Achieve a Beautiful Smile with Our Oswego Dentist!
Are you looking for a way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence? Professional teeth whitening may be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Downtown Dental & Implants, our Oswego dentist offers advanced teeth whitening treatments that effectively eliminate stains, giving you a whiter, more radiant smile. Our state-of-the-art techniques ensure safe, long-lasting results, helping you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
If you’re ready to brighten your smile, contact the best cosmetic dentist in Oswego, IL by calling (630) 554-1855.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that brightens the color of your teeth. It uses a powerful bleaching agent that removes stains and discoloration from teeth. Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional teeth whitening procedures are performed under the supervision of a dentist and are more effective.
There are two main types of professional teeth whitening procedures that dentists typically offer:
- In-office teeth whitening is a more concentrated and powerful treatment that takes place in a dental office.
- At-home teeth whitening involves using a custom-made whitening tray that you wear at home for a certain period.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
While many drugstore whitening products claim to deliver impressive results, professional teeth whitening offers several benefits and advantages that make it a superior choice:
- Stronger Whitening Agents: The bleaching gels used in professional treatments are more concentrated than those found in over-the-counter products, allowing for faster and more noticeable whitening.
- Customized Treatment: Our Oswego dental team will assess the current shade of your teeth and discuss your desired outcome to create a tailored treatment plan.
- Even Results: Drugstore whitening kits often lead to uneven whitening due to poor fit and inconsistent application. Professional whitening ensures a uniform, streak-free result.
- Longer-Lasting Effects: With proper care, the results of professional whitening can last for years, far longer than results from store-bought options.
- Safe and Controlled: In-office whitening procedures are performed under the supervision of our experienced dental team, minimizing the risk of tooth sensitivity or damage to your enamel.
The Teeth Whitening Treatment Process
When you visit our Oswego dental office for teeth whitening treatments, you can expect the following to happen during the whitening process:
- Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with our dentist to go over your oral health and see if tooth whitening is best for you based on your oral health and the types of teeth stains you have.
- Teeth Cleaning: Our dental professionals will clean your teeth.
- Protection: We’ll place a barrier (often a rubber dam or protective gel) around the gums to shield them.
- Whitening Agent Application: A high-concentration peroxide gel is then applied to the teeth. This whitening gel is much stronger than the ones available in over-the-counter whitening products, such as teeth whitening strips.
- Activation: Some whitening systems use a special light or laser to activate the peroxide gel and enhance its bleaching effect.
- Rinse: After the desired shade is achieved, or once the maximum time has been reached, our dentist will rinse off the gel.
Who Isn’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
When it comes to determining if teeth whitening is best for you, visit our Oswego dentist and she’ll evaluate your oral health and determine the cause of your tooth discoloration. Some people may not be suitable for professional teeth whitening, such as those who have:
- Tooth sensitivity or sensitive gums
- Tooth decay or gum disease
- Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or veneers
- Allergies to the bleaching agent used in the procedure
If you have any of these conditions, our dentist may recommend other whitening options or treatments to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening
With various professional teeth whitening methods available today, patients often have the pleasure of choosing a teeth whitening solution that will work best for their goals. Keep in mind that we don’t offer every type of teeth whitening listed. To learn about our teeth whitening treatments at our Oswego dental office, contact our dentist at (630) 554-1855.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is a quick and efficient method of brightening your smile. This procedure involves applying a high-concentration bleaching gel to your teeth, which is then activated by a special light or laser. In just one visit, you can achieve dramatic results, with your teeth becoming several shades lighter.
Popular in-office whitening treatments include:
- Zoom Whitening (by Philips): Uses a special light to activate a hydrogen peroxide gel, whitening teeth in about 45 minutes.
- Opalescence Boost: Uses a chemically activated formula, meaning it doesn’t need light for activation.
- LaserSmile (by Biolase): Uses a laser to activate the whitening gel.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
For patients who prefer the convenience of whitening their teeth at home, we offer customized take-home whitening kits. These kits include professional-grade whitening gel and custom-fitted trays that ensure even coverage of the bleaching agent.
Popular take-home kits include:
- Opalescence PF Take-Home Whitening Kit: Features customized teeth whitening trays and a range of concentration options.
- DayWhite and NiteWhite (by Philips) Whitening Kit: Take-home systems that provide options for both daytime and overnight wear.
Deep Bleaching
- KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System: Known for its ability to whiten even tetracycline-stained teeth.
Internal Tooth Bleaching
For teeth that have had a root canal and are discolored from the inside, a dentist can perform internal bleaching. The dentist places whitening agents inside the tooth and seals it. After a few days, the tooth is checked and the process might be repeated or finalized with a permanent restoration.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The longevity of your tooth whitening procedures depends on various factors, such as your diet and oral hygiene habits. On average, the results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. To extend the life of your whitening, consider the following tips:
- Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages: Limit consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries, which can stain your teeth.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco products can quickly undo the effects of whitening treatments.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup that can dull your smile.
- Schedule Regular Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings remove surface stains and help keep your teeth looking bright.
Teeth Whitening Costs
On average, patients can expect to spend around $500 to $1,000 on professional teeth whitening services. Various factors will affect the cost of your teeth whitening treatment, including:
- Geographic location
- Type of treatment
- Dentist’s experience
- The duration and number of sessions needed
- Additional procedures
In most cases, dental insurance won’t cover the costs of teeth whitening treatments as it’s considered an elective procedure. We always recommend reaching out to your insurance provider to learn more about your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed by a qualified dentist. However, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid overusing whitening products, which can damage tooth enamel.
The duration of professional teeth whitening results depends on several factors, such as your lifestyle habits, the cause of the discoloration, and the type of whitening procedure. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, professional teeth whitening can last up to two years.
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity during or after their professional teeth whitening treatment. However, this is a temporary side effect that usually subsides within a few days. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing products to help alleviate discomfort caused by sensitive teeth.
Let Your Teeth Can Shine Bright Like a Diamond!
Are you ready for a brighter smile? Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Oswego to discuss your professional teeth whitening options. Contact our dentist today for your professional whitening treatment consultation by calling (630) 554-1855.