The Opalescence ® teeth whitening system.

The Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ teeth whitening system is Ultradent, Inc.'s professional teeth whitening product. This is one of the professional teeth whitening systems where the manufacturer considers the use of a bleaching light during the whitening process to be optional.
(More about bleaching lights used with profession teeth whitening systems and why they may not be needed...)

What type of tooth whitener is used with the Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ teeth whitening system?

The Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ teeth whitening system employs a hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching gel. This whitener comes prepackaged as two individual components that are mixed at the time of application. This whitener has a 38% hydrogen peroxide concentration and a pH of 7.
(More about the characteristics of professional teeth whiteners...)

Is a bleaching light or laser used with the Opalescence ® teeth whitening process?

Ultradent, Inc. states that the use of a bleaching light with their Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ product is optional. If the dentist performing the whitening treatment chooses to use a light then Ultradent, Inc. considers a standard "curing" light to be appropriate. A curing light is that type of light source that a dentist uses to cure white filling material (dental bonding). The light output of curing lights typically has a blue to blue-green coloration.
(More about bleaching lights used with profession teeth whitening systems and why they may not be needed...)

Does the Opalescence ® whitening system produce a heating effect on the teeth being bleached?

The only potential for producing a heating effect on the teeth being treated is if the Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ whitener is used in conjunction with a curing light. Curing lights are designed so to illuminate just one or two teeth at a time. This means that during the bleaching process the dentist will need to move the light from one tooth to another repeatedly. Ultradent, Inc. recommends 30 seconds of light exposure on a tooth at a time, for what probably accumulates to a total of about 2 minutes per tooth over the course of the entire bleaching session. When following these directions, it seems unlikely that a significant heating effect will take place.
(More about why it is important that a bleaching light does not produce a significant heating effect...)

How much did your dentist pay for the light that they use with the Opalescence ® teeth whitening system?

If your dentist does choose to use a light with the Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ teeth whitener it will be one that they already own and currently use in conjunction with other dental procedures.
(More about lasers and lights used with profession teeth whitening systems and why a bleaching light may not be needed...)

How long does it take your dentist to perform an Opalescence ® teeth whitening treatment?

Professional Opalescence ® teeth whitening treatments usually take a little over an hour from start to finish. Each bleaching session is broken down into three individual applications of the Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ teeth whitener, with the duration of each application being 15 minutes. This means that the cumulative exposure of the patient's teeth to the Opalescence ® teeth whitening gel is 45 minutes. Pre and post treatment preparations and activities round the total treatment time up to about 60 to 80 minutes.

Does the Opalescence ® teeth whitening system protocol include the use of at-home teeth whitening treatments?

Using at-home teeth whitening treatments after the professional teeth whitening process has been completed is an option that Ultradent, Inc. leaves up to the discretion of the dentist performing the treatment. No doubt if one is recommended, it will be one of the Opalescence ® take-home whiteners.
(More about the use and purpose of at-home teeth whiteners after professional teeth whitening treatments...)

What are the individual steps of the Opalescence ® teeth whitening system?

The procedure your dentist follows when performing Opalescence ® Xtra ® Boost ™ teeth whitening system treatments does not vary greatly from those general steps we illustrate and describe for the typical professional teeth whitening process. Specifically, however, as you read through our pages please note that the Opalescence ® whitening system does include the use of a paint on dental dam, the "activation" of the whitening gel with a bleaching light is considered optional, as is the need for at-home teeth whitening treatments

Should you choose the Opalescence ® teeth whitening system?

Per our usual comments in response to this question, this is a decision that needs to be made by you and the dentist performing the whitening treatments. The Opalescence ® teeth whitening system has a reputation for being a quality professional grade product. The results a patient experiences when the Opalescence ® teeth whitening system is used should be as good as with any other professional teeth whitening system.
(More about how to choose a professional teeth whitening system...)