Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching, so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons For Tooth Whitening
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of the outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown-stained teeth
What Does Tooth Whitening Involve?
This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with a special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
Opalescence™ Boost™ Whitening
At South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL, professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular and immediately rewarding cosmetic services we offer. Our practice uses Opalescence Boost professional in-office whitening for patients who want fast, dramatic results in a single appointment, as well as custom take-home whitening trays for patients who prefer to whiten gradually on their own schedule at home. Both options deliver results that significantly exceed what over-the-counter whitening strips and toothpastes can achieve, and our doctor will help you determine which approach best fits your goals and timeline.
Opalescence Boost is a chemically activated professional whitening system that does not require a special light or laser to produce results. The professional-strength gel is applied directly to the tooth surfaces in-office, producing noticeably brighter results in a single visit that make it one of the most efficient cosmetic treatments available. For patients who want to combine the immediate impact of in-office whitening with the convenience of maintaining results at home, a combined approach using both in-office treatment and custom take-home trays is also an option our team is happy to discuss.
Maintaining Your Whitening Results
Professional whitening results last significantly longer when supported by consistent daily care and a few practical habits. To get the most out of your whitening investment:
- Limit consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and other heavily pigmented foods and beverages that accelerate surface staining over time
- Rinse with water after consuming staining foods or drinks when brushing is not immediately possible
- Brush twice daily with a whitening-compatible fluoride toothpaste to prevent surface staining from accumulating between professional cleanings
- Attend regular professional cleanings at South Suburban Family Dental to remove buildup that dulls the natural brightness of enamel
- Use your custom take-home trays periodically for touch-up treatments to refresh your results between professional whitening appointments
If you are interested in learning more about professional tooth whitening options at South Suburban Family Dental, our friendly team in Blue Island, IL is always happy to discuss what approach would work best for your smile and your schedule.