Opalescence™ Teeth Whitening in Southern California
Reveal a brighter, more confident smile with the professional-grade Opalescence whitening system. At Smiles West, we offer two customized options so you can achieve your best smile on your schedule.
Professional whitening you can only get from a dentist
The Opalescence whitening family is one of the most trusted professional tooth whitening systems in dentistry, used by dental professionals worldwide. Unlike over-the-counter products, Opalescence is only available through a licensed dental professional, which means safer treatment, higher-strength formulas, and results tailored specifically to your smile.
At Smiles West across Southern California, we offer two Opalescence options so your whitening fits your lifestyle: Opalescence Custom take-home trays for gradual, controlled whitening at home, and Opalescence Pro in-office treatment for fast professional results in a single visit.
Professional take-home whitening, your way
Opalescence™ Custom take-home whitening gel offers customized convenience. The gel is delivered using custom-made trays precisely tailored to your smile, so you get even, consistent whitening across every tooth.
Available in multiple concentrations and three flavors, Opalescence Custom offers wear times from 15 minutes to overnight. You choose the option that best fits your routine. The sticky, viscous gel formula won’t migrate to your gums and offers sustained whitening power in the comfort of your own home.
- At-home treatment with trays tailored to your smile
- Carbamide peroxide formula for sustained, controlled whitening
- Wear times from 15 minutes to overnight
- Multiple concentrations and three flavors
- Viscous gel stays in place, won't migrate to gums
Ideal For
Patients who want precise control over their whitening, prefer to whiten gradually at home, or want ongoing touch-up options after an initial treatment. Also well-suited to patients with sensitivity concerns (lower concentrations available).
High-impact whitening in a single office visit
Opalescence™ Pro teeth whitening gel contains 40% hydrogen peroxide and delivers brighter, whiter teeth after about an hour in the dental chair. The gel is chemically activated, so it starts working as soon as it’s placed on your teeth and doesn’t require a hot, uncomfortable light.
Administered and performed by a dental professional at your Smiles West office, Opalescence Pro is the ideal choice for patients who want dramatic in-office whitening results in a single visit.
- In-office treatment by a licensed dental professional
- 40% hydrogen peroxide for high-impact results
- 20 minutes per application, 2 to 3 applications per visit
- Chemically activated — no hot, uncomfortable light needed
- Visibly brighter results in approximately one hour
Ideal For
Patients with an important event on the calendar (wedding, graduation, reunion, photo shoot) who want visible results in a single appointment. Also an excellent choice for patients who prefer professional supervision throughout treatment.
Both options deliver professional results
The right choice depends on your timeline, your preferences, and the kind of staining you’re treating. At your consultation at Smiles West, we’ll evaluate your smile and help you choose the best fit.
| Feature | Opalescence Custom | Opalescence Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Where | At home | In our [CITY] office |
| Active Ingredient | Carbamide peroxide | 40% hydrogen peroxide |
| Treatment Time | 15 minutes to overnight | About 1 hour, in office |
| Timeline for Results | Gradual over days or weeks | Visible after one visit |
| Best For | Attention to detail, sensitivity-conscious patients, and ongoing touch-ups | Fast results for an important event and patients who want professional supervision |
Many Smiles West patients combine both options: an initial Opalescence Pro treatment for immediate dramatic results, followed by Opalescence Custom trays for maintenance and touch-ups.
Your whitening treatment,
step by step
Here’s what your Opalescence treatment at Smiles West looks like from consultation to reveal.
Opalescence™ Pro
- Consultation
We evaluate your current shade, discuss your goals, and confirm Opalescence Pro is the right fit for your smile and health history.
- Preparation
We protect your gums and soft tissue with a resin barrier so the whitening gel targets only your teeth.
- Application
We apply the Opalescence Pro gel in a thin layer across your teeth. The gel is chemically activated, so no light is needed.
- Processing
The gel is left on your teeth for about 20 minutes while you relax. Many patients watch TV, listen to music, or scroll their phone.
- Reapplication
We suction off the first application and apply a fresh layer, repeating up to 2 or 3 times per treatment session to maximize whitening.
- Reveal
We remove the gel and barrier, rinse your teeth, and compare your new shade to your starting shade. Most patients see visible improvement in a single visit.
Opalescence™ Custom
- Impressions
We take precise impressions of your teeth so we can fabricate custom whitening trays tailored to your smile.
- Tray fitting
At your next visit, we fit your trays, review how to apply the Opalescence Custom gel, and answer any questions.
- At-home whitening
You wear your trays with the Opalescence Custom gel at home. Wear times range from 15 minutes to overnight depending on your concentration and comfort level.
- Progress
Most patients see noticeable results within a few days to a few weeks, depending on starting shade and wear time.
- Maintenance
Once you’ve reached your goal shade, your custom trays can be used for occasional touch-ups to maintain your results for years.
Protect your brighter smile
Great whitening results don’t stop when you leave the office. Here’s what to expect in the hours and days after your Opalescence treatment.
Whitening continues after your visit
Your teeth will keep whitening for 24 to 48 hours after your in-office treatment. During this window, we recommend avoiding strongly staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark sauces.
Mild sensitivity is normal
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening, which typically fades within a day or two. If sensitivity lasts longer, contact our office and we’ll help.
Protect your results
Avoid nicotine products, which can cause stubborn brown stains. Continue daily brushing and flossing, and visit Smiles West regularly for check-ups and cleanings to keep your smile healthy and bright.
You may need more than one treatment
Achieving your brightest smile may take more than one treatment. Depending on your starting shade and goals, we may recommend additional in-office or take-home whitening sessions.
Frequently asked questions about Opalescence™ whitening
Yes. Opalescence has been used by dental professionals worldwide for decades and is backed by extensive clinical research. Because Opalescence Custom and Opalescence Pro are only available through a licensed dental professional, your treatment is supervised and tailored to your specific needs, which makes it safer than over-the-counter whitening.
Most dental insurance plans consider teeth whitening a cosmetic procedure and do not cover it. However, we accept major insurance plans for other dental services and offer flexible payment options and financing to make cosmetic treatments more affordable.
Whitening gels only affect natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings will not change color during whitening treatment. If you have visible restorations and want a uniform smile, we can discuss replacing older restorations after whitening to match your new shade.
Opalescence is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or nursing, children under 13, or patients with severe tooth sensitivity, untreated cavities, or active gum disease. We'll review your medical and dental history at your consultation to confirm whitening is right for you.
Ready for a brighter smile?
Whether you’re planning for a big event or ready to invest in your smile long-term, the Opalescence™ whitening system at Smiles West delivers professional-grade results in two convenient options.