Opalescence Teeth Whitening: How Long Does It Take?
The short answer.
It varies: teeth respond at different rates, and some stains take longer to lift. Results last months to a few years; age, diet, some medications and habits can dull them, and touch-ups are available.
At some point in their lives, most people have looked in the mirror and been unhappy with something about their smile. If you have ever thought your smile wasn’t bright or white enough, then Opalescence teeth whitening at our Croydon practice may be a great choice for you and your needs.
What is Opalescence teeth whitening?
Opalescence is a range of teeth whitening products used under your dentist’s supervision. Results vary from person to person, and whitening can make teeth temporarily sensitive.
Their whitening gel contains potassium nitrates as well as fluoride to increase its efficiency. Although you can use Opalescence products as part of an in-chair dental whitening treatment (another site), this gel can be worn day or night as part of an Opalescence take home kit. You can get these take home kits with the active ingredients of either Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen peroxide, and in a variety of strengths depending on the intensity of white you want.
The gel is sticky and viscous, and comes in mint and melon flavours as well as regular.
How does Opalescence teeth whitening work?
Dentists use two categories to classify stains on people’s teeth: intrinsic or extrinsic stains (another site). Intrinsic stains live beneath the microcracks in your tooth enamel and deep within your dentin (below the enamel) as well, whereas extrinsic stains can be found on the surface of the teeth. Products like whitening toothpaste or mouthwashes may be able to remove extrinsic surface stains, but only your dentist can provide you with effective ways to combat and remove intrinsic stains.
Opalescence teeth whitening gels contain an active whitening ingredient, usually either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This whitening ingredient penetrates beneath your tooth enamel to address the miniscule particles in your teeth that are discoloured.
The oxygen molecules in the whitening agent react with the discoloured portions of the tooth, breaking them apart.
The oxygen molecules cover the tooth, whitening it, and leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.
How long does it take?
Everyone’s teeth are different, so they respond to whitening treatment at different rates. Stains on teeth are also not all identical, so it may take more treatment to remove certain stains from the teeth.
Age can also affect whitening: Younger patients will typically see faster results. Colour can also be a factor; if your teeth are more yellow or brown tinged, they will be easier to whiten compared to people whose teeth are more blue or grey.
One important thing to keep in mind is that smiles usually look the most natural when the whiteness of your teeth matches the whiteness of your eyes. People who want a Hollywood white smile may not be considering how unnatural that can look in real life, and how unattainable that level of white is for most people’s teeth.
How long does Opalescence teeth whitening last?
Results last from months to a few years (another site). Age, genetics, diet, some medications and some unhealthy habits can dull the brightness of your teeth after the whitening process.
You can have a touch-up treatment when the shade starts to dull.
Opalescence: professional teeth-whitening gels. This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
This guide is general information, not advice about your own teeth. Your dentist can tell you what applies to you, including the risks of any treatment.
