A confident smile has the power to change lives. It can open doors, create new opportunities, and improve mental well-being.

Maybe you’ve heard it said, or maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Why don’t my teeth get as white as they used to?” or “Does aging make it harder to whiten teeth?” or “why don’t my teeth get as white as other people’s teeth, no matter how much I whiten? What’s the deal?”

Internet searches, ads, and store shelves are all packed with products that claim to be the best way to whiten your teeth. Have you ever wondered, however, if they’re safe? Have you wondered why there are so many, and what the difference is?

Renato Miotto Palo, DDS

Your Patients are interested into teeth whitening and many questions arise as there are a lot of whitening brands out there. Many are effective, but are they safe? The Opalescence™ teeth whitening line has been studied more than any brand on the planet. Through the results of those studies, you can recommend a safe and reliable whitening experience. Prepare yourself and your practice team with the right answers to be able to advise your patients in the best possible way we’re talking facts straight from research experts. Can I whiten my teeth while I sleep? You can whiten while you sleep with a custom tray! A university study proves that Opalescence™ 10% whitening gel stays active for 8–10 hours during overnight whitening.1 Can I whiten my teeth with braces? Yes! You can whiten with braces using Opalescence Go™ prefilled whitening gel trays, which can fit over wires and brackets.2 Since whitening works as peroxide penetrates the tooth and spreads throughout, even the part of the tooth covered by the bracket will whiten. Do UV or LED lights help during whitening? Studies have repeatedly shown that UV or LED do not improve the efficacy of whitening treatments.3 In fact, some research shows that using a light for whitening can be harmful to lips and gums.4 Plus, they’re notorious for shade relapse. How long will my results last? It depends on a number of factors. Anything from your biology to your diet can affect how long your teeth stay white. However, Opalescence whitening is effective in helping reduce shade relapse as compared to competitor tooth bleaching products.5 Also, a great whitening toothpaste (such as Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste) can lengthen the time between treatments. Is it messy, or will it hurt my teeth or gums? The sticky, viscous formula of Opalescence whitening gel does not leach from the tray like other whitening agents.6 Having said that, it’s very important to not move the gel around in your mouth too much. If it lingers on your gums, it might cause irritation or pain. To avoid discomfort, follow the instructions on how to correctly apply the pre-filled trays and syringe gels. Use Opalescence sensitivity relief toothpaste prior and during whitening to help with any tooth discomfort. Is teeth whitening expensive? The cost of teeth whitening can vary greatly depending on what you use and where you get it. While over-the-counter teeth whiteners are the least expensive, they may not be the most effective because they are not tailored to your specific needs. Also, they may increase the risk of having sensitive teeth. Other dentist-administered teeth whitening treatments may be more expensive because of costly teeth whitening lights or lasers used in the procedure, but these accessories generally do not provide any added benefit. Opalescence teeth whitening offers the benefits of a dentist prescribed whitening treatment without any costly gimmicks, making it the best value. Talk to your dentist about specific costs and to determine the best whitening option for you. I want to get started, what do I do now? Your dental office can get you started on a great whitening regimen. Your hygienist and dentist are fantastic resources for determining regimen, timelines, shade tracking, understanding your particular needs and desires, and (when necessary) sensitivity relief. Here you can download the 7 interesting Q&As about teeth whitening for your practice team or directly for your patients. 1. Matis BA, Gaiao U, Blackman D, Schultz FA, Eckert G. In vivo degradation of bleaching gel used in whitening teeth. J Am Dent Assoc. 1999;130(2):227–35. 2. Jadad E, Montoya J, Arana G, Gordillo LAA, Palo RM, and Loguercio AD. Spectrophotometric evaluation of color alterations with a new dental bleaching product in patients wearing orthodontic appliances. Am J Oxford Dentofacial Ortho. 2011;140(1):e43-47. 3. Maran, Bm, A Burey, Tdp Matos, Ad Loguercio, and A Reis. “In-Office Dental Bleaching with Light vs. without Light: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Dentistry 70 (2018): 1-13. 4. Bruzell EM, Johnsen B, Aalerud TN, Dahl JE, Christensen T. In vitro efficacy and risk for adverse effects of light-assisted tooth bleaching. Photochem Photo Bi Sci. 2009;8(3):377–385. 5. Grobler SR, Majeed A, Hayward R, et al. A Clinical Study of the Effectiveness of Two Different 10% Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Products: A 6-Month Follow-up. Int J Dent. 2011;167525. doi: 10.1155/2011/167525. 6. Caughman WF, DMD, Frazier KB, Haywood, VB. Carbamide peroxide whitening of non- vital single discolored teeth: Case reports. Quintessence Int. 1999;30(3):155-61.

A case report by Dr. Clarissa Jänig

Social media timelines are filled with folks using UV lights to whiten their teeth. From TikTok trends to Instagram influencers, people all over the internet are claiming these lights gave them the bright smile they’ve always wanted. Are these lights upending the professional teeth whitening business, reshaping long-standing practices and crumbling traditional practices? No, they’re not. Because, bluntly, they’re a gimmick—little more than marketing fodder fed to masses in an effort to seem superior.

How to Market Teeth Whitening on Social Media Analysts say more than 38 million adults will use whiteners this year and the tooth whitening market is projected to grow annually by 4%. Brightening smiles can be a tool to grow your practice, but a few waiting room signs and pamphlets aren't enough promotion to make the most out of the professional tooth whitening services you provide.

Whether it’s a patient presenting with one front tooth that’s several shades darker than the rest or teeth with tetracycline staining so severe that the patient refuses to smile, most dentists can agree that not all teeth whitening cases are cut and dry. Certainly, some are easier to treat than others...by a long shot.