Opalescence™
Teeth Whitening

What Is Opalescence?

Opalescence is a professional teeth whitening system that offers both in-office and at-home treatment options. Our dentists will consult with you before a teeth whitening procedure to ensure you get the treatment option that will work best for you. Using Opalescence, the dentists at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry can whiten your smile more quickly, safely, and effectively than store-bought treatments.

Benefits of Professional Opalescence Teeth Whitening

There are so many reasons to choose professional teeth whitening with Opalescence. Some of these include:

• Treatment takes less time and fewer applications to work
• Superior, longer lasting whitening results
• Treats intrinsic stains below your enamel
• Prevents enamel damage and irritation from misuse
• At-home whitening trays will comfortably fit your smile

In-Office Teeth Whitening With Opalescence Boost™

Opalescence Boost is the in-office whitening system available from Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry. Unlike other methods of in-office teeth whitening, Opalescence Boost is chemically activated and doesn’t require the use of LED lamps.

Consultation

Before your teeth whitening treatment you’ll undergo a consultation with one of our dentists where they’ll examine your teeth, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals. The information they gather during your consultation will allow them to determine if the in-office option for Opalescence will be a safe and effective treatment option for you.

Preparation

To prepare your teeth for your whitening treatment, we’ll clean them thoroughly to ensure the whitening gel has a clean surface to adhere to. Then, we’ll place plastic dams inside your mouth to help expose your teeth and prevent your lips, mouth, and tongue from coming into contact with the gel. Finally, we’ll apply a specially made resin along the gingival margin (the space between your teeth and gums) and harden it with a handheld blue light to guard your gums from the whitening gel.

Application

Once your gums are protected, your dentist will apply the mixed Opalescence solution to your teeth and let it sit for 20 minutes. They’ll remove and reapply the solution up to two more times in 20 minute sessions, checking in between applications to make sure the color changes are to your liking. You’ll have a whiter smile in less than an hour and the whitening process can continue for up to 48 hours after the procedure.

At-Home Teeth Whitening With Opalescence PF™

Our office also offers at-home whitening treatment with Opalescence PF. PF stands for potassium nitrate and fluoride, a combination that aids in comfortable whitening treatment. This gel is used in combination with custom-made whitening trays that will be tailored to fit your unique smile. Here’s what to expect:

Consultation

Just like with in-office teeth whitening, you’ll undergo a consultation with one of your dentists to determine if at-home whitening is right for you.

Designing Your Custom Opalescence PF Trays

We’ll design your custom whitening trays by taking images and impressions of your teeth. These images and impressions will be sent to an off-site lab where your trays will be crafted. You’ll return to our Belvidere, IL office to retrieve your custom-made trays when they’re ready, and your dentist will give you clear instructions on how to use them.

Using Your Opalescence PF Trays

Before using your trays, first brush and floss your teeth to give the gel a clean surface to adhere to. Then, express a continuous length of whitening gel into the bottom of each tray, usually ⅓ to ½ of the syringe.

You’ll gently press the labeled trays over the proper rows of teeth to apply the gel. Don’t press too hard, or the gel could spill out. Any excess gel can be removed with a soft bristled toothbrush. Your dentist will let you know how long you can safely wear the trays while still getting the effect you want. Treatment time is typically complete after seven to ten days of daily at-home sessions.

Storing Your Opalescence PF Trays

Gently clean your trays with a soft bristled toothbrush and warm water, then store them in their case. Be sure to not use water that is too hot when cleaning your trays as the high temperatures might cause them to become warped and unusable.