Teeth Whitening in Chicago

There are two different options to undergo professional teeth whitening: in-office treatment and at-home treatment through a dentist. Both options use peroxide-based bleaching agents (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). With in-office treatment, your dentist will apply a product or solution that contains around 15% to 43% peroxide. It works quickly and the effect lasts longer than an at-home treatment. With at-home treatment, your dentist will make you custom-fit tray filled with a bleaching gel that contains around 3% to 20% peroxide. You will have to place this tray over your teeth for 30 minutes to an hour a day for a few weeks. Both in-office and at-home treatments do not involve any anesthesia. 

Some dentists can whiten your teeth in a single two-hour appointment, meaning you can go home right after the procedure. However, some dentists may require several in-office visits until you get your desired result. Also, if you have at-home treatment, you may need two separate appointments with your dentist. In this case, plan to stay in Chicago for around 3 to 7 days. 

Teeth whitening requires almost no downtime. Right after the procedure, your teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold, but you can go back to your normal activities, exercises, and work immediately after the procedure.

To maintain the results of the procedure, you need to make sure you brush your teeth twice a day as well as flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash. You should also avoid food and beverage that can stain your teeth (acidic and tannin-rich food), such as tea, coffee, wine, carbonated beverages, sports drink, sauces, berries. 

Teeth whitening via your dentist are highly effective and safe. However, it may be less effective for people who have brown teeth and it only works best on people with yellow teeth. If you have purple or gray teeth, this procedure probably will not work at all. Also, the procedure carries some side effects and risks, including teeth sensitivity and irritated gums.

If you are not a candidate for teeth whitening, your alternative includes porcelain veneers, dental crown, dental bonding, and tooth-colored fillings. If you do not want to go to the dentist to undergo the procedure, some over-the-counter products can be your option. However, bear in mind that over-the-counter products may not work as effectively as professional teeth whitening.