The Secret to Looking Younger: Whiten Your Teeth with Opalescence

Young people have naturally bright smiles. Over time, however, as we age, our teeth will darken due to normal wear and tear and due to stains caused by coffee, tea, red wines, etc. Our teeth start to yellow as soon as our late twenties, and if left unattended, a more golden brown color becomes the norm as a person reaches his/her forties and fifties... not very attractive, is it?

In-home tooth whitening systems with a custom-made trays, made by your dentist, are affordable, effective, and is the easiest way to combat common causes of tooth discoloration. Why not boost your self-confidence and improve your appearance with minimal investment?

Over ten years ago, my dentist gave my husband a promotional in-home treatment by Opalescence. The promotion included custom-made trays and four gel syringes (20% solution). I was so impressed by my husband's pearly whites that I asked my dentist to make custom (reusable) trays for me (about $75) and bought the 4-syringes kit for around $60. The price of the 20% gel has dropped about 25% since.

The Opalescence In-home DIY is certainly much cheaper than the Opalescence In-the office (a higher strength) one-hour treatment costing over $250. The in-home treatment needs to be used over the course of a few days, so, with a little bit of effort, you get nearly the same results for less money!

Product Features

Opalescence Take Home Whitening Gels are available in 10%, 10%PF, 15%PF, and 20% PF, and 35% PF (PF = potassium fluoride). Opalescence Take Home Whitening Gels can provide great results, though it takes a little bit of discipline, though, a noticeable difference can be seen after the first treatment.

The product comes in see-through syringes (no needles). The gel is thick and it is designed not to spill outside the tray, unless of course, you put too much gel in the tray. The 20% formula, which is the one I use, contains Potassium Fluoride (PF), which helps to improve the tooth health by strengthening the enamel, and decreasing sensitivity. The Opalescence gel made a few years ago caused significant tooth sensitivity, but that is no longer the case. My dentist does not recommend the 35% formula for in-home use because most patients report marked sensitivity.

How to Use

Not all patients report the same results, but your dentist can guide you, and he/she will be able to tell you how many levels of whitening you could achieve. After impressions of your teeth are made by the dentist, within a few days you'll receive your brand new, made to fit, dental trays. Your dentist or hygienist will instruct you how to use the product.

Don't be overly eager and put more gel in the tray than instructed. Believe me, I've done it, and all I've achieved is sore gums, which, which by the way, heal fine after a few days, but you must suspend the use of the whitening gel until your gums heal. A tiny dot placed each tooth indentation (of the tray) is all you need. Use no more than 1/3 of a syringe per treatment.

You can use the product overnight, as the gel is designed to stay in place for up to 10 hours. Though, I really don't like to use it overnight, as the long exposure to the bleach make my gums and teeth sensitive.

I prefer to use my product during the day, say, when I'm home doing things around the house, or typing away at the computer. I start with one hour and subsequently lengthen the time to three hours, for each day I treat my teeth. Depending on the condition of your teeth, your dentist may suggest starting with 30 minutes per day.

I whiten my teeth once a year, over the course of 4-5 days or the total of two syringes. My husband uses the other two syringes, so it's economical, once you are in the "maintenance mode." Your dentist will recommend the number of syringes you may need for the condition of your teeth.

Tips for a Successful Treatment

~ Your teeth become a bit porous while bleaching, so, do not consume wine and dark teas to prevent further staining. Wait a few days after you've finished the treatment.

~ Consumption of fruit juices, vinegar (salad dressing) cause sensitivity; avoid during the treatment phase.

~ Know that fillings, crowns, veneers do not respond to tooth bleaching

~ Teeth are naturally darker along the gum line, and these areas may require more time to lighten than the rest of the tooth surface and usually remain slightly darker.

~ Some people notice temporary discomfort of the gums, lips, throat, or tongue even when the gel is properly applied, so you should stop using the product until the sores heal. This is caused probably because you're either very sensitive to the bleach, or you're using too much gel.

~ Coffee, tobacco, and other products can re-stain your teeth over time; therefore, some individuals should consider more frequent spot treatments throughout the year.

~ For best results, consider starting your whitening program right after you have your teeth cleaned by the hygienist.

~ Once you place the tray inside your mouth, if excess gel spills out of the tray, remove the excess gel with a finger or soft toothbrush.

~ After each use, clean trays with soft brush and cool tap water.

Warnings:

~ Pregnant women should not bleach their teeth.

~ The gel that remains on your teeth when you remove the trays should be fully rinsed out. Do not swallow the rinse as the product contains peroxide and fluoride.

Conclusion

I have had braces twice in my life, once as a kid, then as an adult. Obviously, it's worthwhile to take good care of my teeth by having regular check-ups, periodic cleanings, and keeping my teeth their brightest. My dentist compliments the color of my teeth. I bleach them until I feel that they look bright but natural; I try not to over do it.

The product is very easy to use, has a pleasant taste, but you must follow your dentist's instructions on how to load gel into your custom bleaching trays. Remember, that putting more gel into the tray will only give you sore gums (and tongue). Use no more than 1/3 to 1/2 of syringe for each treatment.

The product has a long shelf life (24 months if refrigerated) and 12 unrefrigerated. Since this product contains oxygen and peroxide, it must be stored in a cool/dark place.

I started bleaching with Opalescence, but when I switched dentists, he sold me on a different product, which did not perform to my satisfaction. Also, in trying to save money, I bought those strips sold at drugstores, without good results (waste of money). Guess what? I came back to Opalescence because it really works!

Go ahead; make yourself beautiful/handsome by whitening your teeth. I promise you that people do notice and your smile will be beautifully bright!

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