Teeth Whitening – Sycamore, IL
Let Us Help You Achieve a Brighter Smile
It can be hard to avoid tooth stains. Morning coffees, pigmented foods, certain medications, and even genetics can be the reason you are unhappy with your smile. Although you practice good oral hygiene at home, many of these stains can exist beneath the enamel in an area that regular toothpaste and brushing cannot reach. With teeth whitening in Sycamore, our team at Grand Dental – Sycamore can equip you with custom take-home trays and whitening gel that will produce results in as little as two weeks! Call us today to schedule your consultation to learn more.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Before undergoing any kind of cosmetic dentistry, we will need to examine your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. We’ll determine the severity of your tooth stains and how best to address intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration. We’ll also check for any existing oral health problems (i.e., gum disease, tooth decay) so that we can administer proper treatment beforehand if needed.
Once we are satisfied with the health of your smile, we will produce a plan that aligns with your unique needs so that you can get started with treatment.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
At Grand Dental – Sycamore, we offer take-home teeth whitening. This means that we do not provide in-office treatment; however, you have the freedom to whiten your teeth on your own time, in the comfort of your home.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Using the Opalescence system, we will provide custom-made trays that are crafted from impressions taken of your teeth. In combination with these trays, you will receive a professional-grade whitening gel that is designed to penetrate the enamel and remove surface and below-the-surface stains. When worn properly (based on the amount of time provided by our team), you can expect to see dramatic results in 14 days.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is not offered in our Sycamore office; however, dentists who provide this type of care typically apply whitening gel to the surfaces of teeth. Using a specialized light to activate the gel, it begins to eliminate stains and produce a brighter smile in about one hour.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
When it comes to maintaining your results, it’s important that you abide by the tips our team offers. It’s natural to require touch-ups over time, but if you want to avoid needing one before it’s necessary, here are a few things you can do:
- Make sure that you’re brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing before you go to bed.
- Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Stay away or limit your consumption of darkly pigmented foods and beverages.
- Eat calcium-enriched foods that help to strengthen enamel and keep teeth looking white.
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
One of the added benefits of professional teeth whitening is how quick results are achieved. Not only is it highly effective, but it’s also capable of producing brighter smiles much faster than store-bought varieties. Dentists who provide in-office teeth whitening can have patients seeing results in just one hour. Those who provide take-home kits, like Grand Dental – Sycamore, can help individuals see a brighter smile in a few short weeks. Should a patient have stubborn stains that are more difficult to remove (i.e., intrinsic discoloration), additional treatments may be required.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening does not work on dental crowns. Even if a patient were to try whitening their custom restorations, the potential damage that could occur is not worth the risk. The whitening gel is known to weaken the bonding between a person’s tooth and their dental crown, which can lead to serious complications.
To minimize the likelihood that a dental crown will discolor over time, a patient must practice good at-home oral hygiene as well as avoid consuming dark-colored beverages and foods. Also, regular visits to the dentist’s office for dental checkups and cleanings are essential, and giving up unhealthy habits like smoking will keep a patient’s real and artificial teeth brighter and healthier.
If an individual is unhappy with the color of their crown, though, our team at Grand Dental – Sycamore can replace it so that it matches the rest of their smile.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
No, teeth whitening is not a permanent cosmetic solution. Patients can expect results to last a few months or even a few years. The longevity of a person’s results will depend on how well they take care of their brighter teeth. This can be accomplished by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, keeping regularly scheduled six-month dental checkups and cleanings, wearing protective mouth gear, eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods, and staying away from unhealthy habits like smoking.
It's also important to remember that touch-ups will be necessary along the way if results are to last longer.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
One of the most common questions asked by patients when preparing for any kind of dental treatment is, “Will it hurt?” Even when undergoing professional whitening, the fear of possible discomfort remains. Fortunately, the customized care that is provided with our take-home kits allows for minimal tooth sensitivity.
However, those who struggle with highly sensitive teeth are encouraged to let a member of our dental team know so that we can adjust the amount of whitening gel that should be used to achieve a brighter, more vibrant appearance. It’s also recommended that patients space out their treatments, avoid contact with hot or cold foods and beverages, and use specialty toothpaste to reduce uncomfortable experiences.