Professional Teeth Whitening Des Plaines, IL
One of today's most popular dental procedures is teeth whitening. From couples planning a wedding to job-seekers hoping to impress, people of all ages and lifestyles seek brighter smiles. Professional teeth whitening is a treatment, or series of treatments, that dentists perform in-office to eliminate stains and brighten yellowed or discolored teeth.
Professional teeth whitening is available at Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines and the surrounding area. Teeth whitening can boost self-confidence and play a role in successful business and social interactions. Apple Family Dental can help patients learn whether they are a good candidate for this procedure and what results they can expect. Contact our office at (847) 553-4848 to make an appointment.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
As people age, their teeth often become discolored. Staining food and beverages, nicotine and tobacco use, and certain prescription medications can cause teeth to appear yellow and less healthy. These stains can be extrinsic or intrinsic, causing the yellow dentin beneath tooth enamel to show through minuscule cracks on the tooth's surface.
Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can help teeth become three to eight shades whiter than before. Teeth whitening can provide optimal results in a short amount of time when performed by a professional. Having professional care and consultation is the safest and most effective way to achieve a whiter, more beautiful smile.
“Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can help teeth become three to eight shades whiter than before.”
Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening
In hopes of putting their most attractive face forward, people all over seek brightening treatments. Not everyone is a good candidate for professional teeth whitening, however. Those who benefit most are those with minor to moderate staining due to smoking, drinking coffee, or eating foods such as blueberries. The following may not be good candidates or have specific issues that prevent their candidacy:
- Pregnant women: There is no danger to women in general from whitening treatments. However, the effect of some ingredients on babies is unknown. Those who are pregnant should discuss any concerns with their dentists.
- People with sensitive teeth: Pores in the teeth remain open following whitening, causing dehydration and pressure on the nerves. This discomfort lasts until the tooth rehydrates, which can take up to two days. Dentists can use a desensitizing gel following the procedure to rehydrate the teeth quickly, but those with extremely sensitive teeth may still feel some discomfort.
- People with cavities or gum disease: Those with cavities should have them treated before whitening to prevent sensitivity caused by the solution penetrating the decayed area. For patients with gum disease or worn enamel, whitening is not recommended. There is no enamel on tooth roots, and therefore whitening of exposed roots is not possible.
- People with crowns and fillings: Fillings and other restoration pieces, such as crowns, veneers, and bridges, cannot be whitened. Patients who are planning to undergo whitening should have decay treated first. Those with several restorations may want to consider veneers or other alternatives.
“Those who benefit most are those with minor to moderate staining due to smoking, drinking coffee, or eating foods such as blueberries.”
Peroxide in Teeth Whitening
According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, teeth whitening uses hydrogen peroxide to cause a chemical reaction that removes stains. Hydrogen peroxide has been an ingredient in teeth-whitening and oral care products for decades. It is the primary active ingredient in many at-home and professional whitening products.
This chemical compound reacts with and oxidizes the double bonds between the stain and the tooth's surface to lighten discoloration. Over-the-counter whitening products use 3 to 20% peroxide-based bleaching agents. Professional teeth whitening is more effective because the bleaching solution is much stronger, containing 15% to 43% peroxide.
“Professional teeth whitening is more effective because the bleaching solution is much stronger, containing 15% to 43% peroxide.”
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Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening can brighten teeth by up to 10 shades. This treatment involves spreading a bleaching agent on teeth and using a special laser that generates heat to enhance its effectiveness. This speeds up the bleaching process for quick and dramatic results.
Although laser whitening is not long, it is precise. This treatment should only be performed by a licensed professional. Not all patients qualify for this procedure, so it is essential to speak with our team to determine whether this service is right for them.
“Not all patients qualify for this procedure, so it is essential to speak with our team to determine whether this service is right for them.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How effective is professional teeth whitening treatment?
Q. What is peroxide's role in teeth whitening?
Q. What is laser teeth whitening?
Q. Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Q. Why should I get my teeth whitened professionally?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening at a dentist's office?
Q. What are the common cosmetic dental services?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Why Candidates Should Consult a Dentist
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, including toothpaste, strips, and mouthwash, are less expensive options than professional care. However, they are also much less effective. Many consumers are disappointed with these products, which have a much lower peroxide concentration and must be used for several months. In some cases, people have damaged their teeth from overusing these products. Final results are also often not as bright nor as long-lasting as in-office treatments.
“Many consumers are disappointed with these products, which have a much lower concentration of peroxide and must be used for several months.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will my insurance pay for treatment?
A. Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure. Because the process is not vital to a patient's health, many insurance carriers do not cover it. Always consult your provider before making a decision.
Q. How long does teeth whitening last?
A. Depending on the whitening solution, how it is administered, and the patients themselves, results will vary. The effects of OTC whitening products will typically last several weeks to several months, while professional teeth whitening usually lasts several years.
Q. How does teeth whitening work?
A. A dentist provides professional teeth whitening by applying a peroxide solution to teeth. The peroxide penetrates the enamel and begins oxidizing tooth molecules. This process causes teeth to reflect more light and appear colorless or white.
Q. Does teeth whitening hurt?
A. Professional teeth whitening administered by a dentist does not hurt because trays are custom-made to fit a patient's teeth. OTC products use a tray that is the same for each consumer. That means they cannot control the amount of peroxide used or the possibility of the solution leaking onto the gums and causing irritation.
Q. Will whitening remove smoking stains?
A. Most stains caused by smoking can be removed by professional teeth whitening. Every patient is different, however, and some teeth may not respond as expected. In cases such as these, patients may want to consider veneers or other alternatives.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us Today
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Our team at Apple Family Dental can help. Call us today at 847-553-4848 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Apple Family Dental was established in 1994.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cook County and Lake County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Wheeling, Skokie, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, and Prospect Heights
- National Provider Identifier Database (1558090167). View NPI Registry Information
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