Opalescence is a professional tooth-whitening system made by Ultradent, used as both an in-chair gel (Opalescence Boost) and a custom take-home gel (Opalescence PF and Opalescence Go). It whitens with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide and adds fluoride and potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity. In London a dentist-supervised Opalescence course typically runs alongside a combined in-chair plus at-home plan.
The myth this page corrects
The brand on the syringe rarely decides your result. What decides it: an accurate diagnosis of why your teeth are that colour, well-fitting custom trays, and supervision.
What Opalescence actually is
Opalescence Boost — the in-chair gel, chemically activated, no lamp needed. Opalescence PF — the custom take-home gel with potassium nitrate and fluoride for sensitivity, in strengths from 10-22%. Opalescence Go — pre-filled ready-made trays, less precise but convenient.
A note the law requires
In the UK, peroxide gels above 0.1% can only be supplied by a registered dental professional after an examination. Beauty salons and online sellers offering strong gels work outside that rule.
Where Opalescence sits among the brands
Opalescence — default for sensitive patients and take-home phases. Philips Zoom — excellent fast in-chair boost. Enlighten Evolution — the most predictable target shade with full protocol commitment. Boutique/Pola — flexible day or overnight take-home options. No single brand is right for every mouth.
Why peroxide can't fix every "yellow"
Outer enamel carries surface staining; inner dentine carries intrinsic yellowing. Peroxide works best on the deeper layer. Tetracycline banding responds slowly and incompletely; a single dark tooth after root canal needs a different technique; crowns, veneers and fillings don't whiten at all.
The DWL approach
Combined whitening — an in-chair session for immediate lift, then a custom take-home phase to drive the shade deeper — gives the most stable, natural result.
What it costs
Combined whitening: £780, including bespoke trays, gel, and supervision. Every whitening patient needs a dental examination first (£65), as whitening is only provided for a fit, clean and healthy mouth; the examination is not included in the whitening price. 0% APR finance over 12 months via Tabeo, subject to status.
How a supervised course runs
Assessment and hygiene clean → scan for custom trays → in-chair Boost if combined → take-home gel over one to two weeks → shade review → occasional top-ups thereafter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Opalescence better than Philips Zoom? Neither is universally better — different tools for different needs.
How long does it take to work? Visible change within days of take-home use, full result over one to two weeks.
Does it make teeth sensitive? The PF formulation reduces sensitivity; mild temporary sensitivity is normal, and there are ways to reduce it.
Will it whiten crowns or veneers? No — only natural tooth structure whitens.
Can I just buy it online? Strong gels legally require a dental professional's supervision.
Is whitening permanent? No, but custom trays with occasional top-ups hold the shade indefinitely.
Talk to a cosmetic dentist before you whiten
Dental examination £65 before any whitening. Call 020 8127 4567 or WhatsApp +44 7974 910222. 222 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3AP.
Reviewed by Dr Vishal Patel · BDS (Liverpool), MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry (Manchester), AACD member, Invisalign Diamond II Provider · GDC 103127. Last reviewed 5 June 2026.
