Opalescence home bleaching
Opalescence home bleaching uses a peroxide gel in a fitted tray; the dentist checks your teeth and prescribes the concentration and wear time.
The short answer
Opalescence home bleaching is dentist-supervised whitening with peroxide gel placed in a custom or designated tray for a prescribed wearing period.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The peroxide diffuses through enamel and dentine and breaks down some coloured organic molecules. It changes the shade of natural tooth structure, but it does not whiten fillings, crowns, veneers, or other dental restorations.
What can you do next?
Have the teeth, gums, restorations, and existing sensitivity assessed before use, then place only the prescribed amount in the tray and wipe away gel that reaches the gum. Follow the supplied wear schedule, keep the syringe stored as directed, and pause and report marked sensitivity or gum irritation.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek dental advice before bleaching if you have untreated decay, leaking fillings, gum inflammation, cracks, or unexplained sensitivity. Contact the dentist if pain, white gum patches, or irritation continues after the tray is removed.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the discolouration is on the surface or within the tooth, what concentration and wear time apply, how restorations will match, and what to do if sensitivity develops.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use extra gel for faster whitening?
No. Extra gel can spill onto the gums and increase irritation without making the process appropriate.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?
Peroxide can temporarily increase movement of fluid through dentine tubules; the clinician can adjust the schedule or recommend desensitising care.