With so many teeth whitening options available today, finding the right path to a brighter smile can feel overwhelming. The best way to start is with a professional consultation. At Integrated Family Dentistry, Dr. Mercedes Del Valle offers safe, high-quality cosmetic treatments to help you achieve a smile you love. Read on to find answers to some of the most common questions about our professional Opalescence whitening service.
How does professional teeth whitening work?
Professional teeth whitening uses carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to penetrate deep into your tooth enamel and dentin. These powerful agents break down into oxygen radicals that target the discolored molecules causing tooth stains. As the whitening agents work their way through your entire tooth structure, they break these colored molecules into smaller pieces, effectively lightening your tooth shade. The end result? A noticeably whiter and brighter smile that you’ll love showing off!
Is whitening for everyone?
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. Results and duration depend on your natural tooth shade and your whitening goals. Keep in mind that crowns, bridges, veneers, and bonded restorations won’t whiten. We recommend scheduling a consultation with your dentist to determine which professional whitening option is best for you.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening offers long-lasting results, keeping your smile bright well after your treatment. However, several factors can affect how long those results last—including genetics, age, diet, smoking, and certain medications (such as tetracycline). Fortunately, quick and easy touch-up treatments can help you maintain your bright, white smile for much longer.
Does whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
While tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening, it’s temporary and will fade once your treatment ends. To minimize any discomfort, our Opalescence PF products include desensitizing agents like potassium nitrate and fluoride. These proven ingredients reduce or eliminate sensitivity, keeping you comfortable throughout your whitening journey.
Will whitening weaken my teeth?
Opalescence whitening gel contains Potassium Nitrate and Fluorine. Together, they help maintain overall enamel health.
What are the options available to whiten my teeth?
With a variety of strengths and flavors, Opalescence is designed to fit your unique lifestyle and habits. Whether you prefer custom-fit take-home trays (Opalescence PF), ready-to-go prefilled trays (Opalescence Go), or a powerful in-office treatment (Opalescence Boost), the Opalescence family delivers the professional whitening solution that’s right for you.
I have heard of some whitening treatments that require a light. Are these lights really effective?
While many advertisements and mall kiosks promote whitening treatments that use a light or laser, they aren’t actually necessary. Research shows that hydrogen peroxide—the active ingredient in Opalescence Boost—is highly effective on its own. Using a light for activation doesn’t provide any additional whitening benefits; it’s simply not needed for a brighter smile.
Why is in-office whitening a better option than drugstore varieties?
While there are strips and toothpastes available to purchase over-the-counter, many of these are not nearly as strong and effective as our current offerings. However, we may recommend the use of a whitening toothpaste after your treatment to help maintain the results much longer than without. Many of these are affordable and effective at keeping your smile brilliant and bright between whitening sessions.
Am I a good candidate for professional teeth whitening?
Every patient is different, and certain factors are discussed during the initial visit to determine whether a patient is a good fit for our Opalescence teeth whitening service. If you are thinking about brightening your smile, we strongly encourage you to bring it up during your next appointment or schedule a consultation to discuss it specifically. Dr. Mercedes Del Valle and her team are here to listen to your desires and make a beautiful smile happen!
How do I get started finding out if Opalescence teeth whitening is right for me?
If you are located in or around the Eugene, Oregon area and are interested in learning more about your options for brightening your smile, we invite you to call Dr. Mercedes Del Valle and her team at Integrated Family Dentistry. The office is located at 388 High Street and can be reached by calling (541) 204-3939. You can also text our front office team at (833) 765-2304.
