Frequently Asked Questions

Well, it's simple! Opalescence™ is the world's #1-selling professional teeth whitening brand — trusted by 25,000+ dentists. We've been brightening up over 100 million smiles for the last 35 years, and we pride ourselves in only putting out safe, professional-caliber whitening products backed by dental science. All of our products are easy to use, and great tasting. How's that for a better way to whiten? For a whitening brand you can trust to get you brilliant results every time, Opalescence whitening is the way to go.

Our teeth whitening works by removing stains and discolorations from the enamel and dentin. The outer layer of the tooth is called enamel, and beneath the enamel is dentin. Enamel is thin and usually much lighter in color, while dentin is darker and makes up most of the tooth. Enamel can lose its color over time simply from age, but also from things like coffee, tea, tobacco, and other foods and beverages. Also, as we get older, our enamel can thin out, causing more dentin to show through, making the overall appearance of the tooth look less brilliant. The active ingredients in our whitening gels oxidize the discolored molecules deep down in your teeth to remove stains and whiten your smile comfortably. Plus, for our products that use our patented whitening gel, the patented formula is sticky and viscous, preventing the whitening gel from seeping out and ensuring your trays stay in place to brighten up your teeth.

Opalescence™ Go Prefilled Whitening Trays and Opalescence™ custom-tray refill syringes should be used once a day to achieve the most safe and effective way to get that brilliant smile you deserve. If you're interested in additional daily whitening, however, we recommend using Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste twice daily.

Great question! All Opalescence™ teeth whitening products are formulated to add brilliance to your smile in their own unique way. Let's break it down for you: Both Opalescence™ Go Prefilled Whitening Trays and our Opalescence™ custom tray whitening gel refills use non-abrasive ingredients to safely brighten teeth. Our Opalescence™ Original and Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpastes use a mildly abrasive silica to effectively remove surface stains and keep your teeth glowing.

If you have white spots on your teeth, they may become more noticeable during the whitening procedure. A few days after you've completed your whitening treatment, the white spots will become less noticeable. Continue your whitening treatment until you reach your desired shade.

Be aware that crowns and fillings do not whiten. If your teeth are naturally translucent, they may become more translucent, giving a gray or darker appearance, rather than a whiter appearance. Some types of staining can take long periods of time and may require that you consult your dentist for professional whitening options.

While you can go ahead and use Opalescence™ teeth whitening products without a special appointment, it's always a good idea to keep up with those routine dental check-ups. We recommend seeing your dentist before you start whitening, just to make sure you're good to glow!

We recommend that these products not be used by children under 12 years of age. Safety first! As kids grow, their teeth and gums are still developing, and it's best to wait until they're older before starting any teeth whitening treatments.

Like with other dental or medical treatments, you may be wondering if teeth whitening during pregnancy, breastfeeding or IVF is safe. While no studies have been done on the safety of teeth whitening during pregnancy, the ADA suggests that clinicians may consider recommending that teeth whitening be deferred during pregnancy. We agree and recommend that pregnant or breast feeding women and women undergoing fertility treatment don't use teeth whitening products.

Opalescence™ provides a safe, comfortable way for most everyone to get a more brilliant smile. Results and treatment time may differ from person to person, depending on the stain and the level of whitening you're looking for. Keep in mind, our products are not designed to whiten crown, bridges, fillings and veneers. If you have gum disease, worn enamel, cavities or exposed roots, we recommend talking to your dentist, so that they can help choose the teeth whitening option that's best for you.

Yes! You can whiten with braces using Opalescence Go™ prefilled whitening trays, which can fit over wires and brackets. Since whitening works as peroxide penetrates the tooth and spreads throughout, even the part of the tooth covered by the bracket will whiten.

Current research shows that hydrogen peroxide (the ingredient used in our prefilled whitening trays) or carbamide peroxide (the ingredient used in our whitening gel refills) are effective in safely brightening teeth. Teeth whitening lights don't add any more brilliance to your smile. In fact, some studies have shown that using them can even harm your lips and gums. So, it's probably best to skip the lights and stick to your Opalescence™ teeth whitening routine.

