Teeth Whitening

Brightening your smile is a fast, simple upgrade that can take years off your appearance. At John T. Zaffer, DDS, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Dr. Zaffer offers many professional teeth whitening solutions to suit your needs, including laser whitening and custom take-home whitening kits. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about achieving a bright, healthy smile.  

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening involves lightening the natural color of your teeth without damaging the protective enamel that covers them. Bright, white teeth are a symbol of youth and vitality. 

As you age, your teeth naturally darken and turn yellow. Many foods, drinks, and medications can dull your teeth. Enamel also gradually wears down with age, exposing the darker dentin beneath. Teeth whitening treatments can help you reclaim the radiant smile you once enjoyed.

What are the different teeth whitening methods?

Many teeth whitening solutions are available to brighten your smile, including:

Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening

OTC whitening strips, toothpaste, and mouth rinses can deliver subtle results for slightly discolored teeth, but they can’t penetrate below the surface. OTC products have lower concentrations of the bleaching agents that make teeth whitening less effective. While they may be cheaper in the short term, they can’t provide fast, dramatic results like professional solutions.

Chairside laser teeth whitening

Laser teeth whitening is the fastest way to remove tooth stains. Combining laser technology with professional-grade bleaching agents, like hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, can whiten discolored teeth by several shades in a single visit. Laser teeth whitening offers a safe, effective, and long-lasting path toward a noticeably brighter smile.

Take-home whitening kits

Professional take-home whitening kits bridge the gap between OTC products and laser teeth whitening. Dr. Zaffer creates custom-made whitening trays that mold to the shape of your teeth. This process ensures even distribution of the whitening gel for visible results within a few weeks or less.

Who might benefit from teeth whitening?

Nearly anybody with discolored teeth can benefit from professional whitening. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, teeth whitening can deliver a boost of confidence in less than an hour. Teeth whitening may be right for you if you:

• Drink coffee, tea, or red wine
• Eat tooth-staining foods like berries, soy sauce, or curries
• Take certain medications, including tetracycline and antihistamines
• Have genetically thin enamel
• Smoke 

After discussing your cosmetic concerns and evaluating your oral health, Dr. Zaffer can recommend the best type of teeth whitening to suit your needs.

Call John T. Zaffer, DDS, today or schedule an appointment online to discover how teeth whitening can transform your smile.