Teeth Whitening in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, & Chicago
There is something exceedingly appealing about a beautiful smile. Styles change as the years go by, but a sparkling, white smile is always in vogue. Unfortunately, no matter how attentive we are to our dental hygiene, as we get older, our teeth begin to lose a bit of their original luster. Those of us who enjoy coffee, tea, or the occasional glass of red wine will find it even more difficult to keep our “pearly whites” truly white.
Fortunately, a visit to Dental Professionals of Lincoln Park can help restore your gleaming smile, with often dramatic results. Professional tooth whitening is not only one of the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures available, but it is safe and effective when performed in a professional dental setting.
In addition to being cost effective, professional whitening works faster, and protects sensitive tooth-root surfaces and gums better, than any of the over-the-counter products available. Furthermore, you will have the benefit of an oral exam prior to beginning the whitening process. This will ensure that any discoloration is merely staining and not caused by a more serious underlying dental problem that requires treatment.
Lastly, avoid whitening treatments applied by untrained personnel in malls and at pop-up kiosks. These solutions can leave your teeth and gums damaged if applied incorrectly or left on for too long.
Professional Whitening Options
Professional whitening makes use of high-concentration bleaching gels that are not available over the counter.
In-Office Whitening — This procedure offers the fastest and most reliable results, utilizing the most powerful whitening solutions available in the industry. To ensure your oral health, your gums and tooth-root surfaces will first be covered with a protective barrier. Next, a retractor (a thin plastic device), will hold your lips and cheeks away from your teeth as a professional-strength, hydrogen peroxide gel solution is applied. This will be left on for about an hour, and when it is removed, the results are visible immediately.- Take-Home Whitening —This method can be very effective, but will take longer to achieve the desired whitening effect. Additionally, you will need to play a significant role in ensuring the best possible results over a period of several weeks. A mold of your teeth will be made, and two flexible plastic trays, one for the top and one for the bottom, will be custom-made for you. At home, you will fill each tray with a peroxide gel, and then position the trays on your teeth. These will remain on for about an hour at a time.
Maintaining Your Bright, White, Smile
Your newly whitened smile will last, on average, between six months and two years or more. Although results vary from person to person, there are several things you can do to help keep your teeth their whitest. Always follow a conscientious oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing and flossing, maintain a regular professional cleaning schedule with your dental office, and avoid foods and beverages that tend to stain teeth, including coffee, red wine, and tea.
Avoiding smoking is not only important to your overall health, but smoking quickly discolors your teeth. A professional whitening may provide the perfect kick-start to help you quit!
If you are thinking about having your teeth whitened, or simply have questions about the procedure, give us a call at Dental Professionals of Lincoln Park today. Better yet, make an appointment for professional whitening and start smiling with confidence!