What You Need to Know About Professional Teeth Whitening

The start of a new year typically inspires people to think about self-improvement. While you may resolve to be a better person, improving your appearance is also likely to be on your list. If you want a bright, white smile, you’re in luck! Professional teeth whitening by your dentist provides instant gratification that will boost your confidence - and it’s much easier than breaking established bad habits! Having a sparkling smile could even provide the motivation to keep your more personally demanding resolutions!

Please note that we’ve specified professional teeth whitening, as opposed to over-the-counter (OTC) methods - such as whitening strips and gel trays. Although OTC products are inexpensive, there are risks in using them should you attempt to do-it-yourself.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

The first benefit begins even before the whitening procedure. This is the consultation with your dentist to determine the cause of your discoloration and whether tooth whitening is the appropriate treatment. Those with worn/thin enamel, exposed roots, cavities or gum disease are not good candidates - nor are pregnant or lactating women.

It’s important to know that the gradual wearing away of enamel is the primary cause of yellowish teeth in people who are middle-age-plus. As the layer of enamel thins, it exposes the dentin just beneath - which has a yellow tone. Many people in this age group believe their teeth have yellowed due to drinking coffee and/or red wine or other environmental factors. Using an OTC whitener will not only be ineffective, it will strip away the remaining enamel. Consultation with your dentist is essential to confirm that your discoloration can effectively and safely be treated with a whitening procedure.

If the cause of your teeth discoloration can’t be addressed by whitening, other options such as composite bonding, veneers or crowns may be open. Should cavities or gum disease be involved, these conditions need to be treated before any cosmetic procedure is considered.

Assuming that professional teeth whitening is right for your situation, advantages of this treatment include the following:

Safe treatment administered by a medical professional — This only applies to teeth whitening procedures performed by a licensed dentist. Avoid procedures performed by spas, as many whitening spas and kiosks don't have a licensed dentist on site who can perform an oral examination to determine if you’re a good candidate. Moreover, only a licensed dentist with an OSHA regulated practice can ensure that proper safety and sterilization techniques are enforced in the materials and barrier methods used during your procedure.

Long-lasting results — An in-office whitening procedure can produce a result lasting up to three years with proper care - whereas OTC treatments may only last a few months. Avoid causes of staining, such as tobacco use, coffee, tea and red wine. If you drink coffee or tea daily, brush your teeth as soon as possible after each cup, or rinse your mouth with water if brushing isn’t possible.

What You Can Expect During Your Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

As there are different types of professional in-office teeth whitening treatments, the steps in which your procedure will be performed depend upon the treatment you choose. NK Family Dental is proud to offer Zoom and Opalescence teeth whitening treatments. Each of these excellent, proven treatments is administered by different means. We will recommend the treatment best suited to your situation and aesthetic goals based upon your consultation.

Should the Zoom treatment be performed, this procedure can make teeth eight shades whiter, reversing stains from food, drink, aging and even discoloration from some types of medication. This is performed in-office, and takes about 45 minutes. Results are immediate. The steps are as follow:

The Opalescence treatment involves the application of the whitening gel in-office. The gel is chemically activated, without the need for an LED lamp. This procedure involves two or three 20-minute treatments during the same visit. As with the Zoom treatment, results are immediate. The steps are as follow:

Both types of treatments produce dramatic results that give you a smile to be proud of when you leave the office! Neither is better - each has advantages that may be more suitable or appealing to the individual patient.

Professional whitening treatments are also available as a take-home kit option. If this is your choice, your dentist will take impressions and fashion custom-fitted trays to ensure a perfect fit and distribution of the whitening gel. This option does not achieve the immediate results of an in-office treatment, but is ultimately just as effective and safe.

Downsides of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Using OTC whitening products leaves you on your own. Without examination by a dentist during consultation, you might not know if you have gum disease or cavities - or any other underlying condition that would make teeth whitening unadvisable. Also, many people don’t always read label directions carefully, as misusing OTC products increases the risk to tooth enamel. Leaving OTC whitening strips on your teeth longer than the directions recommend won’t make your teeth whiter, faster! Your dentist will ensure that a professional whitening procedure won’t erode your enamel, and take steps to prevent damage.

