A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and make a great first impression. At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken offers top-notch teeth whitening services to help you achieve the perfect smile. Professional whitening treatments are one of the most popular cosmetic dental services we offer to new and existing patients. Serving Chicago and Skokie, IL, our practice is committed to providing you with the best dental care. With our teeth whitening services, we can brighten your smile and give you the spark of confidence you deserve.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Discolored teeth can be frustrating and often lead to self-consciousness. Understanding the causes of tooth stains can help you take preventive measures.
- Dietary Habits: Certain foods and beverages can stain your teeth over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries are common culprits. Regularly consuming these items can lead to a dull, yellowish tint on your teeth.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Your teeth can stain if you don’t brush or floss thoroughly. Failing to brush and floss regularly allows plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. Harmful bacteria can create yellow teeth.
- Aging Process: As you age, the enamel on your teeth wears down. This can expose the yellowish dentin beneath, making your teeth appear less white. Aging is a natural process, but it can be managed with proper dental care.
- Tobacco Use: Using tobacco products is one of the worst offenders for tooth staining. Both smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco can cause severe yellow or brown stains that can be hard to remove. The tar and nicotine in tobacco create stubborn stains that penetrate deep into tooth enamel.
- Medications: Some medications can affect tooth color. Antibiotics like tetracycline can cause gray or brown stains if taken during childhood when teeth are developing. Other medications like antihistamines and drugs for high blood pressure may also lead to discoloration.
Teeth Whitening Options in Chicago, IL
North Dental Professionals offers a variety of teeth whitening options to suit your needs. After a consultation, we can help you find the right method for your smile. Each method has its benefits and can be tailored to your specific situation.
Professional In-Office Whitening
Professional in-office whitening is one of the most effective ways to whiten your teeth. This procedure is quick and provides immediate results. Dr. Paul Chaiken uses advanced whitening technology to ensure that your teeth are brightened safely and effectively.
During the procedure, we apply a special whitening gel to your teeth. Then we use a light or laser to enhance the whitening effects. The entire process usually takes about an hour, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
In-office whitening offers dramatic results in a single visit. Your teeth will be several shades lighter, giving you a noticeably brighter smile. This method is also long-lasting, especially when combined with good oral hygiene practices.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
We offer customized take-home whitening kits for those who prefer to whiten their teeth at home. These kits are designed to be easy to use and produce excellent results.
Take-home kits include custom-fitted trays and a professional-grade whitening gel. You’ll wear the trays for a specified amount of time each day, usually for a couple of weeks. The gel works to break down stains and brighten your teeth gradually.
Follow the instructions provided by Dr. Paul Chaiken to achieve the best results. Avoid eating or drinking an thing that could stain your teeth during the whitening process.
What to Consider Before Teeth Whitening Treatment
Teeth whitening can give you a brighter smile, but there are some important things to think about first. While whitening treatments are generally safe, it’s good to understand how they work and what to expect.
Check Your Dental Health First
Before whitening, you’ll need a dental checkup. Dr. Chaiken will examine your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy enough for whitening. If you have cavities or gum problems, those need to be treated first. Whitening won’t work on fillings, crowns, or dentures.
You Might Have Some Tooth Sensitivity
Many people feel temporary sensitivity to hot or cold after whitening. This usually goes away in a few days. If you already have sensitive teeth, Dr. Chaiken can suggest special toothpaste or a gentler whitening option to help.
Results Vary From Person to Person
Whitening works differently for everyone. How white your teeth get depends on:
- Your natural tooth color
- What caused the stains
- The type of whitening
Most people see noticeable improvement, but your teeth won’t become pure white. Dark stains from medications or injuries might not lighten much. Dr. Chaiken can tell you what results to expect based on your teeth.
How To Maintain Teeth Whitening Results
After you’ve whitened your teeth, you’ll want to protect your bright new smile. Here’s how to make your whitening results last as long as possible:
Daily Care for White Teeth
Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and whitening toothpaste. These special toothpastes contain gentle polishing agents that help remove surface stains before they set in. Don’t forget to floss every day to remove stain-causing plaque between teeth where your brush can’t reach.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth quickly after whitening. Try to limit:
• Coffee, tea, and red wine
• Dark sodas and fruit juices
• Soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curries
• Dark berries like blueberries
When you do consume these, rinse your mouth with water. You can also use a straw for drinks to minimize contact with your teeth.
Professional Dental Care
Visit Dr. Chaiken every six months for:
- Professional cleanings to remove stubborn stains
- Check-ups to monitor your tooth color
- Advice on maintaining your results
These visits help catch new stains early and keep your teeth healthy underneath their white surface.
Whiten Your Teeth Today
At Bright Direction Dental, Dr. Paul Chaiken is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, white smile. Our team will provide exceptional teeth whitening services in Chicago, IL, and Skokie, IL.
Call our Skokie office at 224-267-8083 or request an appointment in Skokie on our website. You can also call our Chicago office at 708-274-4192 or request an appointment in Chicago online.