Teeth whitening
Combine effective orthodontic treatment with teeth whitening
Invisalign® professional whitening system using Opalescence™
Invisalign® patients can fulfil their dreams of straight, healthy teeth and a white smile while still wearing clear aligners. It is a comprehensive solution that takes the treatment of malocclusion to a new dimension! While straightening their teeth, the patient whitens them at the same time. How is this possible?
Opalescence™ is a specialised, innovative gel containing the active whitening ingredient carbamide peroxide. The reactive oxygen molecules formed as it breaks down act on the enamel and dentine, oxidising discolourations. The gel is used together with Invisalign® aligners or Vivera® retainers, so it adheres perfectly to the teeth, producing an even whitening effect. This gives an excellent 2-in-1 result, because without any additional devices or visits to the dental office, the patient gains not only straight teeth but also a whiter smile.
The specially developed gel formula means that its consistency and viscosity allow it to reach every part of the tooth very precisely. During orthodontic treatment the teeth move, so it is important that the gel can constantly reach new spaces.
Teeth whitening with Opalescence™ while wearing Invisalign® aligners looks different and takes a different amount of time for each patient, just like the treatment as a whole. The speed of whitening and the final result depend largely on the patient’s initial tooth colour. The number of applications, the time the gel is worn in the aligners and its concentration therefore depend on individual characteristics and needs.
The Invisalign Professional Whitening System with Opalescence™ technology is effective and safe for teeth and gums. It does not damage the enamel, and any symptoms of sensitivity can be relieved with a dedicated toothpaste – Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste Sensitivity Relief – or UltraEZ™ desensitising gel.
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FAQ
What is the Invisalign Professional Whitening System?
The new product is a professional teeth whitening system with Ultradent’s leading Opalescence PF whitening formula, optimised for use with clear Invisalign® aligners, Vivera® retainers and Invisalign whitening trays. The system will be called “Invisalign ® Professional Whitening System – powered by Opalescence” and will offer the same great whitening results that dentists expect from Opalescence PF. You can now achieve great whitening during active tooth movement with Invisalign® aligners, as well as during passive retention with Vivera® retainers.
Where can doctors order the Invisalign® Professional Whitening System and which patients can it be given to?
Align Technology® will be the sole distributor of the Invisalign® Professional Whitening System powered by Opalescence. Doctors can order it for any patient with clear Invisalign® aligners or Vivera® retainers, as well as for patients who only need whitening with an Invisalign® whitening tray.
Can patients buy the product directly?
No. The Invisalign Professional Whitening System is available exclusively through Invisalign doctors. Doctors can perform the teeth whitening treatment in the office, chairside, or instruct patients on how to use it at home.
How do doctors apply the whitening gel?
The Invisalign Professional Whitening System by Opalescence is a tray-based whitening system. The at-home option is designed for use with clear Invisalign aligners, Vivera retainers or Invisalign whitening trays. For patients undergoing treatment (e.g. Invisalign treatment or Vivera retention), the Invisalign Professional Whitening System can be used alongside ongoing orthodontic treatment. The patient will use an Invisalign aligner or Vivera retainer with the Invisalign Professional Whitening gel.
Does this system require a light or other specialised equipment?
No, the Invisalign Professional Whitening System comes with everything you need, straight out of the box. No light or other specialised equipment is required for use at home or in the office.
Can a patient use desensitising products before using the Invisalign Professional Whitening System with Opalescence technology?
Yes, although the Invisalign Professional Whitening System is formulated with potassium nitrate and fluoride to ensure patient comfort during and after treatment, the doctor may decide to use a desensitising treatment (such as a sensitivity gel, a desensitising toothpaste and/or fluoride varnish) before or after professional whitening.
How much whiter will the teeth get?
Generally speaking, lighter stains whiten faster. It is difficult to guarantee that teeth will whiten by a specific amount. It depends on many factors, including:
- The type and intensity of tooth discolouration
- The patient’s individual tooth anatomy
- Age
- The number of applications, wear time and concentrations
- Which shade guide the practice uses (shade guides differ, so the number of shades changed depends on which shade guide is used)
How long does whitening take?
Everyone reacts differently to whitening treatments and everyone will whiten at a different pace. Some stains are easier to remove than others. Yellow or brown teeth are easier to whiten than grey/blue teeth. Younger patients usually whiten faster than older patients, but every patient is different. When whitening, remember that a smile looks most natural when the colour of the teeth matches the whites of the eyes. Some people want a Hollywood smile, but this is not a natural tooth colour and few people can achieve such a shade of white.
Does teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a relatively common side effect of teeth whitening. The whitening treatment does not cause any damage to the teeth, and discomfort is not a sign of tooth damage. If sensitivity occurs, it is usually temporary and will subside once the whitening process is complete. If patients experience tooth sensitivity, it can be treated with desensitising toothpastes and gels such as Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste Sensitivity Relief or UltraEZ™ desensitising gel.
Why doesn't Opalescence whitening require a whitening lamp?
Many other whitening treatments use a light or laser during the whitening process. You have probably seen adverts for this type of tooth whitener. Are these lights and lasers really necessary? The answer is no. Current research shows that only hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent used in Opalescence™ Boost™ in-office whitening and Opalescence Go™ tray whitening) or carbamide peroxide (the whitening agent used in Opalescence™ PF tray whitening) are effective in whitening teeth. Light activation offers no additional benefit. In fact, some studies show that using light for whitening may be harmful to the mouth and gums.*
*Bruzell EM, Johnsen B, Aalerud TN, Dahl JE and Christensen T (March 2009) In vitro efficacy and risk for adverse effects of light-assisted tooth bleaching. Photochemical & Biological Sciences 8(3) 377-85.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Teeth whitening results are very stable, so patients can enjoy a dazzling smile long after treatment ends. However, there are several factors that can cause teeth to lose their brightness. Factors such as genetics, diet, age, certain medications (such as tetracycline) and certain habits (such as smoking) can affect how long whitening results last. Fortunately, touch-up treatments are quick and easy, helping patients regain a bright, white smile.