In addition, OTC whitening products are a one-size-fits-all solution. A professional treatment provided by your dentist ensures that you’re receiving the right amount of whitening agent, and that it is properly applied. Whitening strips in particular can “miss” areas of your teeth, producing an uneven effect.

As Country Club Dentistry, Rancho Mirage, CA, notes, “With tooth whitening, the old saying really does ring true - you get what you pay for. That means, if you skimp on whitening strips from your local pharmacy, the whitening won’t be as bright or as lasting. Yes, your teeth will get whiter. But the level of whiteness will not have the same striking effect as they will if you get them done by a professional. For example, at-home OTC teeth whitening usually brightens your teeth 1-4 shades while your dentist can brighten your teeth 6-8 shades.”

The Take-Home Message

A bright smile can let you go out in the world with extra confidence! If you are considering teeth whitening, get the shining, healthy smile you deserve and call NK Family Dental. Our team will help address your oral health concerns and needs, and determine the best solution for you based upon your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs, and make it easy to get the new year off to a great start!

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

Are Whitening Toothpastes Bad for Your Teeth?

Everybody wants a dazzling smile, and whitening toothpastes have long advertised themselves as an easy, economical means of achieving this goal. But are they ultimately bad for your tooth enamel? Recently, there’s been some debate — even among dentists - as to whether long-term use of whitening toothpaste is detrimental to the integrity of your teeth. Although we want you to read this blog post, we’ll cut to the chase with our position on the issue: Whitening toothpastes can be used safely, as long as you monitor for tooth sensitivity.

However, this is an important question with a few angles to consider - which is why we at NK Family Dental want you to keep reading!

How Whitening Toothpastes Work

There are two types of stains that cause your teeth to be dull or discolored - extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are on the tooth enamel. They are caused by the consumption of certain foods and beverages - such as red wine, teas, dark fruits, etc. - and tobacco use. Intrinsic stains result from internal tooth coloration from the dentin, which is the hard tissue inside the tooth. Intrinsic stains can be caused by aging, genetic disorders, or antibiotic use - such as tetracycline - during childhood.

Conventional whitening toothpaste contains abrasives and bleaching agents such as silica, pyrophosphates, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove the extrinsic stains, thereby lightening the tooth color.

Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical blue covarine, which adheres to the surface of the teeth and creates an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less yellow. When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste can take from two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpastes that contain blue covarine can have an immediate effect.

Possible Risks of Using Whitening Toothpastes

As mentioned earlier, whitening toothpaste is generally safe when used according to label directions or as advised by your dentist. But there are other factors to consider. Those who have intrinsic stains can damage their enamel through overly vigorous brushing, believing that if they brush hard enough and use the maximum strength whitening toothpaste they’ll succeed in lightening the shade of their teeth.

Adults ages 50 years and over who are starting to notice yellowing often assume their enamel is discolored, when in fact the yellowed dentin is showing through because tooth enamel is wearing off. Using a whitening toothpaste can further erode the already-thin remaining enamel - thereby making the problem even worse.

According to Dr. Ryan Reeves of Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, the gradual wearing away of enamel is the primary culprit of yellowish teeth in people who are middle-age-plus.

“The enamel is worn away by eating, acid from bacteria, and even by brushing. This thinner enamel is not only less white - it shows more of the yellowy dentin beneath - it’s less smooth, so it doesn’t have the same luster that a more youthful smile does.”

For this reason, we encourage consulting with your dentist before using a whitening toothpaste - especially if you’re an older adult. If you schedule regular twice yearly examinations and cleanings, this is the ideal opportunity for you to bring up concerns about the color of your teeth, and ask your dentist if using a whitening toothpaste is an appropriate treatment. For those with intrinsic stains - which not even a professional in-office teeth whitening treatment can remove - your dentist may recommend composite bonding, veneers or dental crowns as a long-lasting cosmetic solution that will give you the bright smile you want.

Moreover, according to health, “The peroxide in whitening toothpaste can lead to teeth sensitivity. High peroxide content has been linked to instances of tooth sensitivity. Other problems caused by whitening toothpaste may include circumoral dermatitis (inflamed skin around your mouth) and mucosal irritation (irritation of the mucus membranes in your mouth).”

