Is Teeth Whitening a Permanent Solution? Insights from a Teeth Whitening Dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago
Just about everybody wants to have a bright and beautiful smile. But unfortunately, drinking coffee, red wine, sodas, and smoking can all cause our once-bright smile to discolor over time.
Because so many of our Gladstone Park patients’ teeth have become discolored over time, teeth whitening has become a popular dental procedure in our office. However, many people who visit Dr. Gordon J. Ziols for a teeth whitening treatment often have questions such as, “How long does teeth whitening last?” and “Is teeth whitening a permanent solution?”
As the top-rated teeth whitening dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago, we are here to answer these questions, and more, below.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a quick and painless cosmetic dental procedure performed in our office without general anesthesia. The procedure begins with inserting gel-filled trays (with a concoction of hydrogen peroxide and bleach) into your mouth. After inserting the trays, a bright light is blasted into your mouth to accelerate the bleaching process. The gel-filled trays are removed after 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the shade of white desired. When you visit a professional teeth whitening dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago, the entire teeth whitening procedure will take roughly an hour.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Unfortunately, professional teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. The longevity of your results may vary depending on your specific case — however, teeth whitening can generally last anywhere from a few months to three years.
Many factors can influence your results, including the type of staining (extrinsic, intrinsic, or age-related), the thickness of the enamel, drinking colored beverages such as coffee or red wine, and smoking.
You can also maintain your bright and beautiful smile by staying hydrated, practicing proper dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and scheduling bi-annual dental cleanings at your nearest dental office in Gladstone Park, Chicago.
We understand that most people want to keep their teeth dazzlingly white all year-around. However, any reputable teeth whitening dentist in Gladstone Park, Illinois will advise you to be cautious about the number of teeth whitening treatments you receive in a specified time-period. Instead, we will work with you to develop a teeth whitening regimen that is tailored to you without going overboard on the number of treatments.
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is an excellent way to achieve a whiter, more beautiful smile — but it is not suitable for everyone. People who should defer having their teeth whitened include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children under the age of 16, whose teeth and roots are still developing
- Patients suffering from certain oral health issues, such as gum disease or ‘periodontitis,’ thin enamel, cavities/tooth decay, or a dental abscess
Are there any risks associated with teeth whitening?
A whitening treatment that is performed by a professional teeth whitening dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago is generally considered a risk-free procedure. However, there can be a few minor risks. After teeth whitening, some people may experience sensitivity or some discomfort — however, this generally subsides within a few hours or days for most people.
Looking for the Best Teeth Whitening Dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago?
Are you interested in having your teeth whitened by a professional? If so, and if you’re looking for the best teeth whitening dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago, look no farther than Dr. Gordon J. Zoils and his staff at Smile Innovations.
During your consultation, Dr. Ziols will closely examine your teeth and gums to ensure that you are a good candidate for a teeth whitening treatment. We will then schedule your teeth whitening appointment, and you will leave our office with a brighter and more beautiful smile. Contact our office today at (773) 763-1000 to schedule an appointment.