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Get the Bright, Vibrant Smile You Want

Professional whitening delivers incredible results.

What is Professional Whitening or Bleaching?

Whitening or bleaching the teeth to achieve a whiter smile is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure performed today. Over the years, everyone experiences a natural buildup of organic pigment on their teeth. Colorized proteins from coffees, teas, and other foods darken the natural whiteness of teeth. Plus, the use of tobacco, antibiotics, and certain minerals can speed the darkening process.

 

Whitening is gentle and safe when supervised by your dentist. In fact, dentist-supervised whitening has been done for nearly a century but has increased in popularity in recent years as yellowed teeth are have become less acceptable, both socially and professionally.

 

The whitening process will not affect your enamel, tooth structure, bonding, or restorations. Whitening acts only on the molecules that carry the discoloration. Your own long-term results from whitening will depend on your habits and the specific foods you eat. Based on those variables, some patients may require a “touch up” treatment at regular intervals.

In-office tooth whitening procedure in Naperville dental office.
Before and after of tooth whitening at Dr. Haselhorst's Naperville dental office.

What Dentist-Supervised Whitening Options are Available?

There are many different kinds of whitening, with the two most common being bleaching trays and in-office bleaching. The first step, regardless of which method is chosen, is for the dentist to check your teeth and gums to make sure that you are a good candidate for this procedure and can begin treatment in good dental health.

 

With bleaching trays you will see results usually within two to three days of starting the whitening process. The complete process normally takes 2 weeks, but treatment times will vary depending on the sources, type, and depth of discoloration. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth in order to provide you with a custom-fit plastic tray designed to hold the bleaching gel next to your teeth. Some patients might feel an increased sensitivity to cold foods during the whitening process, but this sensitivity ends about two to three days after treatment is completed.

 

With in-office bleaching, you will see results immediately and the process is completed in one appointment. The dentist applies a gel to your teeth that is then light activated. This process is repeated as needed to get the desired shade. No follow-up visits are necessary.

How is Professional Whitening Different from Over-the-Counter Options?

Due to the popularity of having a whiter smile, many over-the-counter options are available, from whitening toothpaste to whitening strips.

 

There are many differences between over-the-counter and professional whitening, starting with the fact that your teeth and your own dental situation are absolutely unique. That why the safety of your treatment requires a dentist’s evaluation and supervision. You’ll also find that custom trays designed by a dentist will fit better and will expel far less bleaching gel than the unsupervised, over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all treatment alternatives.

Woman putting bleaching gel in a custom whitening tray.