Charcoal can be messy and get stuck at your gumline, which isn't great for your dental hygienist to deal with. We recommend Opalescence™ whitening toothpaste which successfully whitens by removing surface stains and is gentle enough to use daily without damaging your enamel.

Yes! It's safe to use our teeth whitening products on both natural and unnatural tooth surfaces. Our unique formulations will not affect the color or shade of a crown, veneer, implant, filling or tooth restoration. But, you can use our products to whiten your natural teeth to better match your dental work. If you are whitening your teeth before a bonding procedure, talk to your dentist. We recommend avoiding any whitening treatments for 7-10 days before a bonding procedure.

Every smile responds differently to whitening treatments and teeth whitening results may vary by age. Some stains and shades of teeth are easier to whiten than others. When whitening, keep in mind that the natural color of your teeth will affect your whitening results. Compare strengths and wear times for Opalescence™ teeth whitening products and talk with your dentist for help choosing the best option to add brilliance to your teeth.

Opalescence™ teeth whitening products are formulated to provide lasting whitening results, leaving you with a brighter smile you'll love. However, there are a few things that can make teeth lose their brilliance over time. Things like genetics, diet, age, some medications (like tetracycline) and habits (like smoking) may affect how long your whitening results last. Luckily, all of our products are quick and easy to use, so you can keep your whitening routine going and help your smile stay glowing.

We don't recommend using our products beyond their expiration date. It's always a good idea to keep your teeth whitening essentials fresh and up-to-date. Your smile deserves the best!

Yes! It is possible to whiten a dead tooth. But, keep in mind that if you whiten all of your teeth at once, that dead tooth might still stand out. So, we suggest talking with your dentist to see how you can whiten that particular tooth to match your brilliant smile.

Once you've brushed all the whitening gel off your teeth, you're good to go and eat or drink whatever you like! Just keep in mind that some foods and drinks might leave stains on your whitened teeth, so remember to keep up with your whitening routine.

Let's face it, some of our favorite foods and drinks are know to leave stains on our teeth. If that happens to you, don't worry. Just use Opalescence™ teeth whitening products as part of your cleaning routine to keep your teeth looking brilliant!

Yes! If you are not experiencing sensitivite gums or teeth, you may continue whitening until you reach your desired tooth shade. If sensitivity occurs, take a few days off between treatment trays. If you have additional questions, consult your dentist for professional whitening options.

Currently, we don't have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal on our products. However, we're committed to providing safe and effective teeth whitening formulations designed to safely brighten smiles.

Since our teeth whitening products fall under the category of cosmetics, they don't require FDA approval. That said, all Opalescence™ teeth whitening products have been tested for safety and effectiveness according to international standards. Our products also comply with the cosmetic regulations set by the FDA, including the new Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act of 2022. (In case you're wondering).

Opalescence™ ships within the United States. For the time being, we don’t offer international shipping.

It usually takes about 5 business days for your order to reach your doorstep. Orders placed before 11:00 a.m. CST, Monday through Friday will be shipped to you the very same day! If you place your order after 11:00 a.m. CST, we’ll make sure it’s headed your way on the next business day.

As soon as your order sets off on its journey, we’ll send you a shipping confirmation with your tracking number. So you can stay in the glow and see when your brilliant items will arrive!

Opalescence™ whitening stands behind all of our brilliant teeth whitening products purchased from us here on Opalescence.com. In fact, we’re so confident you’ll love your results within 30 days or we’ll give you your money back. View our 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee to learn how you can request a refund if for any reason you are not smiling about our teeth whitening products.

If you want to return your Opalescence™ teeth whitening products there’s no hard feelings! Just visit our Satisfaction Guarantee page to learn about our Return Policy and how to send your order back to us with ease.

While we do not currently offer exchanges, we’ve got a simple solution for you! If you need to switch things up, just request a return by visiting our Satisfaction Guarantee page. Once that’s done, you’re free to make a new purchase of your preferred Opalescence™ teeth whitening products.

Absolutely! Our brilliant customer service team would love to help answer all your questions. Just shoot us an email at info@opalescence.com and you’ll hear back from one of our friendly team members.

We gladly accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Meta Pay.

