Professional Teeth Whitening in Chicago, IL
Take Your Smile From Dull to Dazzling
The whiteness of your teeth is directly related to the health and age of their surface enamel. Over time, this protective enamel begins to wear away, exposing the natural color of your tooth below the surface, which is not the dazzling white shade you would prefer.
At Contos Smile Center, our cosmetic dentist in Chicago, IL, Dr. Peter Contos, is proud to offer a variety of teeth whitening treatments through the advanced Opalescence™ Tooth Whitening System. Learn more about our cosmetic whitening treatments or call (773) 973-0531.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes stains and discoloration from your teeth, leaving you with a brighter, more vibrant smile. It’s performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using high-quality whitening agents and techniques to ensure safe and effective results.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
While over-the-counter whitening products may offer temporary results, professional teeth whitening provides a more effective and long-lasting solution. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Contos, uses state-of-the-art techniques to safely and efficiently whiten your teeth, addressing issues like:
- Age-Related Yellowing: As we age, our teeth naturally darken.
- Stains from Food and Drink: Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can stain teeth.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can significantly discolor teeth.
- Certain Medications: Some medications can lead to tooth discoloration.
Candidacy for Professional Teeth Whitening
Here are some key factors that determine candidacy for professional teeth whitening:
Ideal Candidates
- Good Oral Health: Patients with healthy teeth and gums are ideal candidates.
- Yellow Stains: Teeth with yellow stains (caused by aging or certain foods/drinks) respond well to whitening.
- Realistic Expectations: Patients with realistic expectations about the degree of whitening achievable.
Not Ideal Candidates
- Sensitive Teeth: Individuals with sensitive teeth may experience discomfort during or after the procedure.
- Gum Disease: Active gum disease should be treated before whitening.
- Existing Dental Work: Fillings, crowns, and dental veneers will not whiten.
- Medications: Certain medications can affect tooth color and may interact with whitening agents.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It’s generally recommended to avoid whitening during these periods.
Our Professional Teeth Whitening Methods
With Opalescence applications, you can have your teeth whitened up to eight shades brighter with this cosmetic dentistry treatment. Opalescence Teeth Whitening Systems is a suite of products that offer customized treatments to whiten teeth safely and conveniently. We offer both in-office and at-home treatments for your convenience.
In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure
Opalescence Boost is a chemically activated treatment that accelerates your smile through shades of white in less than one hour. This safe and effective in-office solution is more advanced than a whitening gel activated by heat, lights, or lasers. It also provides more even teeth whitening results than whitening toothpastes.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
If you prefer to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home, Opalescence offers a convenient at-home treatment option called Opalescence PF. You’ll first visit our Chicago, IL dental professionals so we can take an impression of your teeth.
This impression helps create a plastic retainer that you can use at home. Whitening your teeth is as simple as filling the retainer with Opalescence gel and placing the tray in your mouth for the recommended time.
For patients who prefer even greater convenience, we also offer pre-filled dental trays called Opalescence Go! Depending on the strength of the gel you choose, you’ll only need to wear the plastic retainer for 15 minutes to one hour each day.
Aftercare for Professional Teeth Whitening
Here are some tips for aftercare following professional teeth whitening:
During the First 48 Hours
- Avoid Stains: Be mindful of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark-colored sauces.
- Limit Acidic Foods: Acidic foods and drinks can irritate teeth after whitening. Temporarily avoid citrus fruits, sodas, and acidic juices.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help flush out any remaining whitening agent and keep your mouth hydrated.
- Use Sensitivity Relief Products: If you experience sensitivity, use a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash recommended by your dentist.
Long-Term Care
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and consider using mouthwash.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups to maintain your bright smile and overall oral health.
- Touch-Up Treatments: If you notice your teeth starting to lose their brightness, consider professional touch-up treatments.
Financing Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
At Contos Smile Center, we believe that a beautiful smile shouldn’t break the bank. We offer a variety of flexible financing options to help you achieve your oral health goals.
Outside Financing Options
For larger procedures, we partner with reputable financing companies like CareCredit and Lending Club. These programs provide flexible payment plans with low monthly payments to make your treatment more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
▼Is professional teeth whitening safe?
When performed by a qualified dentist, professional teeth whitening is considered safe. Your dentist will assess your oral health and recommend the best treatment plan.
▼How long does professional teeth whitening last?
The duration of results can vary depending on individual factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits. However, with proper care, your results can last for several years.
▼Will professional teeth whitening damage my teeth?
When performed correctly by a dentist, professional teeth whitening does not damage your teeth. However, excessive or improper use of over-the-counter whitening products can lead to sensitivity and enamel erosion.
Learn How Dr. Contos Can Transform Your Smile
Teeth whitening is most effective when performed by a dental professional such as Dr. Contos. Over-the-counter whitening products may seem convenient, but the safest and most reliable way to transform your smile is by scheduling an appointment with our Chicago dentist.
To schedule an appointment, contact our Chicago office at (773) 973-0531 or fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will be with you shortly. We proudly welcome patients from Oak Park, East Pilsen, and West Town, IL.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and quality to our patient community by cultivating strong relationships, communicating thoughtful treatment solutions, and providing an enjoyable atmosphere, we can empower our patients to take ownership of their oral health.
We are committed to researching and offering state-of-the-art dental solutions in order to deliver the most advanced treatment options to our patients.
