Flor -Opal
- flavor of tray-delivered version

LC Block-Out Resin
- microabrasion , use for protection during

OpalDam
- microabrasion , use for protection during

Opalescence
- amalgam , reaction to
- bonding post-op
- bubbles in syringes
- children , use on
- composite replacement after use
- daytime vs. nighttime whitening
- lactating women, use on
- longevity of whitening effects
- mechanism of function
- potassium nitrate content
- pregnant women, use on

Opalescence Endo
- bonding post-op
- children , use on
- composite replacement after use
- lactating women, use on
- longevity of whitening effects
- mechanism of function
- pH
- pregnant women, use on
- root resorption

Opalescence Quick
- bonding post-op
- children , use on
- composite replacement after use
- lactating women, use on
- longevity of whitening effects
- mechanism of function
- pH
- pregnant women, use on

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
- poloxamer content
- tartar control additives
- whitening effect

Opalescence Xtra
- bonding post-op
- children , use on
- composite replacement after use
- lactating women, use on
- longevity of whitening effects
- mechanism of function
- pH
- pregnant women, use on

Opalescence Xtra Boost
- bonding post-op
- children , use on
- composite replacement after use
- disposal
- expiration date after mixing
- lactating women, use on
- longevity of whitening effects
- mechanism of function
- pH
- pregnant women, use on
- separation in syringe
- walking bleach, use as

Opalustre
- children , treatment on
- sensitivity
- stain removal
- stain types removed by

Sof -Tray Sheets
- allergies
- composition
- latex content

Trswhite
- fluoride content
- latex content of tray
- potassium nitrate content
- shelf life

UltraEZ
- flavor of pre-loaded tray version
- overnight use of pre-loaded tray version
- pH
- sensitivity reduction
- sustained release
- uses

Technical Q&A

What is the flavor of the pre-loaded tray delivery version of FLOR-OPAL?
Melon.

Can LC BLOCK-OUT be used to protect gingival tissue during microabrasion procedures?
OpalDam would be more suitable for this application because its reflective properties prevent the tissues from becoming hot.

Why does OPALESCENCE change to a dark purple/black color when it comes in contact with amalgam?
The dark purple coloration that may appear in the tray following bleaching adjacent to older amalgams is normal and has proven inconsequential, based on years of clinical use. No adverse/detrimental effect on the amalgam restorations has been experienced. It has been theorized that the zinc in old amalgams may be the cause of the discoloration.

How long should you wait to bond after a bleaching treatment?
Normally 7-10 days to ensure stabilization of tooth color and ensure all peroxide has leached from the tooth. Residual peroxide in the tooth will prevent adequate bonding. However, there was a study at University of Texas ( Barghi N, Morgan J. Reducing the Adverse Effect of Bleaching on Composite Enamel Bond. Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, 1994, Volume 6, Issue 4; 157-161) that indicated that when in a pinch, you could bond immediately after bleaching (using up to 35% carbamide peroxide) by applying an acetone-based, A & B mixed- type dentin bonding agent system prior to bonding.

If a syringe of OPALESCECE contains more, smaller bubbles than usual, does it mean the product has been activated before its application?
From flavor to flavor and depending on the filling process, Opalescence syringes can be found with no bubbles or with many small bubbles. Many of the pictures in our literature and catalog show the product with many small bubbles. These bubbles do not result from peroxide decomposition in the syringe; they are simply inherent in a thick formulation such as this.

What is the youngest age at which a child can bleach?
There is very little published on the whitening of primary dentition. Although the study only deals with adult dentition, clinical trials on nightguard vital bleaching techniques at the University of North Carolina have found no predictors of sensitivity relative to patient age, pulpal size, presence of exposed dentin or cementum and caries.

Clinical experience has shown that even young people\\\'s teeth will bleach with no surprising side effects.

We do recommend that in order to ensure an even level of whitening, all of the permanent dentition should have fully erupted. If the child bleaches before this has occurred, the teeth that erupt proceeding bleaching will be a darker shade than those that have previously been bleached. Another important consideration is whether the child would be capable of following the doctor\\\'s recommendations and instructions.

