Today, many people dream of a snow-white smile and try various whitening products. Some opt for whitening pastes or do whitening at home, while others prefer to seek professional dental care. Do-it-yourself whitening may be cheaper, but it is associated with many risks - during the procedure, you can damage the enamel, calculate the time incorrectly, or simply not take into account the presence of contraindications. A consultation with a dentist will help you make the right choice, based on the characteristics of your teeth and overall health.
Important information about the manufacturer
Opalescence is a trademark developed by Ultradent Products, which appeared in the 70s of the twentieth century in the USA. Today it produces more than 500 products that are used by dentists around the world.
According to Ultradent1, it was the first company in the world to develop a teeth whitening gel and Opalescence system that can be used at home. The product was accepted and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), because it meets all quality criteria and is recognized as one of the safest for enamel in its segment (chemical whitening).
In-canal whitening
Opalescence Endo Kit is used to whiten endodontically treated, discolored teeth.
Opalescence whitening system
is represented by
, which has been providing professional whitening systems to the global market for more than ten years.
The Opalescence whitening system has received a five-star Reality Choice rating 5 years in a row. No other whitening system has achieved this result.
Opalescense is the most advanced whitening system in the world.
Operating principle of Opalescence technology
When they talk about “Opalescence”, we are talking about chemical teeth whitening, or rather, one of the types of chemical whitening. To activate the brightening gel, the doctor or the patient himself (if the procedure is performed at home) does not need to use a lamp, heat or light. A chemical composition is used as an activator.
All Opalescence kits include a hydrogen peroxide-based brightening gel and a chemical activator. You must first mix them, and for convenience and accuracy of dosage, the manufacturer has come up with a special “syringe in a syringe” system.
How does Opalescence professional teeth whitening work?
Activation of the gel occurs according to the “syringe to syringe” concept. By distilling the active components, the desired consistency of the whitening gel is achieved, which self-activates after application to the surface of the teeth. The exceptions are Opalescence Endo and Opalustre suspension, which are supplied to clinics in ready-made form. The entire procedure can be divided into several key stages.
- Consultation.
A meeting with a dentist, at which indications and contraindications are identified, and a treatment plan is drawn up. - Preparatory part.
Treatment of dental diseases (if necessary) and professional teeth cleaning. The Vita scale is used to coordinate the desired enamel color. - Main part.
The doctor prepares the patient’s oral cavity for whitening: he dries the teeth, applies a protective mixture to the gums, and also allocates a working area using a rubber dam. Then the whitening gel is mixed and applied. On average, one stage lasts 20 - 30 minutes, after which the Opalescence whitening gel is removed and, if necessary, a second session is performed. - Completion of the procedure.
Rinse and dry teeth, treat with special preparations to reduce hypersensitivity and restore enamel.
Contraindications to the procedure
Whitening with Opalescence brand products should not be performed on pregnant and lactating women, children under 18 years of age, or people with allergies to hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. The use of the technology is contraindicated if you have bad teeth or inflamed gums in your mouth, as well as multiple restorations in the smile area.
Important! If you have fillings, dentures, or crowns on your front teeth, you need to remember that they cannot be whitened and their color will remain unchanged, unlike natural enamel. Therefore, patients with such a clinical situation should not undergo the procedure, or after it all old restorations will have to be replaced with new ones.
Indications and contraindications
Factors that lead to the recommendation for the use of Opalescence Boost include:
- Changes in the shade of the enamel coating of teeth caused by insufficient hygienic care, age-related changes, as well as the systematic use of products containing aggressive pigment substances.
- The development of hypoplasia and fluorosis, the consequences of which are visually noticeable spots that differ from the natural color of the enamel.
- The need to restore the structure after prolonged orthodontic correction, as well as treatment of dental canals.
It is important to take into account that the whitening procedure provides for a number of restrictions, the presence of which temporarily or completely eliminates the use of special means. Absolute medical contraindications are:
- Allergy to components included in the drug;
- Diagnosed autoimmune diseases;
- Insufficient thickness of the enamel coating;
- Pregnancy and lactation period.