Also be aware that research has found that whitening toothpaste can minimize the enamel's mineral content, resulting in rough teeth surfaces and low levels of tooth hardness. Brushing too hard or using a very hard bristle toothbrush can exacerbate potential enamel damage - which can happen with any type of toothpaste. Make sure you use the correct amount of pressure when brushing, and select a toothbrush with the proper bristle hardness.

Activated charcoal toothpaste for whitening teeth has been gaining a good amount of popularity through social media. This is one type of whitening toothpaste we advise against using. Although activated charcoal toothpaste may help remove surface stains, clinical studies of the efficacy (effectiveness) of such toothpastes are lacking, so no one can yet definitively claim that charcoal toothpaste whitens or cleans your teeth better than any other toothpaste. In addition, the widespread belief that charcoal toothpaste “detoxifies” your mouth is more pseudoscience than science. 

Moreover, our blog post - “Should You Use Charcoal Toothpaste?” - lists and explains the downsides of such toothpastes, which include the following:

Precautions for Using Whitening Toothpastes

As mentioned earlier, developing tooth sensitivity can result from long-term use of whitening toothpastes. Major toothpaste brands offer whitening toothpastes in several different formulations, which can make the selection process confusing. Those containing a high level of hydrogen peroxide will work faster. However, most whitening toothpastes don’t disclose their percentage of hydrogen peroxide.

Whichever brand/formulation you choose, follow label instructions for use, and do not use longer than recommended - if such a recommendation is provided. Be aware if your teeth become sensitive. If so, discontinue use. If your teeth are already sensitive, there are brands formulated to whiten sensitive teeth.

The Take-Home Message

Whitening toothpastes can be effective in removing surface stains from tooth enamel. However, a twice-yearly cleaning by your dentist will do the same, while also polishing your teeth. Whitening toothpastes could be useful if you regularly consume foods and beverages that stain teeth - but as with all things, moderation is key.

Because major toothpaste brands offer several formulations for whitening toothpaste, making an informed choice about the type best for you may be difficult. Rather than relying on marketing hype, ask your dentist if you could benefit from a whitening toothpaste - and if so, which type of formulation is most suitable. Use as directed, and discontinue use if your teeth become sensitive to temperature and/or hurt during brushing and flossing. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to confirm that sensitivity is the cause of discomfort, as it could be a symptom of a more serious condition.

The best way that your natural teeth can achieve their whitest shade possible is an in-office or take-home professional whitening procedure performed by your dentist. NK Family Dental is proud to offer Zoom and Opalescence teeth whitening treatments. Each of these excellent, proven treatments is administered by different means. We will recommend the treatment best suited to your situation and aesthetic goals based upon your consultation.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon! 

Teeth Whitening: Is it Safe to DIY?

A bright, white smile helps make a person appear youthful, energetic and healthy. But teeth that become darkened and yellowed over the years – or were never white because of genetics or thin enamel – can have a negative effect on your self-confidence. Especially in today’s “new normal” of video conferencing, white teeth go a long way in presenting a vital, successful image. If you’re not happy with what you’ve been seeing on the computer screen or in the mirror, there are options for teeth whitening that can give you the dazzling smile you want!

The big question for those considering teeth whitening is whether to have the procedure performed in-office by a dentist, or opt for an over-the-counter (OTC) product. Both options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.

OTC whiteners are available as strips applied directly to teeth, or as a mouth guard-like tray that’s filled with a bleaching gel and placed over the teeth for several hours a day or overnight. Despite their relatively low cost and convenience, OTC whiteners pose risks to tooth enamel and – because an appointment with a dentist isn’t necessary – may prevent users from learning about serious conditions such as gum disease that need to be addressed.

Our blog post – “How Whitening Strips Can Damage Your Teeth” – covers the down sides of taking the DIY approach. Wearing down enamel and softening teeth are the major drawbacks, even when the strips or gel trays are used as directed. Those who think that leaving the strips on longer or using them more frequently than directed (ditto for gel trays) will produce better, quicker results are placing their teeth at even greater risk. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) claims that OTC whitening products are unsafe for children and teens under the age of 15.

We’ll return to the drawbacks of over-the-counter products, which should be easier to understand once you know what a professional whitening procedure by a dentist involves.

What You Can Expect with Professional Teeth Whitening

NK Family Dental is proud to offer Zoom and Opalescence teeth whitening treatments. Each of these excellent, proven treatments is administered by different means. We will recommend the treatment best suited to your situation and aesthetic goals based upon your consultation.

