Smiles by Design Chicago

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the more popular ways to beautify a smile. There are two methods to whitening teeth: bleaching gel and laser bleaching.

Bleaching Gel

There are two main methods of gel bleaching:

• Over-the-Counter / Self-Performed
• Dentist Distributed / Self-Performed

Over-the-Counter / Self-Performed

Over-the-counter products, such as Crest Whitestrips, Colgate Visible White and Rembrandt Whitening Kit, provide a cost-effective method of obtaining whiter teeth. The whitening agent is usually 10% carbamide peroxide, which is equivalent to about 3% hydrogen. This is much weaker than the 15% to 43% hydrogen peroxide concentrations contained in professionally applied tooth whitening products. This translates into the longer time it takes to obtain the desired results. Also, because the strips are generic in size, people incur more sensitivity issues using this method.

Dentist Distributed / Self-Performed

With dentist-supervised bleaching procedures, you’ll receive customized trays that better fit your teeth, reducing the amount of sensitivity you may experience. Results are fully obtained quicker than over-the-counter solutions. Your dentist will want to monitor your progress to ensure safe results.

Laser Bleaching

Laser bleaching utilizes a bleaching solution and laser light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching in our office. The laser bleaching process takes only one visit, for about an hour, yet the effects of this type of teeth whitening can last for several months to over a year.. Smiles by Design is proud to be a ZOOM™ from Discus Dental. If you don’t have the patience to wear trays, or you need your teeth bleached yesterday, call our office and set up an appointment for a ZOOM™ bleaching session.

	Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products (i.e. Crest Whitestrips)	Dentist-distributed Bleaching Products (i.e. Zoom™,  NiteWhite™, DayWhite™)	Laser Bleaching
Length of Treatment	7 – 30 days	7 – 14 days	1-2 hours
Length of Results	12 – 18 months with regular maintenance		6 months – 2 years with regular maintenance
Quality of Results	3 – 4 shades	6 shades	8 shades
Pros	Cost Self applied, convenient	Self applied, convenient Less sensitivity Less fadeback	Immediate results Long lasting Less fadeback Safe & comfortable Performed by Dental Professional
Cons	Inconsistent results Results not immediate Sensitivity Fadeback, must be maintained	Results not immediate More costly than over-the-counter	Cost
Cost	$25 – $45	$100 – $400	$650 – $1000

Note: Tooth whitening does not usually change the color of fillings, porcelain veneers, and other ceramics, or dental gold. However, it can slightly affect restorations made with composite materials, cements and dental amalgams. Tooth whitening may restore color of fillings, porcelain, and other ceramics when they become stained by foods, drinks, and smoking, am