If you live in Matteson, IL, you can benefit from a teeth whitening procedure at our local dental office. At Progressive Dental And Associates, we are known for improving the appearance of our patients’ smiles. Dr. Durr is an expert cosmetic dentist and has multiple ways for doing so. We often recommend a teeth bleaching procedure because it is by far the easiest way to transform your smile. After cleaning your teeth, we can complete this procedure in time for a special event or as part of your regular oral health routine.
People throughout Illinois have their teeth whitened on a regular basis so that they can look and feel great. As people age, it is common for teeth to become dull and yellow. This is in part due to age itself and also due to what a person eats and drinks. Drinking coffee, tea and wine, for example, can stain your teeth. Smoking and eating foods that contain food coloring can also stain your teeth. Brushing immediately after eating and drinking can help to prevent stains but is typically not enough to remove the risk entirely. Fortunately, stained and yellow teeth don’t have to stay that way.
At Progressive Dental And Associates, we provide patients with information on two main types of dental whitening. Some dental offices provide whitening services in the office while others focus on treatments that can be completed at home. An in-office treatment can be done at the same time as a teeth cleaning or during a separate appointment. It is typically completed within an hour and produces immediately white teeth. For many people, this is an ideal solution because of how quickly it is finished.
Dentists have coined the term “bleachorexia” for those people who overuse in-store bleaching which can lead to the destruction of enamel and dentin, turning the teeth to mush. In our dental office, we also recommend whitening trays. This type of procedure is effective and puts patients in control over how white their teeth become and how often they are whitened. Dr. Durr starts by having an impression taken of a patient’s teeth. This impression is then used to create customized whitening trays in a dental lab. They fit securely around teeth and will not leak solution into the mouth
This is an ideal way for patients throughout Illinois to whiten teeth because once they are created, they can be used at any time. Patients are provided with a whitening solution to use at home, and the trays need to be worn for a couple of hours every night for a week or more. Once teeth have reached the perfect shade of white, a patient can stop wearing the trays. This portable solution can be taken anywhere, making it possible for people to whiten teeth while on vacation, business trips or after moving to a new city.
Surface stains and provides only minor improvements in tooth brightness. For more significant whitening results, other options such as over-the-counter whitening strips, tray-based systems, in-office professional treatments, take-home professional kits, or whitening rinses may be more effective. It’s advisable to consult with a dentist to determine the most suitable method based on individual needs and desired outcomes.
Professional tooth whitening offers effective methods to achieve a brighter smile. Dentists use high-concentration bleaching gels and advanced techniques to remove surface stains and deep discoloration. In-office treatments use special lights or lasers for faster and more dramatic results, while take-home kits provide gradual whitening. With professional guidance, these solutions offer a comprehensive approach to a radiant smile.
We recommend that people in Matteson, IL schedule an appointment with Dr. Durr, instead. Our professional tooth whitening solutions can transform the appearance of your teeth in a dynamic way. This is partially due to the strength of the solution that we use. Professional grade whitening gel can whiten teeth by eight shades or more vs. around two shades with store bought solutions. If you are looking for immediate and dramatic results, in-office whitening is a far better option.
When a whitening solution is applied to the teeth, the hydrogen peroxide inside of the solution penetrates through the enamel. It then starts the oxidation process where molecules are transformed to reflect less or no light. This makes them appear colorless, and teeth appear white. This process is typically extremely effective for eliminating stains and can be repeated frequently.
On occasion, the stains are too strong for a teeth bleaching procedure to work. When this happens, Dr. Durr can provide an alternative treatment. For example, patients in Matteson can have dental veneers placed on the surface of teeth in order to cover dark stains. This is often preferable for patients that smoke since veneers are stain resistant and won’t yellow quickly like natural teeth. Still, it is wise to try a teeth whitening procedure first, before starting a cosmetic one.
At Progressive Dental & Associates, we also recommend that patients have their teeth whitened before having other dental procedures completed. Most of the materials that are used in dental restorations or for cosmetic purposes are stain resistant and bleach resistant. For example, a dental crown won’t stain or bleach but should maintain its initial coloring with time. When a crown, veneer, bridge, or implant is created in a dental lab, they are created to match the shade of the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth are yellow, these restorations will be created in a yellow shade. If the surrounding teeth are a brilliant white, the restoration will be as well. This makes the timing of teeth whitening procedures important. If you live in the 60443 area and know that you need a dental restoration, have your teeth whitening procedure scheduled first.
Genetics, aging, and consumption of staining substances (smoking, coffee, tea, and colas) are just a few reasons why teeth appear dark.
The procedure itself shouldn’t cause any discomfort and is relatively easy to complete. Before getting started, we simply recommend that patients schedule a dental exam with our Matteson dental office. Dr. Durr will then examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy enough for whitening. This way if any cavities or infections exist they can be treated first. To learn more or to get started, call (708) 980-0110 and schedule your appointment.
Sensitivity from tooth whitening is always transient. That means if there is any sensitivity caused by the whitening, it goes away within one to two days after the treatment, and the patient returns to the state of sensitivity he or she had prior to starting the whitening process.
Most people are candidates for tooth whitening, but again, each situation is unique and it’s best to contact your dental professional.
Yes, many studies have proven that tooth whitening is safe. You can protect your tooth enamel by using calcium sulfate and fluoride.
Tooth whitening has little or no effect on restorative materials such as porcelain or crowns, but it may temporarily reduce the bond strength between enamel and composite restorations. This is why it’s a good idea to check with your dental professional before beginning any course of tooth whitening.
Typically you can expect whitening to last from six months to two years, although some studies report results lasting up to 10 years. Avoiding red wine, coffee, and smoking—all of which can cause staining—helps preserve the results.
Prices vary widely for tooth whitening. Over-the-counter kits can cost as little as $20, with extensive in-office procedures approaching up to $1,000. If you want professional whitening, expect the price to be around $300 to $800. If you want an at-home bleaching kit from your dentist, expect to pay between $300 and $600. Learn more about dental insurance and financing.
Products developed from carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and urea (substances found in every human cell), should be used cautiously to alleviate concern. Those who have issues are the ones who don’t follow instructions and overuse the products for months or years.
Meet Our Doctor
Robert D. Durr, D.M.D. F.I.C.O.I.
Robert D. Durr, D.M.D.
Our dedicated team is here to provide you with personalized attention and exceptional care, tailored to meet your unique dental needs.