If a tooth has been restored with composite, does the restoration need to be removed before the whitening process? It seems that bleaching the unrestored surface would cause sensitivity.
As per the Opalescence instructions, it is important to have all exposed dentin properly sealed due to possible sensitivity occurring during the whitening process. Hence, it would be recommended to leave the existing composite restoration intact during the whitening procedure.

Another consideration for leaving the restoration intact is due to the fact that there is no way of predicting what shade a person\\\'s teeth will be after whitening. For this reason, it is better to replace restorations after the whitening procedure to ensure that the proper shade of composite is used. However, it is important to wait two weeks after whitening before a restoration is replaced in order to give time for the shade of the whitened teeth to stabilize. This will also allow the peroxide to diffuse out of the teeth, which will give better bonds.

Why is OPALESCENCE listed as offering unbeatable daytime bleaching, 30 minutes twice daily, and then also listed with a graph that says the gel is active 8-10 hours?
Opalescence is active 8-10 hours, so whitening overnight will give the patient the most active whitening time. Since some patients prefer to whiten during the daytime, however, it is important to note that Opalescence can also be used in daytime whitening regimens. Research demonstrates equivalent performance between Opalescence 20% carbamide peroxide and a 7.5% hydrogen peroxide product when both are used in a daytime treatment of 30 minutes, twice daily.

Can lactating women use OPALESCENCE?
Yes, but pregnant women should not use it.

How long do the effects of tooth whitening last?
Every patient is different, so the length of time the whitening lasts may be as short as a few weeks to as long as 3 years or sometimes even longer. The longevity of whitening effects will be dependent on patient habits (tobacco, wine, cola use, etc.) Some patients like to touch up yearly, but this will again depend on patient habits.

How does oxidating stains lighten them?
Whitening is a modification of the anatomy relative to the oxidation process, which eliminates the dark, disfiguring intra-dental organic dyes and stains by breaking down the conjugated double bonds of the color (selective light) absorbing offending molecules. Conjugated double bonds occur in many different molecular configured color-absorbing molecules. They are part of said molecule, which is ... C-C=C-C=C-C= ... etc. Bleaching oxidizes the internal tooth-disfiguring color molecules, changing them to alcohols, ketones and terminal carboxylic acids, etc., which eliminates the light-absorbing properties of the conjugated bonds. These are not cells or the constituents of cells; they are unwanted dye molecules within the noncellular matrix, namely dentin and enamel.

What is the potassium nitrate content of OPALESCENCE PF?
The level of potassium nitrate in Opalescence PF is 0.5%.

What is the pH of OPALESCENCE ENDO?
The pH of Opalescence Endo is 5.0.

Is there any research with respect to the possibility of root resorption when using OPALESCENCE ENDO?
In a 1994 study by Maj. Anthony M. Macisaac DDS, and Col. Michael M. Hoen DDS, Dip. Endo., they were able to show internal bleaching was safe. This conclusion was based on the fact that earlier cases showing resorption had not placed a base prior to bleaching, a thermo catalytic technique was used in the majority of the cases, and many of the patients had a history of trauma prior to bleaching. Intracoronal bleaching is safe provided the doctor places a glass ionomer plug in the canal prior to placing the bleach. The avoidance of heat and knowing the history of the tooth will also ensure success and reduce the potential for resorption .

What is the pH of OPALESCENCE QUICK?
The pH of Opalescence Quick is 6.0.

What is poloxamer, which is listed on the ingredient label of OPALESCENCE TOOTHPASTE?
It is a thickener and a surfactant.

Are there any tartar control additive(s) in OPALESCENCE TOOTHPASTE?
No. These can cause some tooth sensitivity.

What is it about OPALESCENCE TOOTHPASTE that makes it a whitening toothpaste?
\\\"Whitening\\\" is a term that has been used since the 1800s. This continues to be the word used to this day for most toothpastes . \\\"Whitening,\\\" as used instead of \\\"bleaching,\\\" became a popular term in the early days of tray bleaching because of the concern of patients putting household bleach in thinner bleaching trays.

Our \\\"whitening\\\" toothpaste is such, just as others are, because of the abrasive cleaner and detergent cleaners which address surface stains.

