Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: three minutes.
Yellow, stained teeth can be a source of embarrassment for many. Professional teeth whitening with the Opalescence® whitening system is an effective way to whiten and brighten yellow and stained teeth.
In this blog, Dr. Matthew Young, DDS, explains the Opalescence whitening system and answers some common FAQs about teeth whitening.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Teeth whitening with the Opalescence whitening system is a safe and effective way to whiten teeth. Opalescence is available in take-home trays or can be done in-office. Whitening procedures cannot be done on individuals with active gum disease, gingivitis or tooth decay. For optimal results, teeth whitening should be done within two months of a cleaning.
Opalescence Whitening System
The Opalescence whitening system is a popular choice for professional teeth whitening. This system uses whitening gels that are placed in custom trays, which are then worn over your teeth. Opalescence is available as take-home trays or can be done in-office.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
The cost for Opalescence take-home whitening trays and materials is $200. In-office whitening costs $250 per session, with many people needing 2–3 sessions to achieve the desired results.
It’s recommended to avoid coffee for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening. This is to prevent any staining while your tooth enamel is more porous. Keep in mind that coffee is a staining beverage, so if you drink coffee regularly, your whitening won’t last as long.
You should avoid staining foods and beverages for at least 48 hours after whitening. After this period, you can resume your normal diet.
Stick to the “white diet” for 48 hours post-whitening. This includes foods like chicken, rice, pasta, and milk that won’t stain your teeth.
Teeth sensitivity usually lasts for 1–2 days after the whitening process. Any sensitivity that you experience should be mild. If the pain is extreme or unbearable, contact your dentist right away. Use a desensitizing toothpaste such as Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste Sensitivity Relief or UltraEZ™ desensitizing gel.
Whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that remove the surface stains from your teeth, so technically they aren’t whitening your teeth, they are just removing the stains. If you want true teeth whitening, professional whitening is the way to go!
If you do choose to use whitening toothpastes, make sure they are approved by the ADA. Do not use any that are very abrasive such as charcoal toothpaste. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has been shown to whiten teeth while strengthening tooth enamel.
The best way to keep your teeth white is to avoid staining food and drinks, maintain good oral hygiene habits, and visit your dentist for cleanings twice a year.
No, dental crowns cannot be whitening. Whitening only affects natural teeth. However, if your natural teeth begin to yellow or have stains and they no longer match the color of your crown, you can whiten your natural teeth so that they more closely match your crown.
Similar to dental crowns, veneers cannot be whitened. If you wish to change the color of your veneers, they may need to be replaced.
Yes, you can, but you should only do this under the supervision of your dentist. We generally recommend waiting until your orthodontic treatment is complete.
If you have yellow or stained teeth, you may be a good candidate for teeth whitening. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate is to ask your dentist. If you have sensitive teeth, tooth decay, gingivitis or active gum disease, you may not be a suitable candidate. If you prefer over-the-counter methods to professional whitening, check with your dentist first to make sure it is safe for you.
Professional Teeth Whitening in San Francisco, CA
At Young Dental SF Group, we offer professional teeth whitening services using the Opalescence system.
Please contact our office by phone, text, or email if you have questions or to set up a complimentary consultation.
If you are searching for ‘teeth whitening near me’ or ‘teeth whitening in San Francisco, CA’. Call (415) 392-8611 to schedule an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.