Opalescence dental professionals
Opalescence uses peroxide gel to whiten teeth, with the method chosen after a dental professional checks the teeth and gums.
The short answer
Opalescence is a professional tooth-whitening system using peroxide gel, and a dental professional should assess the teeth and gums before selecting its application method.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Whitening gel uses peroxide to oxidize colored molecules within enamel and dentine, making teeth appear lighter. It does not whiten fillings, crowns, veneers, or other restorations, and sensitivity or gum irritation can occur depending on concentration, fit, exposure, and the patient’s dental condition.
What can you do next?
A professional examination checks for decay, cracks, exposed root surfaces, gum inflammation, and mismatched restorations. The clinician then selects an in-office or take-home tray approach, explains gel placement and contact time, and reviews sensitivity management and follow-up.
When should you seek dental care?
Ask for an examination before whitening if teeth hurt, gums bleed, restorations are visible, or discoloration affects one tooth. Stop the product and contact the provider if marked pain, ulceration, or persistent irritation develops.
What should you ask the dentist?
Which causes of my discoloration can whitening change, what will happen to my restorations, and which Opalescence format fits my teeth?
Frequently asked questions
Can home care replace a dental examination?
Home care can reduce irritation or plaque, but it cannot diagnose the cause or treat problems that require professional cleaning, restoration, or other clinical care.
What information helps at an appointment?
Describe when the symptom began, what triggers it, any bleeding or swelling, relevant dental work, medicines, and the care you have already tried.