Opalescence Go 15% should be worn for 15 to 20 minutes per day, once a day, for 5 to 10 days. That’s the full treatment course recommended by Ultradent, the manufacturer. Most people see noticeable results within the first few days, and the total number of days you use depends on how white you want your teeth and how they respond to the gel.
Daily Wear Time and Treatment Length
Each session with the 15% hydrogen peroxide trays lasts just 15 to 20 minutes. You don’t need to wear them longer than that, and doing so won’t necessarily improve results. It can, however, increase sensitivity. One session per day is standard.
The full course runs 5 to 10 days. Some people are happy with their shade after 5 days and stop there. Others continue to the full 10. You can judge by looking at your progress in the mirror each day. If your teeth look the way you want them before day 10, there’s no need to keep going.
How to Apply the Trays
Opalescence Go trays come prefilled with gel and use a two-layer design: a colored outer tray and a white inner tray that stays on your teeth. To apply, position the upper tray on your teeth, bite down firmly, then suck on the tray for about 2 seconds. This molds the inner tray snugly against your teeth. Then peel away the colored outer tray, leaving just the thin white layer in place. Repeat the same process for the lower tray.
When your 15 to 20 minutes are up, remove the inner trays and brush your teeth to clear off any remaining gel. Each set of trays is single-use, so you’ll toss them after one session.
Dealing With Sensitivity
Some tooth sensitivity during whitening is normal, especially around days 3 through 5. If it becomes uncomfortable, you have a few options. The simplest is to skip a day between sessions. Taking a break doesn’t reset your progress. Your teeth retain the whitening effect, and you pick up where you left off.
Switching to a sensitivity-relief toothpaste a couple of weeks before starting treatment can reduce the chance of discomfort. Ultradent also makes a desensitizing gel (UltraEZ) that comes in the same prefilled tray design as Opalescence Go, so it’s easy to use between whitening sessions. If sensitivity continues after your treatment course is done, it typically fades within a day or two.
Eating and Drinking After a Session
Once you’ve brushed the gel off your teeth, you can eat and drink right away. There’s no mandatory waiting period. That said, your teeth are more susceptible to picking up stains during a whitening course, so cutting back on coffee, red wine, tea, and dark berries while you’re in the 5 to 10 day treatment window will help you get the most out of each session.
Storage Between Uses
Opalescence Go 15% trays should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) when you’re not using them. This keeps the hydrogen peroxide gel stable and effective throughout your treatment course. Don’t leave them sitting out on a bathroom counter for days at a time, especially in warm weather.
What Whitening Won’t Change
Opalescence Go only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, fillings, bridges, and implants will not change color. If you have dental work on your front teeth, whitening your natural teeth around them could create a noticeable mismatch. It’s worth being aware of this before you start, since the restoration won’t lighten to match your newly whitened teeth.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those undergoing fertility treatment, are advised to skip teeth whitening entirely. No safety studies have been done for these groups, and the American Dental Association recommends deferring whitening until after pregnancy.