During your consultation, we’ll determine the cause of your discoloration and whether tooth whitening is the appropriate treatment. Those with worn/thin enamel, exposed roots, cavities or gum disease are not good candidates – nor are pregnant or lactating women. If the cause of your teeth discoloration can’t be addressed by whitening, other options such as composite bonding, veneers or crowns may be open. Should cavities or gum disease be involved, these conditions need to be treated before any cosmetic procedure is considered.

Should the Zoom treatment be performed, this procedure can make teeth eight shades whiter, reversing stains from food, drink, aging and even discoloration from some types of medication. This is performed in-office, and takes about 45 minutes. Results are immediate. The steps are as follow:

The Opalescence treatment involves the application of the whitening gel in-office. The gel is chemically activated, without the need for an LED lamp. This procedure involves two or three 20-minute treatments during the same visit. As with the Zoom treatment, results are immediate. The steps are as follow:

Both types of treatments produce dramatic results that give you a smile to be proud of when you leave the office! Neither is better – each has advantages that may be more suitable or appealing to the individual patient.

Professional whitening treatments are also available as a take-home kit option. If this is the choice, your dentist will take impressions and fashion custom-fitted trays to ensure a perfect fit and distribution of the whitening gel. This option does not achieve the immediate results of an in-office treatment, but is ultimately just as effective and safe.

Now That You Know More, Here’s Why You Should Avoid OTC Whitening Products

As should be obvious, buying OTC whitening products leaves you on your own. Without examination by a dentist during consultation, you might not know if you have gum disease or cavities – or any other underlying condition that would make teeth whitening unadvisable. Also, many people don’t always read label directions carefully. As mentioned earlier, misusing OTC products increases the risk to tooth enamel. Your dentist will be able to ensure that a professional whitening procedure won’t erode your enamel, and take steps to prevent damage.

In addition, OTC whitening products are a one-size-fits-all solution. A professional treatment provided by your dentist ensures that you’re receiving the right amount of whitening agent, and that it is properly applied. Whitening strips in particular can “miss” areas of your teeth, producing an uneven effect.

As our colleagues at Country Club Dentistry, Rancho Mirage, CA, note, “With tooth whitening, the old saying really does ring true – you get what you pay for. That means, if you skimp on whitening strips from your local pharmacy, the whitening won’t be as bright or as lasting. Yes, your teeth will get whiter. But the level of whiteness will not have the same striking effect as they will if you get them done by a professional. For example, at-home OTC teeth whitening usually brightens your teeth 1-4 shades while your dentist can brighten your teeth 6-8 shades.”

A Bright Smile Can be Within Reach in Chicago

A bright smile can let you go out in the world with extra confidence! If you are considering teeth whitening, get the shining, healthy smile you deserve and call NK Family Dental. Our team will help address your oral health concerns and needs, and determine the best solution for you based upon your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh, and our endodontist, Dr. Sabek. 

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

The Effects of Sugary Drinks on Your Smile

It’s the eternal debate. Do you call it soda or pop? Here in Chicago, most of us call it pop, but you’re more likely to call it soda if you’re from the South. Just as there are many colloquial terms for soda pop, the effects of those carbonated sugary drinks on your smile also come in many forms. Our NK Family Dental team wants you to improve your oral health by learning how sugary drinks like pop can wear down your tooth enamel, how to better moderate your pop intake and why it’s important to stay properly hydrated.

Wearing Down Enamel

Sugary soft drinks have not only been found as a crucial link to obesity in recent studies, but they have also been found as a crucial link to tooth wear in adults. Published in 2019 by a group of researchers from King’s College London, the study, “Obesity and tooth wear among American adults: the role of sugar-sweetened acidic drinks,” concluded that sugary beverages like pop are the leading cause of tooth decay in both the protective enamel and soft dentine layers of obese patients, who are already at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

However, you should be concerned about your enamel regardless of your weight and body fat percentage. After all, once your enamel has worn away, that’s it. You are then at risk for serious tooth decay.

