Will whitening cause tooth sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening. This sensitivity is temporary and should disappear after whitening is completed. Even so, Opalescence teeth whitening products are available with potassium nitrate and fluoride to help minimize sensitivity. If you have lingering sensitivity, talk with your dentist about recommended desensitizing treatments.

Will whitening cause problems by weakening my teeth?Opalescence whitening gel includes PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride). Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity. Fluoride has been shown to help reduce caries and strengthen enamel. Together they help to improve the overall health of the teeth.3–7

Important: Whitening treatments should be performed only under dental supervision! Talk with your dentist about the best whitening treatment for your smile, budget, and lifestyle. Because teeth whiten at different rates, and your whitening experience will be unique, we recommend a dental consultation prior to whitening. Consulting with your dentist will help to establish reasonable expectations for your treatment and ensure that your whitening experience is as safe as possible. Dental supervision includes an initial diagnosis, professional teeth cleaning, a briefing on the selected whitening process, and monitoring throughout treatment.

1. Haywood VB. History, safety, and effectiveness of current bleaching techniques: applications of the nightguard vital bleaching technique. Symposium of Esthetic Restorative Materials. 1991:82-92. 2. Morgan J, Presley S. In-office “power” bleaching of vital teeth as an adjunct to at-home bleaching. Pract Perio Aesthet Dent. 2002;14(suppl 2):16-23. 3. Basting RT, Rodrigues AL Jr, Serra MC. The effects of seven carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on enamel microhardness over time. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134(10):1335-42. 4. Al-Qunaian TA. The effect of whitening agents on caries susceptibility of human enamel. Oper Dent. 2005;30(2):265-70. 5. Clark LM, Barghi N, Summitt JB, Amaechi BT. Influence of fluoridated carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on enamel demineralization. J Dent Res. 85(Spec Iss A): 0497, 2006 (www.dentalresarch.org). 6. Amaechi BT, Clark LM, Barghi N, Summitt JB. Enamel fluoride uptake from fluoridated carbamide peroxide bleaching gel. J Dent Res. 85(Spec Iss A): 0498, 2006 (www.dentalresarch.org). 7. Browning WD, Myers M, Downey M, Pohjola RM, Brackett WW. Report on low sensitivity whiteners. J Dent Res. 85(Spec Iss A): 1650, 2006 (www.dentalresearch.org).

Brightening Your Smile – Your Questions Answered

Your smile says more about you than any other physical feature. A beautiful, white smile is one of the fastest ways to make a great impression, and, thankfully, whitening your teeth is affordable and noninvasive.

Certain medicines, tooth trauma, root fillings, foods, and beverages can cause tooth staining and discoloration over time. Professional whitening procedures can treat these stains safely and effectively, whether they are on the tooth’s surface or inside the tooth structure.

The leader in whitening, Opalescence offers teeth whitening treatments that fit your lifestyle and budget.

How doeswhitening work?Teeth whitening is a chemical process. The peroxide in the whitening agent breaks down into tiny molecules that move inside the tooth structure where they break down any molecules that cause discoloration.1 Because of this process, the entire

tooth is lightened, even if the entire tooth is not covered with bleach.2 However, the structure of the tooth is not altered; the internal tooth color is simply lightened. Enamel, dentin, and current fillings and cements are not harmed by the peroxide.

How long do whitening results last?Whitening results are very stable. However, depending on your nutrition and lifestyle habits, bleaching may need to be redone periodically. Due to the safety of the Whitening agents, this should not cause any concerns.

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on the go

after care

after care — Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste is perfect for keeping your smile bright, white, and healthy long after you’ve whitened your teeth. Its unique formula maximizes fluoride uptake and removes surface stains with low abrasive levels. Try original Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste (Cool Mint), Opalescence PF Whitening Toothpaste for sensitivity (Vanilla Mint), or Opalescence + Whitening Toothpaste with xylitol (Spearmint).

in-office — For those who want to whiten their teeth in-office, try Opalescence Boost. A 40% hydrogen peroxide power bleaching gel, it offers brighter, whiter teeth after just 40 minutes in the dental chair and requires no lights or lasers. It is a safe and effective way to get a brighter, whiter smile.

on the go — Opalescence Go comes in prefilled, disposable trays that comfortably adapt to any smile for professional on-the-go whitening. Available in Mint, Melon, or Peach flavors, Opalescence Go is effective and easy to use. It features potassium nitrate and fluoride. Findings have confirmed that the potassium nitrate and fluoride actually help to reduce cavities, minimize sensitivity, increase enamel hardness, and improve the overall health of your teeth.3-7 Opalescence Go is available in 10% or 15% hydrogen peroxide formulations with wear times ranging from 15 minutes to one hour.

customized — Opalescence PF whitening gel offers professional whitening in the comfort of your own home. Available in Mint, Melon, and Regular flavors, Opalescence PF is delivered via custom-made trays, tailored to your smile. It includes PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride). Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity. Fluoride has been shown to help reduce caries and strengthen enamel. Together they help to improve the overall health of the teeth.3-7 Opalescence take-home whitening gel is available in formulations of 10%, 15%, 20%, and 35% carbamide peroxide with wear times ranging from 30 minutes to overnight.

Choose Your Treatment for a

Brighter Smile!