Opalescence Whitening | Top Dentist in Chicago, IL

Whiten Your Smile with the Reliable Opalescence System!

The brilliance of your smile is more than just aesthetics; it reflects your overall well-being. As time goes by, the protective enamel on your teeth can wear down, revealing the underlying natural color, which often falls short of the dazzling white we desire. But even beyond the natural effects of aging, everyday choices and habits can stain and dim your smile’s vibrancy.

At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Peter Contos, our esteemed cosmetic dentist in Chicago, IL, offers a solution. We utilize the advanced Opalescence™ Tooth Whitening System to provide you with a range of personalized teeth whitening kit and treatments. Call (773) 973-0531 to learn more.

What is Opalescence Teeth Whitening?

Opalescence can brighten your smile through a professional teeth whitening and bleaching process. It utilizes various concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide gels to remove stains and discoloration effectively. Offered by dental professionals, Opalescence provides a safe and controlled whitening experience compared to over-the-counter options.

Benefits of Opalescence Whitening Treatment

Some benefits of choosing Opalescence treatment rather than over-the-counter whitening products include:

Professional Supervision: A dentist oversees the entire process, ensuring proper use and minimizing risks.
Customized Options: Tailored approaches are available, including take-home trays, pre-filled applicators for on-the-go use, and even in-office treatments for quicker results.
Stronger Formulas: Higher concentrations of whitening agents compared to drugstore products, leading to faster and more noticeable improvements.
Comfort Measures: Opalescence gels often contain potassium nitrate and fluoride (PF) to help reduce sensitivity, strengthen enamel, and promote oral health.

Candidacy for the Opalescence System

Only some may be perfect candidates for Opalescence whitening products. Consulting Dr. Contos is crucial to determine your suitability. Here are some factors that might influence your candidacy:

Existing Dental Conditions: If you have cavities, gum disease, or exposed tooth roots, whitening may not be recommended until these issues are addressed.
Dental Restorations: Crowns, veneers, and fillings won’t whiten with the treatment. Discuss options with your dentist if you have such restorations and desire a uniform smile.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: While research suggests no direct harm, consulting a doctor before proceeding with whitening is advisable.
Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity during the whitening process.

Types of Opalescence Whitening Treatment

Take-Home Whitening

This option prioritizes comfort and control. Your dentist creates custom-fitted trays for even gel application and minimal gum irritation. You wear these trays filled with carbamide peroxide gel (in varying concentrations) for a prescribed duration each day or night. This gradual approach leads to noticeable results in about a week, continually improving over time. Take-home, whitening trays allows flexibility, letting you adjust wear time based on your dentist’s instructions and personal sensitivity.

On-the-Go Whitening

Opalescence Go offers pre-filled disposable trays with hydrogen peroxide gel, eliminating the need for mixing or measuring. Wear these trays for 15 to 60 minutes daily for just a few days to see a brighter smile. Its compact design and pre-filled format make it ideal for busy individuals or those who travel frequently.

In-Office Whitening (Opalescence Boost)

This treatment delivers the quickest results, achieving a dramatically whiter smile in under an hour. A dentist oversees the entire process, applying a specially formulated whitening gel for safe and controlled whitening. Unlike some procedures that use uncomfortable lights or lasers, Opalescence Boost employs an advanced formula that eliminates their need.

Aftercare for Opalescence Whitening

Maintaining your bright smile after Opalescence treatment requires proper aftercare:

Minimize Staining Foods and Drinks: Avoid or limit coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables for a while.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly help prevent new stains from forming.
Touch-up Treatments: Maintaining your white smile may require occasional touch-up treatments as directed by your dentist.
Sensitivity Relief: If you experience temporary tooth sensitivity, using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help.

Financing Opalescence Whitening Treatments

Contos Smile Center understands that everyone deserves the best teeth and a radiant smile, and we’re committed to making your teeth whitening treatment affordable. Here are various options to finance your whiter smile:

Insurance: We are in-network providers with several insurance companies, including UHC, Delta Premier, Guardian, Humana, Aflac, Aetna, and Principal. Even if we are out-of-network with your carrier, your out-of-network benefits might still cover a portion of the cost.
Patient Payment Plans: We offer personalized payment plans tailored to your individual needs and budget.
Credit Card Convenience: We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for your convenience.

Contos Smile Center is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care while keeping affordability in mind. We strive to maximize your insurance benefits and offer flexible payment options to fit your budget. Our knowledgeable financial coordinator is always available at (773) 973-0531 to answer your questions and guide you through the financial process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Opalescence teeth whitening trays safe?

Opalescence teeth whitening offers a safe and controlled teeth whitening experience under the supervision of a dentist, which provides more benefits than only whitening toothpaste or other drugstore whitening products. This professional oversight minimizes risks and ensures proper application.

Does Opalescence whitening hurt?

No, this treatment doesn’t hurt. However, some potential side effects exist, including temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Using desensitizing toothpaste and following dentist instructions regarding application and tray use can help alleviate these discomforts. Consulting your dentist is crucial before starting the treatment to ensure suitability and address any concerns.

How many Opalescence treatments do I need to see results?

The number of treatments required for your desired level of whitening depends on several factors. These include the extent of initial staining, the degree of whitening you desire, and the chosen treatment option (in-office treatments typically yield faster results than take-home options). A dentist can assess your situation and create a personalized treatment plan outlining the best way to whiten and the expected number of sessions.

How long do the results of Opalescence last?

Opalescence whitening results can last several months to a few years with proper care. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices and avoiding staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables can significantly extend the longevity of your whiter teeth and smile. Smoking also negatively impacts whitening results, so quitting smoking is highly recommended.

Refresh Your Smile with Professional Whitening Solutions

Unleash the brilliance of your smile! While a white smile is often desired, the natural effects of aging and everyday choices can diminish its vibrancy.

At Contos Smile Center in Chicago, IL, Dr. Peter Contos offers personalized, professional teeth whitening solutions using an opalescence teeth whitening kit. Rediscover your confidence with a brighter, healthier smile. Call (773) 973-0531 to schedule a consultation today! We welcome patients from Cicero, East Pilsen, and West Town, IL.