My home-system tooth bleaching agent works! I’ve just started using Ultradent’s Opalescence Tooth Whitening Gel 5 days ago and I’ve seen my teeth whitened in just 3 days! Here’s the catch…I’m using the 35% concentration meaning it is a very high concentration that it can get too sensitive for the teeth. I don’t have any problem with teeth sensitivity but this gel can cause hypersensitivity if I place it too long in my mouth.

Tooth Bleaching or Whitening can be done in 2 ways: office-based system or home-used system. In the dental clinic, the dentist will coat the teeth with the whitening gel and then cures (the blue light) it for a period of time. Home-used system is where you place whitening strips (like the Crest strips) on your teeth or for myself I have a custom made bleaching splint/tray where I put the gel on it then placed the tray in my mouth.

Bleaching agent is actually too acidic or can be caustic (because its main component is the carbamide peroxide). It is acidic to the teeth and caustic for the gums. That’s why it’s important that the gums are protected while bleaching the teeth. Furthermore, the acidity is what causes the sensitivity.

Here’s how my Opalescence Tooth Whitening System 35% concentration gel works:

1. Make a customized/individualized bleaching splints for your teeth. (Usually done in a dental lab)

2. Brush your teeth before bleaching.

3. Apply a small amount (just a small drop) of gel on each teeth in the splint up to the premolars.

4. Placed the splint in your mouth and press the splint on the surface of the teeth.

5. Wipe off excess gel on the gum area with cotton.

6. Wear the splint for 30 minutes then remove it.

7. Rinse off your mouth twice.

8. Repeat until satisfied with the result or shade of your teeth.

As I’ve mentioned bleaching can cause sensitivity to your teeth. To prevent or alleviate any sensitivity, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have history of sensitive teeth, use the lower concentration gel (opalescence comes in 10%, 20%, 25% and 35% gel). Use Sensodyne or similar toothpaste in the meantime to clean your teeth as this can prevent further sensitivity. Because the gel is too acidic, avoid foods that are sweet, or sour, or acidic, or carbonated, etc.

I’m happy with how fast Opalescence worked. I’ll just continue to use it to go a further shade lighter.  Take note that your teeth can only get lighter. It doesn’t change the color. If your teeth is naturally towards the color of yellow/white – bleaching won’t help it go white but will only get your teeth to the lighter shade of yellow/white. Think of monochromes: if it’s red, the lightest it can go is light pink – the red hue is still there.

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