So, how do sugary drinks wear down your enamel? What happens is a chemical reaction in which the bacteria in your mouth produce an acid after interacting with sugar. Every sip causes a new reaction lasting up to 20 minutes, during which your enamel is worn down. Therefore, drinking pop all day long will give your mouth no break from the acidity. Think you can switch to diet pop instead? Unfortunately, many chemicals in diet soft drinks also cause similar acidic reactions in your mouth. Once the acid penetrates your enamel, the dentin layer is attacked - resulting in cavities and damage to composite fillings.

Drinking Pop in Moderation

What can you do to reduce your risk of cavities? The first step is simple: cutting back. Unfortunately, our bodies quickly get used to, and dependent on, consuming large amounts of sugar on a daily basis, which makes going cold turkey very hard. Try moderation instead by first going down to just one pop a day. If you get a pop with your fast food meal or out at a restaurant, you might also want to skip those free refills (as tempting as they may be). While even one sugary pop a day can cause damage, it’s not nearly as bad as multiple per day. Start with small steps, then work your way toward less frequent consumption.

In addition to drinking pop in moderation, other steps you can take to help your dental health include:

 

 

Staying Hydrated the Right Way

Cutting back on your pop consumption may have you worried about feeling tired during the day. After all, your body has likely grown acclimated to the daily amounts of sugar and caffeine, but this withdrawal of your favorite sugary drinks doesn’t mean you have to suffer headaches and fatigue. Keep up your energy and stay hydrated the right way by drinking plenty of water.

You may think you are tired without your usual sugar and caffeine, but a lack of water is actually one of the top causes of daytime fatigue. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day can result in a drastic increase of energy. When it comes to your oral health, water is the best thing you can drink to keep acidity levels in your mouth low, thus preventing cavities. It may take some time to consciously drink plenty of water during the day, but keeping at it will result in a new and more healthy habit.

Protect Your Teeth with Help from Your Dentist

Aside from drinking fewer sugary soft drinks and drinking more water, the final best step you can take to improve your oral health is to see your dentist. Semi-annual checkups and cleanings are vital to avoiding advanced tooth decay and other oral problems. Our founder and owner, Dr. Nilofer Khan and our partner periodontist, Dr. Waeil Elmisalati, both provide the highest-quality dental, orthodontic and periodontic care, backed by many years of education, certifications and ongoing training. Learn more about our other dental services, including oral surgery and periodontics treatment. Then, contact us to schedule an appointment.

 

How Whitening Strips Can Damage Your Teeth

With the start of a new year, your resolutions may include improving your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Quick fixes like teeth whitening strips can seem like an appealing option for brightening your smile without having to visit the dentist, but are they really consequence-free? At-home whitening strips may provide an immediate solution to whitening your teeth, but the reality is that they can potentially cause damage to your teeth over time. 

Wearing Down Enamel

The main active ingredient in dental whitening strips is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is also commonly used as a color-lightening agent to bleach hair, which can cause serious damage to your scalp and hair. When it comes to whitening your teeth, whitening strips containing hydrogen peroxide also pose potential threats to tooth enamel - the outer layer of your teeth. Behind the enamel is the dentin layer, followed by the inner layer containing connective tissue. The danger of hydrogen peroxide on teeth is that it can easily wear down your enamel and quickly move on to attacking the dentin.

How Whitening Strips Can Soften Teeth 

So, what is the problem with hydrogen peroxide in whitening strips reaching the dentin layer of your teeth? Once dentin is affected by the peroxide, you can expect a breakdown of the layer’s primary protein, collagen. This breakdown causes a fragmentation of the collagen and a loss of overall collagen mass. Research still needs to be conducted to determine if the body can regenerate or reverse the effects of lost collagen proteins once they have been exposed to hydrogen peroxide. The loss of collagen and softening of your teeth in the essential dentin can potentially cause your teeth to soften or become less hard, thus possibly leading to many other dental conditions.

Not Safe for Kids

When it comes to teeth whitening for kids and teens, it’s important to be cautious of whitening treatments, especially whitening strips. While low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in whitening strips are generally safe for adults when used occasionally, it is uncertain if the same holds true for children, as very little research has been conducted. 

Other areas of concern include the increased likelihood of your child improperly following directions when using the strips - possibly resulting in your child keeping the strips on for too long (and therefore increasing risk of tooth damage) or accidentally swallowing the bleaching product. Many adults experience tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening, so keep in mind that your child could experience the same discomfort.

