levine, “The power of the smile is the ability to transfer good feelings to someone else,” and there is no doubt your patients will be smiling after they show off their GLOing teeth.