Opalescence Teeth Whitening – How Does It Work
Formulated for professional results, Opalescence teeth whitening treatment removes the extrinsic and intrinsic stains that develop on your teeth and cause discolouration. Dentistry on Solent is pleased to offer our patients Opalescence take-home and in-chair teeth whitening treatment options.
What Is Opalescence Teeth Whitening?
Opalescence is a teeth whitening system that penetrates your tooth enamel and removes intrinsic stains, or the stains that develop in your dentin. While whitening toothpastes and home whitening kits and bleaching strips can help remove some of the surface stains on your teeth, only concentrated whitening agents can remove the molecules that become discoloured inside your dentin.
Why Do My Teeth Need Whitening?
As we get older, the dentin in our teeth starts to become discoloured. This process can be exacerbated by exposure to various substances like caffeinated drinks and tobacco.
Opalescence gels contain hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide, which penetrates the enamel of your teeth and effectively breaks up the stained molecules.
Opalescence Take-Home Whitening
Even though it can be used at home, only a licensed, professional dentist in Bella Vista is allowed to dispense Opalescence teeth whitening products. It is important that you have a full dental check up before you proceed with any whitening treatment. This is to ensure your gums and teeth are healthy and there are no cavities present
At Dentistry on Solent we use Opalescence because:
- It is formulated with fluoride and potassium nitrate to protect your tooth enamel during the whitening process
- There are formulations containing hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide
- There are three different flavours available
- The whitening products are available in different strengths, ranging from 6% to 15%, giving patients more options
- Whiter teeth can be achieved in as little as four hours a day of wearing Opalescence take-home trays
- Opalescence can be worn during the day or at night.
Opalescence gives you the convenience of home whitening, with the support of your dentist to ensure the process gives you the results you want. You also have different options, which allow you to customise your treatment to your own lifestyle and needs.
This means that you could have a customised or pre-filled tray made, or your dentist can perform the treatment in-chair for you. If you need dramatic results in a shorter time frame, your dentist will be able to assist you with Opalescence.
Opalescence Teeth Whitening – How Long Does It Last?
Of course, nothing lasts forever and as we get older our dentin becomes more discoloured. Certain medications, your diet and lifestyle habits, even your own genes will determine how long you can expect your white smile to be maintained for.
Using an Opalescence toothpaste may help to maintain your white smile to some extent but you can expect to schedule some touch ups in the future. Fortunately these are often quick to arrange, and you can discuss the specific timelines during your dental check ups to plan ahead.
What Can You Expect From The Opalescence Teeth Whitening Process?
Your dentist will make a custom tray that fits the shape and contours of your mouth. The tray will fit snugly over your teeth so that the bleaching agent inside makes contact with all facets of your teeth.
When it’s time to wear your trays, you will dispense the gel into the tray and then wear it for the period of time stipulated by your dentist.
It is very important that you do not exceed the wear time your dentist recommends. Once you have worn your trays for the day, you will remove them and clean them, and give your teeth a thorough brush. If you have any questions or concerns be sure to chat to your dentist.
To find out more about the convenience of Opalescence and how your smile could benefit from whitening please give us a call: (02) 9158 6137.
