Looking for a smile makeover for an upcoming wedding, reunion, or special event?
As one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments we offer, professional teeth whitening is a quick and cheap way to achieve a brighter, more attractive smile. This cosmetic treatment aims to restore your teeth’s natural color by removing stains and discoloration. While there are many over-the-counter tooth whitening options, professional dental treatments performed by a dentist offer the most effective results.
As the demand for whiter smiles continues to grow, Infinity Dental finds advanced methods and products to deliver optimal results. Dr. Prendergast is a top cosmetic dentist who offers teeth whitening in Fox Lake, IL.
We offer at-home teeth whitening kits for you to whiten your teeth on your own schedule.
Dr. Prendergast will meet with you to evaluate your dental health needs and discuss your cosmetic goals before recommending the best treatment options.
What causes discolored teeth?
Discolored teeth and tooth stains are common. Many things can cause them, and it’s often a combination of multiple things that causes issues.
Everyone experiences tooth discoloration at some point. As we age, the white enamel outer layer of our teeth wears down, exposing more of the off-white dentin layer underneath. This naturally makes our teeth discolored, often with a yellowish color.
Many of us eat and drink things that can cause further discoloration. Coffee, tea, and wine all contain staining agents, as do foods like strawberries. The more we consume these things, the more discolored our teeth become. This is true of tobacco use, too. Tobacco products leave brown stains on the teeth from the tar and chemicals that are in them.
Poor oral hygiene leads to buildup on the teeth. When plaque and tartar build up on the smile, it turns your teeth yellow and brown. The longer you go without removing the buildup, the worse the staining will be. Keeping up with brushing and flossing can eliminate this risk.
Teeth Whitening Fox Lake, IL
Professional teeth whitening is better than over-the-counter whitening systems because of the amount of bleach used. This will deliver predictable and noticeable results faster and with little effort. For at-home treatment, you will receive a custom bleach tray that ensures the gel is placed in the teeth evenly and avoids contact with the gums.
We’ll ensure you get great results from these whitening agents without damaging the enamel or irritating the gums.
For your convenience, we offer teeth whitening that you can do at home. This whitening system includes a custom-fit bleach tray and a special gel. Dr. Prendergast will take impressions of your teeth to create the custom trays. These trays will fit against your teeth to reduce sensitivity and whiten your teeth evenly.
The trays with the special bleaching gel should be worn every day for a set amount of time for up to 6 weeks. Dr. Prendergast will give you instructions based on your personal goals and the amount of bleaching needed to reach that goal. Your brighter smile will appear gradually.
Professional Whitening Vs. Over-the-Counter
Professional teeth whitening offers many benefits compared to products available at the drugstore. Dentists are the only people who can get the strongest whitening products. They penetrate deeper and whiten your teeth in a shorter amount of time. Over-the-counter products can take weeks or even months for you to see the results you want.
They’re also safer. If you have to use whitening products for longer periods, you increase the likelihood of developing tooth sensitivity. Since drugstore products are one-size-fits-all, they’re also more likely to come into contact with your gums. The bleaching agent irritates the soft tissue, causing pain and discomfort.
One-size-fits-all treatment comes with other issues. They may not fit you correctly, leading to uneven or spotty results. We provide custom whitening trays that we make from impressions of your smile. They fit you perfectly, ensuring even treatment and keeping saliva from interfering with the whitening process.
While professional whitening is more expensive up front, it’s less money in the long run. You don’t have to get treatment as often, so you’re not constantly purchasing more products. You’re less likely to need multiple touch-ups. Since it penetrates the teeth deeper, you’ll see the results last longer.
Alternatives to Professional Teeth Whitening
If using an at-home professional teeth whitening product is not for you or if your tooth stains resist treatment, we offer cosmetic treatments that provide permanent results. Dental crowns and porcelain veneers can address discolored or stained teeth. They offer beautiful results that will last far longer than teeth whitening.
Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that we bond to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Infinity Dental often uses them to address discolored and stained teeth by covering up the imperfections. This cosmetic treatment provides a brighter, whiter smile. We will color-match your dental veneers to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth. To learn more about the dental veneers process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are caps that your dentist will cement over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, and function. We also use them to cover severely discolored or stained teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Patients can achieve a whiter and more uniform smile by placing a dental crown over a discolored tooth. To learn more about the benefits of teeth crowns, see Dental Crowns.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Dr. Prendergast can provide you with custom take-home kits. The following are frequently asked questions we receive about professional teeth whitening. These questions cover topics such as the procedure, what to results to expect, and aftercare. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whitening your teeth.
Is the teeth whitening procedure safe?
Professional teeth whitening by a trained dentist is safe for you and your teeth. Children under 13 should avoid tooth whitening because their teeth are still forming. Pregnant or lactating women should also avoid tooth whitening procedures because their pregnancy may weaken the calcium in their teeth.
Everyone else can approach tooth whitening as a safe and effective way to erase years of damage and staining from their teeth.
Which is better, store-bought whitening kits or teeth whitening from the dentist?
Over-the-counter tooth whiteners advertise that they can create whiter teeth quickly and easily. The truth is that whitening strips, toothpaste, and gels slowly whiten your teeth. But they cannot provide the same quality results that you would get from having your teeth whitened by a dentist.
Some over-the-counter products contain chemicals that can damage your teeth and gums. If you are really interested in whitening your teeth, it is best to visit a dentist office and have the procedure done there.
How do I prepare for teeth whitening treatment?
To prepare for your professional teeth whitening treatment:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks
- Use toothpaste for tooth sensitivity
- Schedule a dental cleaning
- Eat a meal (just avoid foods and drinks that stain)
- Brush and floss your teeth
Following these steps will help you get ready for your whitening treatment.
How long should I be careful with my teeth after teeth whitening treatment?
You want to avoid staining foods, drinks, and tobacco products 48 hours after your whitening treatment. It’s also a good idea to not smoke or use tobacco products during this time, as nicotine easily stains the tooth enamel.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
Most dental insurance providers do not see this procedure as necessary for your dental health. It’s best to contact your specific provider to see if they can cover part of the cost. We also offer financing options to help offset the cost of cosmetic procedures.
Schedule a Dental Exam: Teeth Whitening Fox Lake, IL
Call Infinity Dental of Fox Lake today to schedule an appointment.