Opalescence

I am writing about Opalescence as it is one of the most well known and popular teeth whitening products prescribed by dentists.  It is advisable that you see your dentist, who can recommend the best product for you, depending on your needs and oral health.  Your dentist can also help if issues like tooth sensitivity arise. Discuss your expectations with your dentist as some people want a whiter than white Hollywood smile and others would just like a nice natural looking white smile.  Some use the white of the eyes as a guide as to how white the teeth should be.  Keep in mind that everyone has a point where their teeth will not whiten any further, regardless of the product used.  It is also important to know that everyone’s teeth will not bleach at the same rate.  For some, one hour in-office bleaching will be sufficient, but others may need weeks of bleaching to get an optimal result.

Opalescence PF

Opalescence take-home whitening gel should only be provided by a licensed dental professional.  The gel contains Potassium nitrate which helps to relieve sensitivity. It travels through the enamel and dentin to the pulp chamber to calm the nerves.  Opalescence PF also contains Fluoride which helps so provide long lasting relief from sensitivity by increasing the hardness of the enamel.  The gel has been found to reduce vulnerability to cavities and increase the re-mineralization of the enamel. They formulated Opalescence to prevent dehydration and shade relapse.  Three flavors; mint, melon and regular and four concentrations carbamide peroxide (10%, 15%, 20% and 35%) are available.

How does it work?

Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send it to a laboratory who can create custom bleaching trays with precise ‘block out’ reservoirs.  You will take the trays and chosen Opalescence gel home and use it as instructed by your dentist.  The gel is placed into the bleaching tray before you place the tray over your teeth and remove any extra gel from your gums with a cloth. The lower concentration gels can be use for overnight bleaching as it has a sustained release for 8 to 10 hours.  If you are using 20% or 35% you should reduce the time significantly as it will cause severe sensitivity with prolonged use.  You can gen similar results with the 10% and 35% gels, it just takes a longer period of time to achieve results with a lower concentration formula.  In general this product got great reviews, but some people complained about sensitivity.  I would recommend choosing a lower concentration whitening gel.  It may also help to use a desensitizing gel after whitening your teeth.

Opalescence Go

Dispense only by a licensed dental professional, Opalescence Go comes in prefilled, disposable trays. You do not need impressions or custom trays and is ready to use right out of the package.  It is ideal if you do not want to spend a lot of time at your dentist or want to take it along if you are travelling.   The trays are sleek and comfortable and are made from a clear material. Wear times range from 15 to 60 minutes a day for 5 to 10 days.  The bleaching gel is available in peach, melon and mint flavors.  It also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to reduce sensitivity and strengthen your teeth.

Opalescence Boost

This is an in-office, chemically activated (no light used) whitening treatment that offers results in less than an hour.  It is ideal for people who want instant teeth whitening e.g. those who have a special event coming up for which they want a white, bright smile.  It may also be a good choice for someone who doesn’t cope well with wearing bleaching trays for extended periods at home, or for very dark teeth that did not bleach sufficiently with an at-home bleaching method.  Do not pick this option if you struggle with sensitive teeth as it may end up being a painful experience (although the sensitivity usually subsides within a relatively short period of time).  The gel also contains Potassium nitrate and Fluoride to help and reduce sensitivity.

Opalescence Toothpaste

If you want to keep your teeth bright, it is important to maintain your white smile.  Opalescence toothpaste is ideal for maintenance.  It is available in Opalescence PF (with potassium nitrate and fluoride) and Original.  It’s safe for multiple uses per day and come in Cool Mint and Vanilla Mint flavors.

Opalescence Toothbrushes

The Opalescence Toothbrushes gently and effectively cleans teeth and gums and is great to access hard-to reach areas.  This can be used along with Opalpic to clean between the teeth.  They will not splinter or break and is easy to use.