Opalescence PF is a whitening gel used at home in clear trays made for your teeth. Your dentist checks your teeth first, chooses the strength of gel, and tells you how long to wear the trays.
What Opalescence PF is
Opalescence PF is a water-based gel that contains carbamide peroxide and comes in several strengths. The peroxide releases oxygen that breaks down the colored molecules that make teeth look yellow or dark. The high water content helps keep the teeth moist during whitening.
Your dentist chooses the strength that suits your teeth. Whitening works on natural teeth only and does not change the color of crowns, veneers or fillings.
How home whitening starts at the clinic
- Your dentist checks your teeth and gums and records your starting shade.
- An impression or digital scan of your teeth is taken to make clear trays.
- The trays are usually ready a couple of hours later or the next day.
- You use the gel at home for the time your dentist advises, usually over 1–4 weeks.
How to use the gel
- Brush and clean between your teeth before each use.
- Put a small drop of gel into the tray for each tooth to be whitened, on the side that faces the front of the teeth.
- Seat the tray gently. Pressing hard pushes the gel out onto the gums.
- Wear the tray for the time your dentist advises. Do not eat, drink or smoke while wearing it.
- Remove the tray, rinse your mouth and brush off any gel left on the teeth. Rinse and clean the tray. Try not to swallow the gel.
Does whitening make teeth sensitive?
Some people have sensitive teeth for a short time during or after whitening. The gums can also feel irritated if gel touches them.
Tell your dentist if this happens, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. Your dentist may change how long you wear the trays, suggest a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, or prescribe a relief gel.
Downsides and limits of whitening
- Results vary from person to person, depending on your natural tooth color and the cause of the staining.
- Crowns, veneers and fillings do not change color, so they may need replacing to match.
- Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can bring staining back over time.
- Whitening can make teeth sensitive for a short time.
When whitening should wait
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your dentist before you start.
- If you have tooth decay, gum disease or very sensitive teeth. Your dentist treats these first or suggests another option.
- If you have reacted to a whitening product before, tell your dentist before you start.
Home whitening or in-office whitening?
In-office whitening with Philips Zoom is done by the dentist in one visit of about one and a half hours. Home whitening takes 1–4 weeks at your own pace, and the trays can be used again for touch-ups when your dentist advises. Some people use both: in-office whitening first, then home whitening to keep the result.
Storing the gel
Keep the gel in a cool place, ideally in the refrigerator, as instructed on the box. Do not freeze it, and close the cap tightly after each use.