Because of the previously mentioned lack of research on the effects of whitening strips for children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) claims that whitening strips are unsafe for children and teens under the age of 15. The best way to naturally improve the color of your child’s teeth are to help them avoid food and beverages that cause staining, along with ensuring your child brushes twice a day. If you have further concerns about the color of your child’s teeth, talk with his or her dentist about treatment options.

Professional Teeth Whitening

If you want to brighten your smile safely, talk to your dentist about in-office teeth whitening treatments. NK Family Dental provides safe, effective teeth whitening services for our Chicago patients, offering both the Zoom and Opalescence brands of teeth whitening treatments. Contact us today to schedule your teeth whitening treatment and other dental services.

How to Whiten Teeth Faster

When you speak or smile, you want people to see your entire face - not just focus on your teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to boost confidence in your smile! While you can certainly receive teeth whitening services from your dentist, there are many actions you can take in your daily life to whiten your teeth and maintain that pearly white smile even after professional teeth whitening.

Fight Food Stains with Food 

As humans, we consume food and beverages throughout the day, which provides many opportunities for our teeth to become stained or to maintain their brightness. Whiten teeth faster by becoming more mindful of your diet! 

You may be familiar with some food and drinks that can stain your teeth, but some may surprise you. Consider avoiding these foods if you are trying to prevent stains on your teeth:

 

While these stains can be whitened away, you can also prevent them from getting worse. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water up to 30 minutes after having any of these foods or drinks to wash away any remaining particles that are likely to cause stains. It may surprise you, but brushing your teeth immediately after consuming stain-prone foods and beverages can actually increase the likelihood of stains. Therefore, try to rinse with water immediately after while maintaining your usual brushing schedule.

Foods that can help you fight stains in order to achieve whiter teeth include:

 

Aside from food, smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products cause your teeth to yellow and stain very quickly. Do your teeth and your overall health a favor by quitting smoking!

Benefits of Brushing and Flossing

Another essential component to keeping your teeth white is to maintain proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once before bed. See our previous blog post about the importance of flossing to learn proper flossing techniques! 

Protect your gums by using soft bristles for your toothbrush. Unhealthy gums can lead to gingivitis and a less-than-ideal smile. Additionally, consider improving your oral hygiene routine with an electric toothbrush, as it has more power to clean away surface stains on your teeth. Whitening toothpastes, while effective, take a little longer to whiten teeth than other methods like whitening strips or gel trays. However, they are a much more easily accessible and affordable option.

The Dangers of DIY

Aside from improving your diet and oral hygiene, many people attempt at-home and DIY teeth whitening methods. These methods can be effective if done properly, but they also pose many potential risks and dangers without the supervision of a professional.

At-home and DIY teeth whitening methods you should be careful with include:

 

 

How Your Dentist Can Help Whiten Your Teeth 

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is to see you dentist for professional teeth whitening. While this can cost a little more than over-the-counter or DIY methods, you can rest easier knowing that your teeth whitening will be done properly, safely and effectively.

You can expect your in-office teeth whitening appointment to take anywhere from 60-90 minutes. Your dentist will note the current shade of your teeth and remove plaque. Then, your mouth and gums will be isolated and protected so that the teeth whitening agents do not affect them. Finally, your dentist will whiten your teeth by applying the whitening solution, using a laser or curing light to activate the peroxide in the solution, leaving the solution on for the appropriate amount of time, and by finally rinsing off your teeth. It’s also likely your dentist will opt to provide you with a fluoride application to combat any sensitivity from the treatment. If needed, your dentist will help you schedule additional appointments.

Your dentist may alternatively be able to provide you with professional at-home teeth whitening kits that you can only get from your dentist. To get an at-home kit, you will need to have custom trays based on an impression of your teeth. This is a great option for safe, professional teeth whitening treatments that are more affordable.

Chicago Teeth Whitening

Achieve the whiter, brighter teeth you have always dreamed of with NK Family Dental in Chicago. Our professional teeth whitening services bring instant results that are sure to boost your confidence in your smile. Contact us today to schedule your teeth whitening appointment!