Relative contraindications are considered to be pathologies of the jaw region that are subject to additional treatment, including caries, periodontitis, the formation of stone deposits, etc.
Options for using technology in a dental office
The manufacturer offers patients to undergo professional Opalescence teeth whitening in a dental office. Depending on the clinical situation, indications and contraindications, and the expected effect, different solutions are suitable for this.
Important! No matter how safe the technique is, it is better to undergo the procedure in dentistry than at home. The doctor will conduct a professional examination, remove plaque, prepare teeth and gums, select the most optimal composition of active ingredients and minimize all possible risks. Read more about the benefits and harms of whitening technologies here.
| Type of technology | Peculiarities |
| Opalescence Boost PF |
|
| Opalescence Endo |
|
| Opalustre |
|
Important! Doctors call Opalescence office and home whitening one of the safest among chemical ones, since all whitening gels from this brand contain potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride, which help strengthen the enamel, reduce its hyperesthesia (sensitivity), and prevent caries.
Professional whitening system Opalescence Boost PF
Teeth whitening using this system, which is based on 40% hydrogen peroxide, is also carried out in the dentist's chair.
The system has a PF formula (potassium nitrate plus fluoride), which reduces tooth sensitivity and is effective in preventing caries.
Instructions for Opalescence Boost:
- You should make sure that the syringes are tightly secured.
- First, gently press the plunger of the red syringe, then also gently press the plunger of the white one.
- To mix, make approximately 20-25 back-and-forth movements.
- After mixing, leave the whitening gel in the red syringe and put the brush attachment on it.
The system is very simple and easy to use, the gel is easy to apply and remove from the teeth.
Types of Opalescence for home use
If you want to lighten your enamel on your own, or want to maintain the results obtained in dentistry for a long time, then you can try Opalescence teeth whitening at home. Moreover, the manufacturer offers a lot of options for these purposes. However, before using the remedies listed below, we strongly recommend that you consult a doctor.
Opalescence PF
There are several options for brightening gel here - with 10%, 15% and 20% carbamide peroxide in the composition. The manufacturer recommends the product for those whose enamel darkening is caused by consuming “colored” foods and drinks (coffee, berries, wine, sauces).
Suitable for use in mouth guards only! The consistency of the gel is viscous, it applies well and does not leak out of the trays. Before use, consultation with a doctor is necessary, since depending on the clinical situation, the manufacturer recommends that each patient have a different time for the gel to remain on the teeth - for some it can be 1-2 hours a day, for others - 8-10 hours (the product is left for the entire night).
On a note! The manufacturer offers different sets of Opalescence PF. The first one includes only four syringes with gel; it has a low price - about 1800 rubles. The second, costing about 3,800 rubles, includes eight syringes with gel, a case for mouth guards, a travel bag and specialized toothpaste. But there is no talk anywhere about the mouth guards themselves, so be careful. Mouth guards for these kits must be purchased separately. For example, you can order individual ones in dentistry.
The composition for home use should be stored in the refrigerator, but before use, it must be warmed to room temperature.
“I decided to have opalescence whitening after I saw my friend’s photos before and after the procedure on Instagram. I was very impressed! She had a set with 20%, and I bought the same, and also ordered mouth guards on the Internet. After some time, I regretted my decision, because for me the remedy turned out to be powerful. I couldn’t sit for more than an hour a day, because... It stung my gums and hurt my teeth. I had pain in my teeth at night, too, and took painkillers. The result - the lightening effect was really quite good, but the pain and aches persisted for a very long time, appearing even from cold air. I conclude that before this I should have gone to the dentist and gotten a consultation. Next time I’m going to do that.”
Natali, fragment of a review from the site irecommend.ru
Opalescence TresWhite Supreme
This kit contains a ready-made kit - trays filled with Opalescence teeth whitening gel. The composition contains a 10% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrite and sodium fluoride to strengthen enamel, peach, melon or mint flavors (optional) for fresh breath.
The kit is intended for use within 5–10 days. You need to wear the mouth guards every day for 30–60 minutes, but if discomfort and pain occur, you should stop using the product and consult a doctor.
The cost of the kit is about 5,500 rubles.