Unfortunately, we don’t accept insurance, HSA, or FSA payments for any Opalescence™ teeth whitening products at this time.

No worries! Our brilliant customer service team is happy to help get things sorted out and put a smile back on your face. Just shoot us an email at info@opalescence.com and you’ll hear back from one of our friendly team members.

Subscriptions are a brilliant way to keep your smile glowing! Sign up to automatically order your favorite Opalescence™ teeth whitening products as often as you need to keep up with your routine. And here’s the best part: There's no minimum commitment. Change, skip, or cancel anytime.

Making changes or saying goodbye to your subscription is hassle-free! Just log into your account to change, skip or cancel your order at any time. It’s as easy as a couple of clicks, and you’re all set.

Absolutely! Our brilliant customer service team would love to help answer all your questions. Just shoot us an email at info@opalescence.com and you’ll hear back from one of our friendly team members.

Tooth sensitivity can happen sometimes after teeth whitening. However, Opalescence whitening has not been shown to weaken tooth enamel, so if you feel any discomfort, there's no need to worry! If your teeth feel sensitive, you may try a lower concentration or wear the same concentration for less time. Tooth sensitivity is usually temporary and disappears after whitening. There are also ways to treat sensitive teeth using products like our Opalescence Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste. Talk to your dentist to find the best option for your smile.

While Opalescence™ Original Whitening Toothpaste is safe for daily use, if you’re dealing with sensitivity, we recommend trying our Sensitivity Relief formula. Opalescence™ Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste is uniquely formulated to not only provide teeth-whitening benefits but also contains ingredients to help soothe your sensitive smile. It’s a win-win!

Some people might feel a little temporary discomfort in their gums, lips, throat, tongue or teeth from whitening. We recommend using our Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste before and after whitening to help soothe sensitive teeth. If you're still feeling discomfort after whitening, you can always reach out to your dentist. But don't worry, these side effects usually go away in just 1-3 days.

We recommend whitening for less time, and for you to give it a few days between treatments. This will take a little longer to whiten your teeth, but you may be more comfortable. If sensitivity of the gums and teeth persists, visit your dentist.

Both of our toothpastes offer the same brilliant whitening benefits, but our Sensitivity Relief formula goes the extra mile for gentle smiles, featuring potassium nitrate to help soothe sensitive teeth.

Yes! Our Sensitivity Relief formula offers the same teeth-whitening benefits of our Original Whitening Toothpaste, but it also contains potassium nitrate to help soothe sensitive teeth.

When you use Opalescence™ Original or Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste as part of your daily whitening routine, you can whiten your teeth up to two shades in as little as two weeks.

Not quite. Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste works its magic on the surface stains of your teeth, actively removing them to brighten your smile. The whitening gel in our Prefilled Whitening Trays and our Whitening Gel Refills are formulated to whiten deeper below the surface of your teeth. We recommend using both for the brightest, longest-lasting whitening results.

Opalescence™ Original Whitening Toothpaste packs some extra perks compared to your ordinary toothpaste. It’s sweetened with xylitol, which may reduce the risk of tooth decay, and it has a unique and pleasant Cool Mint flavor. Plus, our mild abrasive formula is kind to teeth and gums. For the most gentle smiles, our Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste offers the same brilliant benefits as our Original Whitening Toothpaste, but it also contains potassium nitrate to help soothe sensitive teeth. The best part? All of our toothpastes are safe for everyday use, so you can keep them in your whitening routine.

Opalescence™ Original and Sensitivity Relief Toothpastes use a safe and effective 0.24% sodium fluoride and follow the general guidance from the FDA for toothpaste, so you can brush with brilliance and clean with confidence.

When you use Opalescence™ Original or Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste as part of your daily whitening routine, you can whiten your teeth up to two shades in as little as two weeks.

Not quite. Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste works its magic on the surface stains of your teeth, actively removing them to brighten your smile. The whitening gel in our Prefilled Whitening Trays and our Whitening Gel Refills are formulated to whiten deeper below the surface of your teeth. We recommend using both for the brightest, longest-lasting whitening results.

