Opalescence Teeth Whitening: How It Works and Where to Buy

Resources Whitening Opalescence Teeth Whitening: How It Works and Where to Buy

Clinical Content Reviewed by Dr. Jay Khorsandi, DDS

Last Modified:May 13, 2022

What Is Opalescence?
How It Works
How to Use Their Kits
Who Is a Candidate?
Where to Buy
Costs
Opalescence vs. Other Brands
Frequently Asked Questions
References

Opalescence is an award-winning band of teeth whitening products. They are available in many different forms, including toothpaste and gels, and in different concentrations and flavors.

Opalescence Teeth Whitening Systems use a formula that contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. The fluoride reinforces the natural structure of teeth and enhances the dental benefits of the product.

Opalescence teeth whitening kits offer you flexible options for how they whiten teeth, so you can incorporate your favorite one into your lifestyle.

What Is Opalescence?

Opalescence is an award-winning band of teeth whitening products. These products are available in many different forms, including toothpaste and gels. Many are also available in different concentrations and flavors.

Consumers and private dental practices throughout the world have used these teeth whitening products extensively for more than two decades.

They are considered safe, effective and reliable, making them an excellent choice for anyone hoping to lighten their teeth by a few shades.

How Does It Work?

Teeth whitening works by removing discolorations from the outer surface of your tooth enamel, giving you a whiter smile. The active ingredients in Opalescence teeth whitening products (hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) have been formulated to oxidize the organic matrix of your enamel and dentin, safely breaking down and removing the stains and discolorations.

Opalescence Teeth Whitening Systems also use a patented formula that contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. This combination of ingredients has a sticky texture that helps the products stay in place during treatment and provides additional user comfort. The fluoride reinforces the natural structure of teeth and enhances the dental benefits of the product.

How to Use Opalescence Teeth Whitening Kits

Opalescence teeth whitening kits offer you flexible options for teeth whitening. This means you can perform teeth whitening in a manner that best fits your lifestyle.

Follow the directions below to learn how to use the various Opalescence teeth whitening products, including:

Opalescence Toothpaste
Opalescence Go
Opalescence PF
Opalescence Boost

Opalescence Toothpaste

Opalescence Toothpaste is a daily whitening toothpaste. The product uses a unique tri-silica blend to actively remove surface stains. Opalescence toothpaste is less abrasive than many other whitening toothpastes and can be used on a daily basis without harming your tooth enamel. Use it to brush your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes twice a day.

Opalescence Go

Opalescence Go is a gel-based whitening product that includes a flexible pre-made application tray. It is available in two flavors and two different concentrations.

Opalescence Go must be applied once a day for 15-20 minutes (for the 15% concentration option) or 30-60 minutes (for the 10% concentration option) for 10 days or until you achieve your desired shade. To use it:

Remove the product from the packaging. The trays are labeled U and L for the upper and lower teeth respectively.
Position the upper tray on your upper teeth, bite firmly and suck on the tray for 2 seconds.
Remove the colored outer tray and leave the white inner tray on your teeth.
Repeat the above process for the lower tray.
Remove the teeth whitening trays after the indicated wear time has elapsed.

Opalescence PF

Opalescence PF is a gel-based custom whitening kit. It is available in three flavors and five different concentrations. Each kit includes a custom-made tray used to apply the product.

Opalescence PF must be applied once a day for 10 days or until you achieve your desired shade. The products must be worn for different amounts of time depending on the gel concentration:

10% (8 to 10 hours)
15% (4 to 6 hours)
20% (2 to 4 hours)
35% (30 to 60 minutes)
45% (15 to 20 minutes)

Opalescence Boost

Opalescence Boost is an in-office teeth whitening treatment that must be applied by a qualified dental professional. It is administered in two or three 20-minute applications for a total treatment time of one hour. This is the most powerful Opalescence product and produces the most noticeable results.

Who Is a Candidate?

Anyone with stained teeth because of age, smoking, food and drink consumption or other factors can benefit from Opalescence whitening products. It is safe for adults of all ages to use but is not approved for use by children.

If you have gum disease, cavities, thin or worn enamel, or exposed roots, you may be at greater risk for teeth whitening side effects like sensitivity and gum irritation. Consult your dentist first before using any teeth whitening products to minimize any potential risks.

Where to Buy

Opalescence recommends purchasing their products directly from your dentist or a licensed dental professional. The company’s Find a Dentist tool can help you locate a dentist near you that offers Opalescence teeth whitening products. You can also buy their products from various online platforms, including:

Costs

The cost of Opalescence whitening toothpaste ranges between $9 and $27. Opalescence Go prefilled teeth whitening trays cost between $60 and $75. Opalescence teeth whitening gel syringes cost around $30 for a four-syringe pack. Eight-syringe and 12-syringe packs are also available for $60 and $90 respectively.

Opalescence vs. Other Brands

Compared to other popular teeth whitening brands, Opalescence teeth whitening products offer faster results with fewer applications and shorter wear times. They also offer higher concentration options than many of their competitors. Opalescence Teeth Whitening toothpaste is also less abrasive than other whitening toothpaste.

However, Opalescence teeth whitening kits are relatively more expensive compared to similar brands such as AuraGlow, Sparkling White Smiles, Zoom, Sapphire, and Cali White. If cost is a significant concern, they may not be the best choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Opalescence a good teeth whitener?

Opalescence is an effective professional-grade teeth whitening kit. When you use the products as directed by your dentist, they produce good results. Many dental professionals across the globe use and recommend Opalescence for teeth whitening.

Can Opalescence damage teeth?

All dental bleaching products can produce side effects with excessive exposure, including enamel damage, gum irritation, and tooth sensitivity. Follow the instructions on the packaging to prevent these problems.

How long does it take for Opalescence to work?

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste and Opalescence PF produce visible results (up to two shades of improvement) in 30 days. Opalescence Go produces results after 10 days. The in-office Opalescence Boost treatment produces visible results immediately after your one-hour treatment session.

References

Find the Best Teeth Whitening Kit For You. (2022). Opalescence Teeth Whitening Systems.

Frequently Asked Questions. (2022). Opalescence Teeth Whitening Systems.

Effects of a Novel Whitening Formulation on Dental Enamel. (April 2017). Dentistry (Sunnyvale).

Hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth by oxidizing the organic structure. (December 2012). Journal of Dentistry.

Effect of four different opalescence tooth-whitening products on enamel microhardness. (June 2008). Journal of the South African Dental Association.

Whitening. (October 2020). American Dental Association.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to serve as dental or other professional health advice and is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition or symptom. You should consult a dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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