TresWhite Ortho Mint
This set again includes ready-made mouth guards in the amount of 10 pieces for the lower and upper jaws, which are already filled with gel. However, teeth whitening with the Opalescence TresWhite Ortho System is not for everyone, but only for people who are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. The gel contains 8% carbamide peroxide, strengthening and antibacterial components. The taste is mint.
The price of the Opalescence TresWhite Ortho teeth whitening kit is approximately the same as for the previous one - about 5,600 rubles.
Home whitening system Opalescence Patient Kit
Opalescence effectively eliminates complete or partial darkening of tooth enamel as a result of systemic, congenital, age-related, natural, traumatic and pharmacological factors. Good results are achieved when working with tetracycline staining and fluorescent stains. Opalescence Patient Kit is used in trays.
Instructions for use:
- Rinse the mouthguard and wipe dry, brush your teeth with any toothpaste.
- Squeeze out the required amount of gel evenly from a plastic syringe onto the front side of the mouthguard (but not more than a third of the total volume of one syringe).
- Distribute the gel evenly and place the mouthguard on your teeth. Press firmly with your fingers, then use a napkin to remove any excess gel that has come out beyond the tray.
- The time for teeth whitening depends on the concentration of the gel. To achieve ideal results, keep Opalescence at: 35% for approximately 30 minutes. 20% - from 2 to 4 hours. 15% - from 4 to 6 hours. 10% - from 6 to 10 hours (it is recommended to use it overnight).
- Take out the mouth guard, rinse it under water, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with slightly warm water.
Products for reducing enamel sensitivity from Opalescence
Opalescence teeth whitening, like all other types of whitening, makes the enamel sensitive, especially if it has cracks, chips and other defects. After the procedure, teeth become sensitive to the temperature of food for some time, as active chemicals open sensitive dentinal tubules. To quickly cope with the problem or avoid it as much as possible, the manufacturer has added enamel-strengthening components to the lightening gels.
In addition, Ultradent Products has released other products to help reduce discomfort.
UltraEZ Kits
You can buy the product cheaper, for 2,500 rubles, but the kit will only include four syringes filled with strengthening gel. Mouthguards will have to be purchased separately.
You can also purchase the UltraEZ Kit, which includes 10 sets of aligners (upper and lower jaw) filled with sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate gel. They will help relieve enamel sensitivity after whitening. But the price for such a kit will be higher – from 6,000 rubles.
In both cases, the manufacturer promises that the effect will be noticeable after the first use.
On a note! UltraEZ kits can be used in combination with other means to eliminate pain and reduce the sensitivity of enamel after professional hygiene, whitening, microabrasion, when the necks and roots of teeth are exposed due to periodontitis and periodontal disease.
Remineralizing gel Flor-Opal Tray Combo
The product is sold ready-made and immediately distributed into drops, that is, nothing needs to be pre-mixed or applied. Mouth guards are also included in the kit. Suitable for eliminating sensitivity and discomfort after whitening. Can be used to treat superficial forms of caries, which appear as a white chalky spot. Suitable for the prevention of caries and treatment (in combination) of teeth against the background of periodontitis and exposure of roots.
How does it work?
Opalescence technology is based on the whitening properties of carbamide peroxide , a substance that acts similar to hydrogen peroxide. For all its effectiveness and slightly higher concentration, the substance acts gently and safely, without irritating the gum mucosa at all.
What will the result be and how to maintain it for a long time?
Opalescence in-office whitening allows you to lighten the enamel by 4-5 tones. Homemade allows you to get an effect of 2-4 tones. The result can last for 2–4 years. But this is only possible if a person maintains a white smile through careful and daily hygienic care procedures, consumes foods and drinks with dyes on a limited basis, and also performs professional oral hygiene twice a year.
I wonder how long the results from other types of professional and home whitening will last? Read the feature article on the website.
