Marco Island Dentist Offers Opalescence Teeth Whitening Treatment

People tend to consider whiter and brighter teeth so crucial to the aesthetics of their smile that most toothpaste brands, mouthwashes, and many other products—such as gum—now come with whitening additives. While these products may help whiten teeth a bit, professional teeth whitening remains the only surefire way to whiten teeth. Many people balk at professional in-office teeth whitening treatment offered by dentists due to their high costs. Instead, they turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening kits.

These over-the-counter treatments can whiten teeth but are typically less effective than professional teeth whitening treatments provided by dentists. The Opalescence professional teeth whitening system is designed to bridge the gap between in-office and over-the-counter take-home teeth whitening treatments. And your Marco Island dentist now offers this innovative take-home whitening system to its southwest Florida-area patients.

What Makes Opalescence Superior to Over-the-Counter Treatments?

Only available from dental practices, Opalescence provides patients with take-home teeth whitening treatment. It is similar in formulation and application to treatments offered in office. Along with similar professional-strength whitening agent formulations, apply Opalescence via an innovative custom tray to conform to and fit any smile. These trays are far more effective at spreading the whitening agents over teeth surfaces than the whitening strips used by most over-the-counter treatments.

Available in three flavors—regular, mint or melon—Opalescence also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride, which helps prevent tooth sensitivity, a side effect of many teeth whitening agents. The treatment is available in five different strengths to account for varying levels of discoloration. Pricing on average is similar to most over-the-counter whitening treatments.

How Does Opalescence Work?

Opalescence is applied to the teeth via whitening gel contained in customized trays that resemble clear retainers. The trays fit snugly over the upper and lower teeth. This allows the gel to cover almost all of each tooth’s surface area. The carbamide peroxide bleaching agent seeps into the core of the teeth over time, which helps whiten discolored areas deep within the teeth. This is far more effective than whitening agents used in toothpaste and some over-the-counter whitening treatments, which only whiten surface tooth areas.

The treatment timing range, depending upon the strength of the gel and your dentist’s recommendation. Your dentist will also recommend how many daily sessions you should take, typically ranging from five to 10 days.

What to Expect with Your Results?

Everyone’s smile is different, and Opalescence whitening results differ from person to person. Those with little discoloration may not notice results as those with extensive discoloration. Some people report noticing improved whitening after just one session, but others do not see results for a few days. Generally, all Opalescence users notice whiter and brighter teeth by the fifth session.

Opalescence whitening results can last for several years, though this duration can be shorter depending on frequent consumption of food and drinks that stain teeth. To enhance the duration, try to limit your consumption of beets, blueberries, soy sauce, coffee, tea, and other foods known to stain teeth. At the least, rinse your mouth with water after consuming such food and drink or, even better, brush your teeth.

Get Your Opalescence at Island Tower Dentistry

Marco Island dentist Dr. Jonathan Van Dyke personally believes Opalescence is the most effective take-home teeth whitening treatment available. He is pleased to offer it to his southwest Florida-area patients. To learn more about Opalescence and other teeth whitening treatments, consult with Island Tower Dentistry. Contact Island Tower Dentistry today at 239-394-1004.