What is the pH of OPALESCENCE XTRA?
The pH of Opalescence Xtra is 4.5.

What is the recommendation for disposal of OPALESCENCE XTRA BOOST?
Dilute the material with water and dispose of it in the sink.

How long is Opalescence Xtra good for after mixing?
It is good for 10 days and must be refrigerated.

What is the pH of OPALESCENCE XTRA BOOST?
After mixing, the pH of Opalescence Xtra Boost is 7.0.

Why does OPALESCENCE XTRA BOOST separate in the syringe after being mixed? The last layer of material is clear.
The material was either inadequately mixed, or most likely, the product has gone beyond its 10 day refrigerated shelf life.

Can OPALESCENCE XTRA BOOST be used for a walking bleach technique?
Actually, the Opalescence Xtra Boost could be a little too aggressive to be trapped/placed inside a tooth under a temporary filling. Why? It is chemically activated and a higher concentration of peroxide than Opalescence Endo. Though it might be OK, there is evidence in the literature that very high levels of peroxide and/or those with a lot of heat, have a higher incidence of causing external resorption . The chemical activation might cause a similar effect we don\\\'t know. What we do know is that there is good support in the literature for the current level of peroxide found in Opalescence Endo as a walking bleach. This being said, regardless of the peroxide level used, it is always recommended to place a good quality seal starting at about 3-4 mm below the CEJ and about 2-3 mm thick. The best materials for this are either glass ionomer or zinc phosphate mixed to a firm putty and packed to place.

Can children be treated with OPALUSTRE?
Yes.

Do patients experience sensitivity when treated with OPALUSTRE?
Generally, no. However, if the acid touches the gingiva , sensitivity will result.

How does OPALUSTRE remove stains?
Opalustre is an enamel microabrasion slurry. It provides both chemical and mechanical abrasion to remove stains on teeth. It is a 6.6% hydrochloric acid and silicon carbide microparticles in a water soluble base. (Hydrochloric acid is less acidic than hydrofluoric acid -- more like phosphoric.)

What kinds of stains can OPALUSTRE remove?
Opalustre can remove superficial white, brown or multicolored enamel dismineralization defects of less than .2mm depth, including fluorosis .

Is there any chance of an allergic reaction to the SOF-TRAY sheets?
The Sof -Tray is made of ethyl vinyl acetate. If the patient has corresponding chemical sensitivities or allergies, there could be a reaction.

Do the SOF-TRAY sheets contain latex?
No.

Do either of the TRSWHITE trays contain latex?
No.

Does TRSWHITE contain potassium nitrate or fluoride?
Yes. It contains both potassium nitrate and fluoride.

What is the shelf life of TRSWHITE with and without refrigeration?
We strongly recommend refrigerating TrsWhite . When refrigerated, its shelf life is 12 months. For short periods (e.g. during shipment), the material can be at room temperature. If TrsWhite is not refrigerated (due to lack of refrigerator space, etc.) it has a shelf life of 4 to 6 months.

What is the flavor of the pre-loaded tray delivery version of ULTRAEZ?
Melon.

Is the pre-loaded tray delivery version of ULTRAEZ recommended for overnight use?
No.

What is the pH of ULTRAEZ?
Around neutral.

How does potassium nitrate reduce sensitivity?
The desensitizing effect of potassium nitrate is believed to result of the sensory nerves being prevented from repolarizing after initial depolarization. Increased levels of potassium nitrate may maintain the depolarized state of the sensory nerves decreasing the perception of pain. Also, it appears to help occlude dentinal tubules.

More information can be found in the following article:
Kim S. Hypersensitive teeth: desensitization of pulpal sensory nerves. J Endod . 1986 Oct ;12 (10):482-5.

Is ULTRAEZ a sustained release product?
Yes, up to 90 minutes.

What are some uses for ULTRAEZ?
These are the current uses for the product: 1) pre/post bleaching sensitivity, 2) sensitivity as a result of toothbrush abrasion, 3) periodontal treatments, 4) general hot/cold sensitivity .

Updated 06/26/2006


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