If you want to maintain a good result, or further enhance the effect of in-office procedures, then again you can use products from Ultradent. Let's list them:
- Opalescence Follow-Up Kit: the set contains six packs of trays with a whitening composition and a tube of toothpaste,
- Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste: contains a minimum of abrasives, but at the same time it removes soft plaque well and prevents staining of teeth from tea, coffee, and products with dyes. In addition, the product releases fluoride ions on the enamel surface, which helps enrich hard tissues with minerals. The price depends on the size of the tube: 28 grams – from 550 rubles, 133 grams – from 900 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Chemical whitening allows you to lighten the enamel by 8 tones in most cases.
- Tooth tissues do not heat up due to the absence of a catalyst in the form of an ultraviolet lamp or laser.
- The price of Opalescence whitening is lower than other types of professional whitening.
- Wide range of products.
- Some experts believe that laser and photo whitening provide more effective and long-term results.
- There is a chance of getting a chemical burn to soft tissue if you do not follow safety precautions.
Features of impact technology
One of the differences between Opalescence and similar techniques is that there is no need to use an additional light lamp to activate the gel. This makes the procedure simple, fast and convenient both at home and when using professional systems.
They have the same operating principle based on the release of active oxygen from the active substance. Under the influence of the activator contained in the gel, carbamide peroxide begins to decompose and releases molecular oxygen with fairly high efficiency.
The colored areas of the teeth have protein bonds, with which oxygen reacts. In this case, the bonds are destroyed without causing harm to the enamel, and the pigmented areas become discolored.
Depending on the chosen system and many other factors (in particular, the individual reaction of the patient’s enamel to the material), lightening can occur from 2 to 10 tones .
You can read reviews about laser teeth whitening and share your own opinion here.
In a separate publication we will tell you which components give Lakalut toothpaste a whitening effect.
In the comments to this article https://www.vash-dentist.ru/krasota-i-uxod/otbelivanie/maslo-chaynogo-dereva-dlya-domashnego-zubov.html you will find reviews about the use of tea tree oil for teeth whitening.
Let's sum it up
Home teeth whitening Opalescence will help with cosmetic imperfections of various origins. Frequent consumption of tea, coffee, wine and so on, darkening of enamel with age, “tetracycline” teeth and other reasons are not a reason not to smile, as numerous reviews confirm. Several procedures and the right Opalescence Xtra technique will correct the situation, especially since there is a choice for every occasion and budget.
In order not to make a mistake, you should contact a professional dentist. Before using any of the systems, it is necessary to carry out a complete sanitation of the oral cavity, remove tartar, cure caries, periodontal disease and other diseases of the dental tissue, if any. And only then achieve a charming smile with the help of bleach.
Effect duration
The effect of the procedure depends primarily on which method was chosen .
The higher concentrations of the active composition were used, the longer the effect will last - from one to three years.
When using the softest and most gentle home methods, the whitening effect may last a little less - from six months to 1-2 years, depending on individual characteristics, nutrition, and the presence of bad habits.
Post-procedure care
For two weeks after whitening, it is advisable to refrain from eating foods that contain strong dyes - the so-called “colorless diet”.
This also includes drinks: bright carbonated drinks, wine, tea, coffee, etc. Otherwise, there are no restrictions, but you should remember about proper oral hygiene.
Reviews
How teeth whitening occurs at home using Opalescence technology, watch the video review:
Most patients who have tried the effectiveness of Opalescence whitening technology for themselves are satisfied with the result.
You can share your experience of using one of the Opalescence systems by leaving a comment on this article.
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Advantages of the Opalescence Boost system
The main advantages of teeth whitening with the Opalescence Xtra Boost system are efficiency and safety. But there are many additional benefits:
- Suitable for both home and professional use.
- The duration of the resulting effect – a snow-white smile – is up to 3 years. Of course, such a long period of time will last only with proper dental care.
- Some Opalescence Boost whitening options take very little time - 30-35 minutes.
- There is no need for rare professional expensive equipment.
- Affordable to almost anyone.
- Instant results – immediately after the first procedure, tooth enamel looks much lighter.
- There is no pain or threat of enamel cracking.
The cost of the procedure in Moscow and other cities varies. It depends on which option will be chosen and where it will be held. Professional whitening Opalescence costs a little more, but it takes less time than an at-home procedure and the effect is much more noticeable.
