Do you want a safe and affordable way to brighten your teeth? Tooth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic dentistry solutions. Dr. Nechama Brand has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic dental care to patients. At Premier Dentistry near Millennium Park, Dr. Brand offers professional whitening treatment in Chicago, IL that delivers results you simply cannot get from a drugstore kit.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration is more common than most people realize, and it is rarely caused by a single factor. Some stains affect the outer surface of the tooth, while others develop from within. Understanding the cause of your stains helps Dr. Brand recommend the right treatment for your specific situation.
- Foods and Drinks: Many common foods and drinks can stain your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, soda, berries, and sauces like soy sauce can leave stains on the enamel. These stains build up over time, especially if you don’t brush or rinse after you eat or drink.
- Aging: As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth naturally wears down. When this happens, the yellowish layer underneath, called dentin, becomes more visible. This process can make teeth look dull or yellow, even with good oral hygiene.
- Tobacco: Your teeth can change color if you smoke, vape, or use tobacco products. Nicotine and tar can cause teeth to turn yellow or brown, and the stains can be hard to remove. Tobacco use also increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
- Dental Trauma: An injury to the mouth or teeth can cause a tooth to change color. When a tooth is damaged, the inner tissue may react by darkening over time. This type of discoloration often cannot be fixed with whitening and may require other cosmetic treatment.
- Medications: Some medications can cause teeth to discolor as a side effect. Certain antibiotics, especially when taken during childhood, can affect how teeth develop and lead to staining. Other medications may cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of stains and plaque buildup.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening delivers results that over-the-counter products simply cannot match. The whitening agents Dr. Brand uses are stronger than anything available at a drugstore. She also customizes the treatment to your teeth for more consistent results and a lower risk of sensitivity or gum irritation.
The benefits of tooth whitening in our Chicago office include:
- Brighter teeth after a single in-office session
- A more youthful look
- Greater confidence when smiling
- Better daily oral hygiene habits
Many of Dr. Brand’s downtown patients also combine whitening with her esthetic Botox treatments for a complete smile and facial refresh. It’s a popular combination for patients preparing for a major event, a job change, or simply wanting to look and feel their best.
Professional Whitening Options at Premier Dentistry in Chicago, IL
Our dental office in downtown Chicago offers two types of professional and affordable teeth whitening treatments. We offer in-office treatment and an at-home teeth-whitening kit.
At-home treatment lets you conveniently whiten your teeth, but in-office whitening offers much faster results. Our friendly dental team is happy to answer questions you have about which treatment is best for you.
In-Office Whitening
Our in-office teeth whitening treatment uses a gel that contains hydrogen peroxide. This active ingredient penetrates the tooth enamel where it then lifts the stains. First, Dr. Brand covers your gums to protect them and reduce the chances of gum irritation.
Next, Dr. Brand applies the bleaching gel evenly to your teeth. Then, she uses a special light to activate the whitening gel.
We can repeat this quick and effective treatment several times to lighten your tooth enamel by many shades. In-office teeth whitening is great for patients who want to whiten their teeth before special events. The entire appointment takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and you will see immediate results.
Take-Home Whitening
We also provide take-home kits for patients who want to whiten their teeth at home. This option is more affordable, but it also takes longer to see results. Your teeth will gradually lighten over several weeks if used correctly.
You will need a custom tray to use at home for this treatment. First, Dr. Brand takes dental impressions of your teeth. Next, she sends these impressions to our local dental lab to make your custom dental trays.
After several weeks, once the trays are complete, we send them home with you. You will use them to hold the whitening gel against your teeth. We also provide you with specific instructions on how to properly use the whitening kit.
Patient Review
The Premier Dentistry Experience
Whitening at Premier Dentistry in Chicago is not a clinical, in-and-out experience. Our office near Millennium Park is designed to feel more like a spa than a dental office. Patients enjoy:
- Massage chairs
- Warm blankets
- Aromatherapy
- Noise-canceling headphones
For a cosmetic treatment like whitening, the experience matters as much as the result.
Nervous About Your Appointment?
We understand that dental anxiety is real. Dr. Brand offers sedation options to help you feel calm and relaxed during your whitening appointment. Plus, our massage chairs and warm blankets will help you feel at ease.
Alternatives to Professional Whitening
Whitening works beautifully for most patients, but it is not the right solution for every type of discoloration. Professional whitening treatments are designed to remove surface stains, also called extrinsic stains. If your discoloration comes from inside the tooth, known as intrinsic staining, whitening may not give you the results you want.
We often recommend porcelain veneers or dental bonding to treat deep tooth stains. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of the teeth. Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored material to cover stains and is more conservative. We often recommend veneers if you want to cover one or more teeth that show when you smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry service. Read the answers to these questions about tooth whitening in the Chicago loop.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Dr. Brand takes precautions to protect your gums and minimize any sensitivity throughout the process. She’ll cover your gums and can apply a desensitizing gel to the enamel beforehand.
Because she customizes the treatment based on your teeth and your history, you’ll typically experience fewer side effects and more predictable results than you would ith a DIY kit.
Will my teeth be more sensitive after a whitening treatment?
Every patient will react to the whitening treatment differently. You may or may not feel some minor tooth sensitivity after treatment. We’ll do all we can to minimize the side effects during your procedure. But this side effect should only be temporary and disappear in a few days.
How soon will we see the results?
In-office teeth whitening is immediate. Your teeth will appear up to eight shades lighter after one dental visit. You can see real results after several days or weeks of professional at-home whitening, depending on the extent of your staining.
How long will the teeth whitening results last?
Many Chicago patients see tooth whitening results that last up to 1 year. One of the best ways to keep your teeth white is to brush and floss. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day or more. Remember to visit our dental office twice a year for checkups. We also strongly recommend avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks or using a straw to prevent stains.
Are over-the-counter teeth whitening options better?
Many store-bought teeth-whitening products are available, but they take much longer to show results. Some of the store-bought products won’t be effective at all and may even cause damage. Professional tooth whitening is much safer and more effective since a dentist oversees the procedure.
Can I whiten my dental restorations?
No. Even professional whitening products cannot whiten dental restorations like porcelain veneers, dental bridges, dental crowns, or bonding. Whitening agents work only on natural tooth enamel. However, Dr. Brand may recommend replacing old restorations or whitening teeth to match new restorations.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost of teeth whitening in Chicago depends on the type of treatment you choose. In-office whitening typically costs more than take-home kits because it delivers faster and more dramatic results. We also make teeth whitening affordable and accept CareCredit, which lets you spread payments over time. Call our office for a personalized estimate based on your smile goals.
Get a Whiter Smile in Downtown Chicago
Are you tired of dull or yellow teeth? Call Premier Dentistry for teeth whitening in Chicago, IL, at 312-586-8596. You can also request a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Brand online. We serve patients throughout the Loop, River North, Streeterville, and the South Loop.