Opalescence™ Teeth Whitening: Review and Options (2024)

What is Opalescence™ Teeth Whitening?

Opalescence is a leading brand of teeth whitening products that you can purchase through a local dentist’s office. They offer a few different products, including at-home treatments, whitening toothpaste, and chairside whitening (in-office).

Opalescence whitening products lighten discolored teeth. Tooth discoloration can be caused by:

• Food and drinks such as coffee, tea, wine, and soda
• Tobacco use
• Natural aging
• Medications
• Thinning enamel
• Plaque buildup

Although tooth discoloration is a normal part of life, about 80 percent of Americans aged 18 to 49 say they want whiter teeth to boost their confidence.²

Cosmetic tooth bleaching is also a $3.2 billion global industry.¹ Americans spend more than $1 billion on over-the-counter tooth whitening each year.²

How Opalescence Whitening Products Work

Opalescence uses an advanced, dental-grade teeth whitening formula to remove stains from tooth enamel and dentin. Enamel is the thin outer layer of a tooth, while dentin is the thick inner layer of a tooth.

Dentin is darker than enamel and makes up the bulk of a tooth. If your enamel thins over time, it may reveal the dentin beneath and give your teeth a darker hue.

The active ingredients in Opalescence whitening gels are formulated to pass through your teeth and oxidize the discolored molecules deep inside, removing stains and brightening your smile.

The original, patented formula also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride, which help strengthen your teeth and decrease sensitivity.

Opalescence offers a few different concentrations, flavors, and whitening methods. This allows you to whiten based on your needs and lifestyle. These options include:

• A custom-made tray
• A pre-filled tray
• Whitening toothpaste
• In-office treatment

Most of Opalesence’s options are at-home treatments. In-office treatment (chairside) is recommended if you have severely discolored teeth or want to whiten your teeth quickly.

Does Opalescence Really Work?

Yes, Opalescence products work when used as directed by your dentist. The products contain either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. These two active ingredients have been proven to lighten teeth safely and effectively.^3,4,5

You can purchase Opalescence toothpaste online, but we recommend consulting your dentist first. Buying directly from a licensed dentist ensures you get the best teeth whitening kit for your needs.

Review of Opalescence Teeth Whitening Kits

Opalescence offers five whitening treatments:

Opalescence Go (Ready to Go Whitening)

Opalescence Go™ contains an effective hydrogen peroxide bleaching formula designed to go deep into your teeth and remove difficult stains. This system does not use an LED light, charcoal, or other ‘fads’ to whiten your teeth.

The kit comes with a comfortable, pre-filled UltraFit™ tray and the perfect amount of gel to give you a brighter smile. Opalescence Go is also compact, making it ready to use whenever you need it.

Opalescence Go costs between $60 and $80.

Features:

• Universal UltraFit tray (no impressions or molds required)
• Available in 10% hydrogen peroxide (30 to 60 minutes for 5 to 10 days) or 15% hydrogen peroxide (15 to 20 minutes for 5 to 10 days)
• The whitening formula includes potassium nitrate and fluoride to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity
• Comes in two flavors (mint or melon)
• Ready to use right away and great for travel
• Must order from a dental professional (not available online)

Opalescence PF Custom Tray Whitening

Opalescence PF is a great option for a more customized at-home whitening experience. You’ll receive a hand-sculpted tray to fit your smile. It also comes with five different gel concentrations, allowing you to whiten your teeth at any time (even overnight).

Opalescence PF costs between $75 and $100.

Features:

• A custom-made tray molded specifically to your teeth
• Five different whitening gel concentrations
• Flexible treatment time (15+ minutes a day and overnight whitening)
• The whitening formula includes potassium nitrate and fluoride to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity
• Comes in three flavors (regular, mint, and melon)
• Must order from a dental professional (not available online)

Available at dental offices.

Opalescence Original Whitening Toothpaste

Opalscence’s whitening toothpastes are the only treatments that can be purchased online. They cost between $20 and $25 for a three-pack. The toothpaste can be used twice daily for two minutes at a time. The choices include:

This toothpaste has been shown to lighten teeth up to two shades in just one month. It contains sodium fluoride (to help prevent cavities and strengthen enamel) and is safe for everyday use. The cool mint flavor freshens your breath and provides a deep clean.

Opalescence Whitening Sensitivity Relief Toothpaste

The sensitivity relief toothpaste is the same as the regular toothpaste. However, it also contains maximum-strength potassium fluoride to help relieve tooth sensitivity.

Specialty Whitening Treatments

Specialty teeth whitening is ideal for patients with discoloration caused by dental conditions, such as a root canal. Opalescence has a specialty treatment that can correct this type of discoloration.

‘Opalescence Endo’ whitening gel is designed to whiten root canal-treated teeth from the inside out. This treatment may last between one and five days to achieve the desired results.

Opalescence vs. Over-The-Counter Whitening

Over-the-counter (OTC) products are convenient and affordable whitening options. Common OTC whitening products include strips, pens, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and LED kits.

Although inexpensive, these products must be used consistently for a longer period to see results. In-office and professional-grade treatments like Opalescence provide quicker results but are often more expensive.

Possible Side Effects of Teeth Whitening Treatment

Any whitening treatment may have side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Tooth sensitivity — This effect can be uncomfortable but is generally mild. It does not increase your risk for dental health issues.
• Gum irritation — This can occur if you misuse the products, but it’s rarer.6 The risk is even lower with in-office treatment because your dentist covers your gums before brushing the gel on your teeth.
• Enamel erosion — If you overuse whitening products for an extended period, your enamel can become thinner over time.6 Enamel loss is irreversible.

Summary

Opalescence has five different whitening options, including Opalescence Go, PF, Boost, whitening toothpaste, and specialty whitening. Opalescence Go and PF are at-home treatments, while Boost must be completed in a dental office. The whitening toothpaste is available for online purchase and is safe to use twice a day.

How to Purchase Opalescence Products

Opalescence products can be purchased through a licensed dental professional. However, you can also buy the toothpaste and custom tray whitening gel on Opalescence.com or Amazon.

Opalescence: Common Questions and Answers

Here are some frequently asked questions about Opalescence: