Every smile tends to become dull or yellowed over time. To refresh the appearance of your teeth, our dentist may recommend teeth whitening in Hometown, Illinois. We can help you transform your smile! Call Southwest Dental Center today at 708-425-4545 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ashok Jhanji! We are committed to giving you a smile that makes you feel your best.

If your smile has become dull or yellow over years of poor oral hygiene, or simple the natural aging process, our team can help you brighten and restore your smile’s natural beauty with teeth whitening treatments. There are many reasons your smile may not be as bright as you would like. Drinks that stain the teeth, such as tea, soda or coffee, are common culprits, but smoking and tobacco use, illness, fluorosis and certain medications can also contribute to stained or yellowed teeth.

The professional teeth whitening treatment that we offer at Southwest Dental Center consists of a powerful teeth whitening gel designed to dramatically reduce discoloration and whiten your teeth. This gel is either applied to your teeth with a teeth whitening tray or placed directly on the visible surfaces of your teeth by one of our dental professionals. Depending on your needs, our team may offer both in-office or at-home whitening options, making it easier than ever to achieve the bright, white smile you’ve been waiting for.

We are excited to help you achieve your dream smile, and when you come in for your teeth whitening, we will discuss your smile goals with you to ensure the treatment you receive gives you the results you want. If discolored teeth are keeping you from being fully satisfied with your smile, teeth whitening may be the perfect solution for you. Call or visit our office today to learn more about professional teeth whitening and to schedule your appointment with our dentist.

Teeth Whitening Q & A

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process by which yellowed or grayed teeth are brightened and lightened for a whiter appearance. It works by using tooth bleach to break stains on the enamel into smaller pieces, rendering them less noticeable.

While there are many different methods of whitening teeth, including gels, strips, toothpaste, and mouth rinses, the most effective way is an in-office dental whitening treatment. During this, the dentist applies a strong peroxide whitening agent to your teeth and then activates it using a special laser. This process can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes and may need to be repeated up to three times depending on how bright you want your teeth to be.

Why Might a Person Need Teeth Bleaching?

Over time, your teeth can become stained for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is eating certain foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, and red wine. Additionally, people who smoke tobacco accumulate tar and nicotine stains on the enamel of their teeth.

Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, high blood pressure medicine, and antihistamines, as well as dental trauma, can also cause the inner layer of teeth, called dentin, to become discolored. Lastly, age can cause teeth to appear darker because the outer enamel layer thins, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening does not last forever, as your teeth will continue to pick up stains as you live your life. Typically, if you try to avoid stain-causing foods and limit your tobacco use, the effects of dental whitening should last up to a year before a touch-up treatment is required. However, many different factors can contribute to the color of teeth, so your whitening treatment may not be quite as long lasting.