Teeth Whitening – South Elgin, IL
Faster, Brighter Smiles
At Grand Dental – South Elgin, our cosmetic dentists want patients to feel beautiful. While our initial focus may be the health of a person’s teeth and gums, their aesthetics, we understand, can be just as important. With professional take-home teeth whitening kits offered in-house, we can equip individuals with the best whitening agents to eliminate stains and discoloration on and below the enamel. If you are ready to see a whiter, brighter smile, call our office to schedule a consultation.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
When it comes to professional teeth whitening, most individuals are considered good candidates. When teeth appear stained or discolored because of overconsumption of dark-colored foods and/or beverages, smoking, genetics, fluorosis, or certain medications, this type of cosmetic treatment can be highly effective.
However, before beginning treatment, our team must conduct a thorough examination as part of an initial consultation. Apart from discussing a person’s goals and what they hope to achieve with teeth whitening, we’ll also discuss lifestyle habits, commitment to post-treatment care, and the severity of existing stains and discoloration. If we discover that gum disease or tooth decay exists, it will be necessary to treat these issues before offering take-home teeth whitening.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
At Grand Dental – South Elgin, we are pleased to offer patients a convenient option for teeth whitening – take-home kits. These allow individuals to whiten their teeth on their own time instead of scheduling an appointment to have it completed in-house.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Once customized trays are crafted, our team will provide an individual with their designed trays and Opalescence whitening gel. Using detailed instructions delivered by our team, the person will wear the trays every day for a designated amount of time. The bleaching agent will penetrate the enamel to target stains and eliminate them. After two weeks, a person can expect to see dramatic results.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Although in-office teeth whitening is not offered at our South Elgin office, many dentists also provide in-office whitening. This usually involves applying the bleaching agent to the teeth and using a high-powered light to activate the whitening gel and eliminate stains.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, so it is necessary that patients understand and agree to commit to regular touch-ups if results are to be maintained. To extend the life of one’s brighter smile, though, they can:
- Limit the consumption of any dark-colored foods and/or beverages.
- Continue to see their dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Practice a good oral hygiene routine at home that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Eating calcium-enriched foods that strengthen teeth and help keep them looking and feeling healthy.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
It is natural to be concerned about there be possible pain when undergoing a tooth extraction; however, the truth is that your dentist will take great care to minimize any discomfort and ensure a pain-free experience. No matter how many teeth are being removed, you can expect the process to start with receiving local anesthesia. This will numb your mouth and help you avoid feeling any pain. While it is true that some soreness and discomfort will occur once the procedure is complete, this can be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Should the pain worsen, though, or you begin to show signs of an infection (fever), you'll need to contact our office right away.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
When your dentist is recommending a tooth extraction, it is because no other restorative option is working. Tooth extraction will always be a last resort, so when a dental crown, dental filling, or even root canal treatment proves unsuccessful, the only viable option is to remove your tooth.
The good news is that once your tooth is removed, there are several tooth replacement solutions you can consider, including a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
While many people focus on the time spent after undergoing an extraction, it's also important to focus on how best to prepare. Before your procedure, you'll want to make sure that you ask your dentist any questions you might have, such as what to bring, what to eat, when to stop eating, etc. If specific instructions are provided, you'll need to make sure you follow them, as this will ensure the most successful results.
It may be that you should only drink water the morning of your procedure or that you should pick up any prescriptions before the day of your extraction.
Also, since you will receive local anesthesia, you will need to make sure that someone is driving you to and from your appointment for safety reasons.
What Should I Do After My Tooth Extraction?
Once you return home from your procedure, you will need to make sure that you rest. Your body and mouth need to heal from the surgery, and any kind of strenuous activity will cause further problems in the first 24 hours.
You'll also want to make sure that you:
- Stay hydrated
- Use a gauze to stop any bleeding
- Avoid using a straw or spitting, as this can cause a dry socket
- Do not touch your wound with your tongue or fingers
- Eat only soft foods initially
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and minimize discomfort
- Take prescribed pain medication or an OTC medicine as instructed