In Opalescence™ Original Whitening Toothpaste, the active ingredient is sodium fluoride, which is all about protecting that precious enamel. Opalescence™ Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste features a dynamic duo of active ingredients: sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate (to help soothe sensitive smiles).

Nope, you won’t find any activated charcoal in our toothpastes. We only use powerful, yet gentle ingredients to safely brighten your smile.

Our Original and Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpastes come in a Cool Mint flavor. It’s like a little burst of brilliance with every brush.

We recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles. It’s gentle on teeth and gums while ensuring effective cleaning and better care for your smile.

Absolutely! Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste is safe for daily use on any type of dental work. We believe that all smiles deserve to be brilliant.

It depends on how often you brush and how much toothpaste you use with each brushing! Typically, your full-size tube of Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste can last over two months.

When stored properly as per packaging instructions, your trays have a shelf life of 24 months. Check your package for an expiration date.

Absolutely! The whitening formula in our Whitening Toothpastes is different from what’s in our Whitening Gels, and they complement each other perfectly. As a reminder, we recommend brushing with Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste after each meal or at least two times a day for the brightest results.

Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste uses a mildly abrasive enamel-safe silica to effectively remove surface stains on your teeth.

While Opalescence™ Original Whitening Toothpaste is safe for daily use, if you’re dealing with sensitivity, we recommend trying our Sensitivity Relief formula. Opalescence™ Sensitivity Relief Whitening Toothpaste is uniquely formulated to not only provide teeth-whitening benefits but also contains ingredients to help soothe your sensitive smile. It’s a win-win!

Yes! Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays are vegan and certified kosher.

Yes! Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays are certified gluten-free.

Yes! You can whiten with braces using Opalescence Go™ prefilled whitening trays, which can fit over wires and brackets. Since whitening works as peroxide penetrates the tooth and spreads throughout, even the part of the tooth covered by the bracket will whiten.

Yes! If you are not experiencing sensitivite gums or teeth, you may continue whitening until you reach your desired tooth shade. If sensitivity occurs, take a few days off between treatment trays. If you have additional questions, consult your dentist for professional whitening options.

No. Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays are designed for one-time use. Once you’ve finished brightening your smile with your trays, go ahead and discard them.

We recommend giving your teeth a quick scrub with Opalescence™ Original or Sensitivity Relief Toothpaste before and after using your prefilled whitening trays.

Yes! It's safe to use our teeth whitening products on both natural and unnatural tooth surfaces. Our unique formulations will not affect the color or shade of a crown, veneer, implant, filling or tooth restoration. But, you can use our products to whiten your natural teeth to better match your dental work. If you are whitening your teeth before a bonding procedure, talk to your dentist. We recommend avoiding any whitening treatments for 7-10 days before a bonding procedure.

If you don’t have any sensitivity of the gums or teeth, you can whiten daily until you reach your desired shade. If sensitivity occurs, take a few days off between tray treatments.

We recommend waiting at least 24 hours between treatments.

Just one size! Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays are designed to fit adult mouths of all sizes, conforming to your unique smile for a comfortable whitening experience.

Current research shows that only hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent used in Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays) or carbamide peroxide (the whitening agent used in Opalescence™ teeth whitening gel syringes) are effective in whitening teeth. Light activation adds no additional benefit. In fact, some research shows that using a light for whitening can be harmful to lips and gums.

Yes, Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays conform to your teeth, giving you a brilliant smile that’s uniquely yours.

Not to worry! Just brush, rinse and remove any gel that gets on your gums. It is perfectly normal to feel some temporary discomfort when whitening teeth. These side effects will usually subside within 1–3 days after discontinuing use. If you’re still feeling some side effects after you’re finished, we recommend reaching out to your dentist for help.

If you accidentally swallow a little bit of the whitening gel—that’s okay! But if you happen to swallow a larger amount, make sure to drink lots of water and get in touch with your healthcare provider, just to be safe.

Yes, we recommend brightening your smile with both upper and lower trays at the same time. Just follow the usage instructions on the package, and reach out if you have any questions.

No. However, if you have pre-existing sensitivity when it comes to your teeth, we recommend consulting your dentist before using any teeth whitening products.