At-Home Teeth Whitening vs. Dentist Whitening Treatment

As one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available, teeth whitening products have been on the rise. You can find at-home teeth whitening products that promise amazing results at a fraction of the cost compared to professional whitening treatments by a dentist. This has lead people to ask, does at-home teeth whitening work as well, or better than in-office teeth whitening? Keep reading to learn the difference between the results of at-home and in-office treatment options, including safety, cost and time requirements.

 

Does At-home Teeth Whitening Work?

There are too many home remedies to list, but almost every one has a drawback. For example, baking soda does nothing, while citrus fruit-based remedies actually eat away at your enamel, causing permanent damage. Ultra-strength products often guarantee instant whitening, but only for a shorter period of time, by using bleach concentrations that can be extremely damaging. Even in the case of safe, over-the-counter products, the whitening qualities they have rarely produce significant results. The best option is always to see a professional, who utilizes safe methods and products, and can tailor the treatment to your unique needs. All in all, pass on the overpriced gum and toothpaste!

 

A Cost Comparison

One of the primary concerns for people considering teeth whitening is the cost. Like any cosmetic procedure, the price can vary significantly between in-office and at-home treatments. Compare the cost between in-office versus at-home teeth whitening, as well as the time requirements, and the results that each option offers.

 

Professional, in-office whitening treatments:

Dentist-provided custom whitening trays - For one to three hours per night for one to three weeks, patients can achieve about five to eight shades whiter, for a cost between $300 to $1,000.

In-office whitening treatments - Dental bleaching without a halogen light takes one to two hours per visit for one to four visits, and patients can achieve five to eight shades whiter for between $300 to$1,000. With a halogen light, a one-hour visit is necessary, from which a patient can achieve eight shades whiter for $600 to $3,000.

 

At-home whitening systems:

Custom fitted teeth whitening trays - Requires one to three hours per night for one to three weeks, to achieve five to eight shades whiter for $70 to $150 per kit. The price varies by the amount of whitening gel included in each kit, or required to purchase separately.

Teeth whitening pens - This process requires 30 minutes to two hours per day for one to three weeks to achieve three to six shades whiter for $30 to $60.

Teeth whitening strips - For 30 to 120 minutes per day for one to three weeks, a patient can achieve about two to four shades whiter. A box of multiple strips can cost between $40 to $70.

Boil n’ bite trays - After forming the trays, one to three hours per day for one to three weeks are required to achieve two to four shades whiter at a cost ranging from $5 to $20. However, the gel must be purchased separately at an additional cost.

 

Are You a Candidate for At-Home Teeth Whitening?

For many, at-home teeth whitening is more favorable, because it has no restrictions on candidacy. This is not to say at-home treatments are for everyone, simply that they have no way to enforce their recommendations. Anyone can purchase at-home treatments online, regardless of their oral health ‒ a requirement for in-office treatments. During an in-office consultation, a doctor would determine whether or not you were in good standing to undergo treatment.

Any underlying oral health conditions would need to be addressed before undergoing an in-office whitening treatment. Why? Patients with tooth decay or gum disease can experience significant pain due to the concentrated bleaching gel. Also, some stains can not be treated. Patients with deep, or “intrinsic” staining, are often disappointed by the less-than-effective results. Knowing this, a dentist can recommend other treatments, such as veneers. Essentially, you waste less money and have more to spend on the most effective treatment.

 

Advantages of Seeing a Dentist for Whitening

Unlike at-home teeth whitening, professional teeth whitening has more benefits than risks. Cost aside, the most obvious benefit is that you will receive the most effective, high-quality products for more thorough whitening results. On top of being reliable, the results are almost instant. You can even opt for one treatment session, or a handful, depending on your schedule and budget. A professional also has your safety in mind, meaning the dentist can adjust the whitening agent concentration as needed, and cover sensitive areas of the mouth for protection. They can also provide tips on how to prevent post-treatment sensitivity.

A fantastic option for people seeking teeth-whitening treatment who do not have time for in-office visits is Zoom whitening. Many dentists offer Zoom in-office, but can make custom trays and provide gel for you to perform the treatment at home. This option allows you to receive the recommended oral health assessment prior to starting any treatment, yet allows you to perform the procedure at the most convenient time for you.

For noticeably whiter teeth and a smile you will take pride in, look no further than NK Family Dental. Our practice is proud to offer patients the highly respected and safe Zoom and Opalescence brands of teeth whitening treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening. We look forward to meeting you!