Teeth Whitening Chicago
Give Your Smile a New Glow
It is both normal and expected that teeth will become stained over time. But just because a bit of discoloration is very common, that does not mean you have to live with a lackluster smile. If you want to get rid of old stains and give yourself a new glow, our Chicago cosmetic dentistry team may suggest that you undergo a professional teeth whitening treatment. We are pleased to offer both in-office and take-home Zoom! whitening options. Contact us today to request your cosmetic consultation — we look forward to helping your smile shine!
Why Choose United Dental Centers of Chicago for Teeth Whitening?
- High-Quality Zoom! Teeth Whitening System
- Highly Skilled & Safety-Conscious Cosmetic Dentistry Team
- Results in as Little as One Hour
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a great option for the vast majority of people who want to fight dental stains and brighten their smile. This treatment is effective for most extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) and some intrinsic (inside the enamel) stains. Our team will evaluate the discoloration on your teeth to determine if teeth whitening would be suitable for you. It is likely to work if your stains are from common sources, such as consumption of dark foods and beverages, smoking, chewing tobacco, and other stain-causing habits.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The active ingredient in most teeth whitening products is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When applied to the teeth, whitening formulas penetrate the enamel and break up pigment molecules; this results in a much brighter appearance.
In our office, we favor Zoom! professional whitening due to its excellent reputation and reliable results. We offer both in-office and take-home treatments.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you choose to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we will provide you with a custom kit, including trays that are made for your unique teeth. You simply place the whitening gel in the trays, place the trays on your teeth, and let them stay there for a specified period of time each day. For most patients, we recommend a two-week whitening course to achieve optimum results, though you may start to notice a positive difference after just a few days.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you want to glow up as quickly as possible, in-office whitening may be right for you. During this safe and effective treatment, our team starts by applying a protective barrier to your gums. Then, we place the whitening formula on your teeth and activate it with a special light. We may rinse and reapply the whitening gel a few times. Within an hour or so, your teeth may become several shades brighter!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of teeth whitening may last a few years if you maintain them. Here are some helpful tips:
- For the first 48 hours after in-office whitening, eat a “white diet,” which can include anything without a significant amount of pigment. Bananas, plain chicken breast, milk, and white beans are all acceptable choices.
- Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine, including twice-daily brushing and regular flossing. You can use whitening toothpaste to reduce new surface stains.
- Enjoy highly pigmented foods and beverages in moderation. When you consume a stain-causing beverage, such as coffee or red wine, sip it through a straw so it has less contact with your teeth.
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.
