When it comes to teeth whitening, it's important for you to understand the causes behind discoloration or staining so you and your dentist can choose the whitening treatment that will provide the best results.

What causes tooth discoloration and staining?

There are a lot of reasons why teeth are not as white as we would like them to be. One factor is simply heredity.

Everyone's dentin (the layer of your teeth below the enamel) is a unique shade of either yellow or blue/grey. This is normal and varies from person to person. The thickness of a person's enamel—based on genetics—affects how much of this natural yellow or blue/grey dentin shows through. As people age, the enamel also thins, showing more of the dentin.

Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the microcracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel). Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth. But only teeth whitening agents can remove the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discolored.

Opalescence gels contain an active whitening ingredient (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.

Other factors that add to discoloration or staining are:

• Food and beverages, such as wine, coffee, and tea
• Medication such as tetracycline
• Tobacco use
• Trauma to the tooth

Can all stains be whitened, and how long does it take?

The great news is that, yes, most stains—even those caused by medication—can be dramatically improved. However, different stains require different treatment times.

The natural yellow and blue/grey tooth shades will whiten faster than a tooth with added stains from medication, tobacco, and food. Teeth with a natural yellow shade will generally whiten in about 1–2 weeks, whereas teeth with a blue/grey shade can take twice as long. Teeth that have been stained by tobacco use can generally take 1–3 months to whiten, and teeth that have been stained by medications can take anywhere from 2–6 months, based on how severe the staining is. Non-vital, or dead, teeth will respond to whitening well; however, it is important to talk to your dentist about whitening non-vital teeth, as this should be done before whitening the rest of the teeth in order to avoid a difference in shade.

"I have been whitening my teeth for some time and tried different methods. Opalescence Go is, by far, the best product I have ever tried. From now on, this is what I will ask for!"

– Brian Utah

Professional results—to go

Opalescence Go is the professional alternative to over-the-counter whitening options. It's a simple, fast, and great-tasting way to start a whitening treatment or for whitening touch-ups. With no impressions or custom trays necessary, Opalescence Go is ready to use right out of the package!

• Opalescence tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride), which helps maintain the health of enamel throughout the whitening process.
• No impressions, no models, no lab time
• Sleek and comfortable; adapts to any smile
• Discreet, clear tray material
• 6% (wear 60-90 minutes for 5 to 10 days)

Keep your smile bright!

Once you've achieved your stunning smile, it's up to you to keep it looking bright. Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste and toothbrushes are perfect for maintaining a healthy, bright, white smile. And our Opalpix toothpicks are like no other toothpicks you've ever tried before. Whatever you need, Opalescence aftercare products can help keep you smiling bright!

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste

• Removes surface stains to lighten teeth up to 2 shades in just one month. ¹
• Efficient, quick fluoride release
• Safe for everyday use
• Cool Mint flavor
• Available in a new Sensitivity Relief formula

Start Teeth Whitening Today

SmileShop offers Opalescence Teeth Whitening Toothpaste as ewll as Opalescence Go DIY Teeth Whitening System. Shop now and find the best teeth whitening for you today!