Skip to main content

Opalustre Enamel Microabrasion in Charleston, SC

A Gentle Solution for White Spots and Stains

Some stains and spots on teeth don’t respond to whitening. At Charleston Dental Studio, we offer Opalustre enamel microabrasion, a proven way to gently remove superficial white and brown spots caused by fluorosis, enamel defects, or early enamel irregularities.

Opalustre works by polishing away a very thin layer of enamel using a specialized slurry that combines mild hydrochloric acid with silicon carbide particles. This process smooths the enamel and removes surface-level discoloration, creating a more uniform and natural smile.

What Is Opalustre?

Opalustre is a professional microabrasion treatment used worldwide to treat superficial enamel stains. Unlike whitening, which lightens tooth color, microabrasion actually removes a thin layer of stained enamel. The result is teeth that look smoother, healthier, and more even in color.

Benefits of Opalustre at Charleston Dental Studio

  • Conservative – removes only a minimal amount of enamel

  • Effective – treats stains whitening cannot fix

  • Comfortable – no shots or drilling required

  • Fast – most treatments are completed in a single visit

  • Long-Lasting – once the stained enamel is removed, results are permanent

When Is Opalustre Recommended?

  • White spots after braces that do not improve with whitening

  • Fluorosis stains (white, brown, or mottled areas caused by excess fluoride during tooth development)

  • Enamel hypoplasia or developmental enamel irregularities

  • Surface discolorations resistant to bleaching

In some cases, we may recommend combining Opalustre with Icon Resin Infiltration or professional whitening for the best cosmetic outcome.

FAQs About Opalustre

What does Opalustre treat?
It removes superficial white or brown spots, fluorosis stains, and enamel defects that are limited to the outer enamel layer.

Is the procedure painful?
No. Opalustre is comfortable and usually requires no anesthesia. Patients often compare it to a polishing treatment.

How much enamel is removed?
Only a very thin layer—usually less than 0.2 mm. This small amount is safe and does not harm tooth strength.

How long does the procedure take?
Treatment time depends on how many teeth are treated. On average, it takes about 30 minutes per tooth.

How much does Opalustre cost?
At Charleston Dental Studio, treatment is typically $300 per tooth, the same as Icon Resin Infiltration. Exact pricing is provided during your consultation.

Is Opalustre permanent?
Yes. Since the stained enamel is removed, the results are permanent. However, if new white spots develop in the future, those may need treatment.

Can kids or teens get Opalustre?
Yes. Opalustre is safe for young patients with fluorosis or orthodontic-related spots. It’s often performed in teens and young adults.

How is Opalustre different from whitening?

  • Whitening lightens the overall tooth color but does not remove stains within enamel defects.

  • Opalustre removes the defective enamel surface, which whitening cannot fix.
    Many patients benefit from doing both treatments for a brighter, more even smile.

Can Opalustre be combined with Icon Resin Infiltration?
Yes. Often we use Opalustre first to smooth the enamel, then Icon to infiltrate and blend remaining spots. This combination is highly effective for stubborn white spot lesions.

Do I need multiple visits?
Most cases can be treated in one visit. For more severe stains, a second session may be recommended.

Can Opalustre damage my teeth?
No. When performed correctly, it only removes a very thin surface layer. It is considered a safe and conservative cosmetic procedure.

Will insurance cover Opalustre?
Insurance generally does not cover Opalustre since it’s considered cosmetic. At Charleston Dental Studio, we’ll review costs up front and discuss payment options.

Why Choose Charleston Dental Studio for Opalustre?

Dr. Julie Driscoll and our team specialize in conservative, esthetic dentistry. We use Opalustre when whitening is not enough and veneers or bonding would be too aggressive. Our goal is to keep your natural teeth as intact as possible while giving you a smile that looks healthy and confident.