Like all good things, Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays don’t last forever. Please check the expiration code on the box or tray to ensure they’re safe to use.

When stored properly as per packaging instructions, your trays have a shelf life of 24 months. Check your package for an expiration date.

Not at all! Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays use the heat from your mouth to conform to your teeth for a perfect fit that keeps you comfortable while you brighten your smile.

The chances for sensitivity may increase if the trays are worn for longer than the recommended wear time. Please refer to the safety information on the box.

The innovative UltraFit™ tray conforms by adhering to your teeth using the warmth of your mouth and a combination of Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays sticky viscous gel and light suction. You will cause gingival irritation if you press the trays against your teeth. Refer to the instructions on your Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays box.

Yes, you can use both, just not on the same day. If your dentist has provided you a tray, you can purchase our Whitening Gel Refills to use in your tray.

Refer to the box for a list of ingredients and/or visit our product pages for allergy concerns.

No, Opalescence™ prefilled whitening trays only brighten your smile.

Reach out to your dentist for a pre-whitening consultation to discuss having a custom tray made—or try our convenient prefilled whitening trays.

Yes, Opalescence™ Whitening Gel Refills feature the same formulation as the product you buy from your dentist.

Take a look at our Compare Page to see which formula is right for you. If you still have questions, we recommend visiting your dentist for a pre-whitening consultation to choose the option that best fits your needs.

Not to worry! Just brush, rinse and remove any gel that gets on your gums. It is perfectly normal to feel some temporary discomfort when whitening teeth. These side effects will usually subside within 1–3 days after discontinuing use. If you’re still feeling some side effects after you’re finished, we recommend reaching out to your dentist for help.

If you accidentally swallow a little bit of the whitening gel—that’s okay! But if you happen to swallow a larger amount, make sure to drink lots of water and get in touch with your healthcare provider, just to be safe.

When stored properly as per packaging instructions, Opalescence™ Whitening Gel Refills have a shelf life of 24 months. Check your Opalescence™ Whitening Gel Refill package for an expiration date.

Yes! Opalescence™ Whitening Gel Refills are vegan, and certified kosher.

Yes! Opalescence™ Whitening Gel Refills are certified gluten-free.

Yes! If you are not experiencing sensitivite gums or teeth, you may continue whitening until you reach your desired tooth shade. If sensitivity occurs, take a few days off between treatment trays. If you have additional questions, consult your dentist for professional whitening options.

You can clean your custom trays with a soft brush and warm water. For more information, we recommend reaching out to the dentist who provided you with your custom tray.

We recommend giving your teeth a quick scrub with Opalescence™ Original or Sensitivity Relief Toothpaste before and after whitening.

If you do not have any sensitivity of the gums or teeth, you can wear it daily for the recommended wear time in the instructions.

We recommend using the lowest percentage available and wearing your trays for less time. You can also take a few days off between treatments. This will take a little longer to whiten your teeth, but you may be more comfortable. If sensitivity of the gums and teeth persists, visit your dentist.

Yep! No problem.

Opalescence™ oral care products can be used daily in conjunction with a whitening treatment.

No. Whitening Gels are designed to be used with custom whitening trays or full mouth clear retainers. Consult your dentist for additional information.

If you do not have any sensitivity of the gums or teeth, you can wear it daily for the recommended wear time in the instructions.

Just express one continuous bead of teeth whitening gel into trays, totaling approximately ⅓ to ½ of the syringe per tray. You can always refer to the instructions in your Opalescence™ Whitening Gel package.

No. You should apply Opalescence™ Whitening Gel to your custom, dentist-provided tray, per the instructions in your Opalescence™ Whitening Gel package.

Express one continuous bead of teeth whitening gel into trays, approximately ⅓ to ½ of the syringe per tray. For more info, check the instructions in your Opalescence™ Whitening Gel package.

Yes! All Opalescence™ Whitening Strips are vegan.

Yes! Opalescence™ Whitening Strips are gluten-free.

Yes! If you are not experiencing sensitive gums or teeth, you may continue whitening until you reach your desired tooth shade. If sensitivity occurs, take a few days off between treatment trays. If you have additional questions, consult your dentist for professional whitening options.