Teeth Whitening – Naperville, IL
You Deserve a Brighter Smile
At Grand Dental – Naperville, our team of experts recognizes how easy it is for stains to develop over time. Whether caused by smoking, dark-colored beverages and foods, or genetics, a yellowed or dull smile can take its toll on a person’s mental and physical well-being. This is why we offer professional teeth whitening in Naperville. Designed to produce results quickly and more effectively than store-bought brands, we encourage you to call our office to inquire about your candidacy for treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
During a consultation, our cosmetic dentist will review your oral health and determine if you have any dental issues that need to be addressed first (i.e., dental decay, cavities, gum disease, etc.). We’ll then go over your overall health history to make sure that you are in general good health. Finally, we’ll determine if the stains you possess are intrinsic or extrinsic, as this will help us to determine how best to approach your teeth whitening care.
Generally, though, individuals who desire to have a whiter smile are good candidates if:
- Stains and discoloration are highly visible
- You want to feel better about your appearance
- You’ve tried other cosmetic solutions with no success
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The most common forms of professional teeth whitening include in-office and take-home whitening solutions. At Grand Dental – Naperville, we offer Opalescence take-home teeth whitening for patients like yourself.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Using Opalescence teeth whitening kits, we will provide you with customized trays that you will wear for a designated amount of time each day. These trays are designed to fit comfortably because of the fabrication that is based on impressions taken of your smile. In combination with the trays, you will use high-grade bleaching gel that is made to target stains and eliminate them for good. In just two weeks, you can expect to see a dramatic difference.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Some dental offices offer in-office teeth whitening. Using the same bleaching gel as those found in professional take-home kits, a blue light is then used to activate the agent that targets stains and discoloration. In just one hour, patients can see noticeable results.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Maintaining a whiter, brighter smile requires staying on top of your oral hygiene and being mindful of your lifestyle habits. If you want your teeth to look their best for longer, consider these tips:
- Maintaining a normal oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Seeing our dental team for regular checkups and teeth cleanings every six months.
- Giving up unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking lots of alcohol, and eating ice.
- Limiting your consumption of dark-colored beverages and foods.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
No, you do not need to worry about teeth whitening damaging healthy enamel. You should understand, though, that if you are suffering from existing gum disease or tooth decay, the chemicals used in teeth whitening can create issues, so you’ll want to make sure that you meet with your dentist for a thorough consultation beforehand.
If you try to use a DIY form of teeth whitening, there is a possibility that you might damage the enamel or soft oral tissues surrounding your teeth. These can include using hydrogen peroxide or activated charcoal. Also, if you attempt to overuse whitening products, it can cause your enamel to wear away over time.
This is why it’s always best to seek the help of a trusted professional who can oversee the process of teeth whitening and ensure that it is being done safely and effectively.
Does teeth whitening work on dental crowns?
Unfortunately, the ingredients used in teeth whitening solutions cannot brighten stained dental crowns. These are artificial teeth that are not porous like traditional tooth enamel, so they cannot absorb the whitening gel. If treatment is performed on these restorations, it can actually cause the bonding agent to wear down, causing the crown to come off and no longer protect your vulnerable tooth.
If you are unhappy with the look of your dental crown, the only way to improve its appearance is to have it replaced to match the color of your whiter teeth.
Does teeth whitening qualify for FSA?
Although you may have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which is an employer-sponsored benefit that makes it easy to pay out of pocket for various medical expenses, you cannot use it toward teeth whitening. The reason is that it is not deemed a necessary medical expense. To use your FSA, you must apply it toward preventive cleanings, X-rays, and other routine examinations, as they are designed to improve your oral health, not your aesthetics.
How can I reduce the cost of teeth whitening?
Since dental insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of teeth whitening, you’ll need to seek alternative solutions to pay for treatment. Fortunately, at Grand Dental – Naperville, our team is pleased to partner with CareCredit to provide flexible financing but also our Grand Advantage Plan. This makes it easy for you to enroll and receive valuable discounts on available services in-house.
Depending on your preference, either option (flexible financing or an in-house savings plan) is a great way to keep out-of-pocket expenses low as you work toward a brighter, healthier smile.