Teeth whitening is an area of cosmetic dentistry focused on making the natural teeth appear brighter and whiter. While not covered by dental insurance because it is a cosmetic procedure, this is one of the most affordable options for making cosmetic improvements to your teeth.
There are lots of whitening options on the market, from OTC kits at your local pharmacy to in-office professional whitening at your dentist. Dr. Subha Yerabollu at Prime Family Dentistry features the Opalescence Teeth Whitening System. This system combines an in-office experience with a take-home kit for follow-up treatments.
In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to the Opalescence experience.
What is Opalescence?
What Should You Do Before and After Opalescence Teeth Whitening?
There are several things that must take place prior to undergoing the Opalescence teeth whitening procedure:
Oral Examination
The first step to any and all procedures at Prime Family Dentistry in Stone Ridge is the comprehensive oral examination. The dentist will carefully examine your entire mouth to determine if you qualify for teeth whitening.
Clean and scale
In order to ensure the best results, it is recommended that you undergo a thorough cleaning. In addition, if you have bacteria and plaque buildup, scaling, and root planing may be recommended to ensure that your teeth are as clean and free of bacteria as possible.
Use a whitening toothpaste
One way to improve your results is to use a whitening toothpaste prior to and following your procedure. Dr. Yerabollu offers Opalescence whitening toothpaste. This will ensure that your results last as long as possible.
Follow the instructions
During your tooth whitening consultation, Dr. Yerabollu will provide you with specific instructions on what you need to be doing and what you need to be avoiding. Make sure that you carefully follow these instructions. These are designed to ensure that your results last as long as possible.
What Should You Avoid Before and After Opalescence Teeth Whitening?
There are several things that you should do after your whitening procedure to protect and improve your results.
Avoid colored foods/beverages
While you’re not expected to switch to a completely colorless diet forever, it’s best to avoid foods that are known to cause stains for at least 72 hours following the procedure. When you do go back to consuming these foods and beverages, make sure that you at least rinse your mouth with clear water after- if possible, it’s recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal.
Give up smoking
If you are a smoker, it’s important to note that tobacco and other ingredients in cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco, can cause tooth stains. The best way to protect your investment and avoid staining teeth is to avoid using these products.
Brush and floss regularly
Make sure that you are brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once. This will keep your teeth clean and help avoid the buildup of stains.
Visit the dentist regularly
Make sure that you schedule a cleaning and exam every 6 months. This will ensure that your whitening results last longer because it allows you the opportunity for in-between touch-up treatments as needed. Plus, it keeps teeth healthy and strong.
Cost
Invisalign
$1,200 to $8,000
Traditional Braces
$3.000 to $7,000
Insurance Coverage
Invisalign
Some dental insurance providers will cover Invisalign, some consider it cosmetic
Traditional Braces
Most dental insurance provers will cover treatment with traditional braces
Appearance
Invisalign
Virtually invisible, most people don’t notice the aligners, even close up
Traditional Braces
Wires and brackets are visible, even from a distance
Effectiveness
Invisalign
Effective for mild to moderate malocclusions alone
May also be effective for severe malocclusion when used with attachments
Traditional Braces
Proven effective for all types and severities of dental malocclusions
Treatment time
Invisalign
12 to 18-month treatment window on average
Mild malocclusions may take 6 months, while more severe cases may take up to 24
Traditional Braces
12 to 24-month treatment window, may take up to 36 months for more severe cases
Procedure
Invisalign
The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam
Digital images are taken of the bite and sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of the aligners
Once aligners are sent to the clinic, the first one will be placed, and the treatment plan discussed
You will be sent home with the remaining aligners and will check in with the clinic every so often to check your progress
Traditional Braces
The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, including x-rays and other necessary imaging
Metal brackets will be cemented to affected teeth and an archwire run through connecting them.
Every few weeks, you will need to come back in to have the archwire tightened.
Food restrictions
Invisalign
None, aligners are removed for eating
Traditional Braces
Nothing sticky, hard, chewy, tough, or crunchy
Oral hygiene
Invisalign
Easy, aligners are removed for brushing/flossing
Traditional Braces
Complicated, can be difficult to clean around the brackets and wires- requires the use of an interdental brush
Schedule Your Opalescence Consultation Today
If you are interested in learning more about Opalescence teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures to improve your smile, schedule your consultation with Dr. Yerabollu and the team at Prime Family Dentistry today. We have the experience and expertise you can trust. We will work with you to create the best plan for resolving your cosmetic concerns and improving your overall quality of life.
Opalescence FAQs
If you have any questions or concerns at any time during your time with us at Prime Family Dentistry, we will be happy to address them. We specialize in a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures. Our cosmetic treatments, such as Opalescence teeth whitening, are among the most popular:
How to use Opalescence teeth whitening?
Opalescence teeth whitening offers both in-office and at-home treatments. The best method is to start with the in-office, professional treatment because it offers the highest strength- and then take home a kit to protect and improve your results. Dr. Yerabollu can explain the specifics of how this procedure works.
What are opalescence teeth whitening instructions?
Opalescence teeth whitening instructions are designed to make your experience as good as possible. There are certain things that must be done to prepare your mouth for the treatment and certain things that you must do to ensure that your results last as long as possible. If you do not follow these guidelines, your experience may not be the most ideal.
Does opalescence boost teeth whitening?
Dr. Yerabollu believes in Opalescence. She believes that this is the highest quality tooth whitening option on the market today- this will give you the best results.
How long does it take to whiten teeth with Opalescence?
The in-office procedure usually takes an average of 1 to 2 hours, depending on the severity of your tooth discoloration.
How much does Opalescence cost?
The average cost of Opalescence teeth whitening is around $500. Dental insurance typically does not cover any part of this fee because it is a cosmetic procedure. However, there are financing options that can help make this procedure and others that are not covered by insurance more affordable.
