or call +1 (312) 372-3323
Teeth Whitening Chicago
Brighten Your Smile Today
Enhance your look and improve first impressions with a brighter, more radiant smile. Improve the color of your teeth 2-6 shades whiter in just 1 visit!
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Dentist in Chicago
Meet Dr. Jessica Mehta
Dr. Jessica Mehta is regarded as one of the top comprehensive dentists in Chicago with over 400 Google reviews and a 4.9/5 star rating.
She earned her dental degree through a prestigious pre-dental scholars program at Marquette University and stays current through ongoing education. Outside the office, she enjoys life in Chicago with her Cavapoochon pup, neighborhood adventures, puzzles, and great food and wine.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
At Chicago Loop Dentistry, we understand the impact of a radiant smile. Located in the heart of Chicago, we’re proud to offer comprehensive teeth whitening services as part of our extensive range of cosmetic dentistry solutions.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to remove stains and discoloration, brightening your smile. Over time, teeth can become stained due to various factors such as aging, certain foods and drinks, tobacco use, and certain medications. Our professional teeth whitening service can help restore your smile’s sparkle and enhance your confidence.
How It Works
During the teeth whitening process, a whitening agent is applied to your teeth. This agent penetrates the enamel and breaks down the stains, resulting in a significantly whiter smile. Rest assured, our team will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you are comfortable and informed at every stage.
Book Online
or call +1 (312) 372-3323
New patients are always welcome at our practice. Give us a call or book an appointment online.
Book Online
or call +1 (312) 372-3323
We Pinky Promise
Our mission is simple – give our patients the best dental experience they’ve ever had.
35
+
Years serving Chicago
376
+
5 Star Reviews
Types of Tooth Discoloration
Yellow Discoloration
Yellow tooth discoloration is one of the most common tooth discoloration types. The appearance of yellow teeth can be due to your enamel wearing down, stains adhering to your teeth, or your teeth not being as clean as you think they are.
Brown Discoloration
Brown tooth discoloration can be more dangerous than yellow discoloration and is something you’ll want to look out for as you get older. While a brown color doesn’t always mean something is critically wrong with your teeth (it could be because of staining), it may point towards a more serious issue. If your teeth start to decay, they may turn a darker yellow or brown color as the surfaces of your teeth are worn down.
White Discoloration
You may be thinking, “What? White discoloration– that’s a thing”? White tooth discoloration is what’s known as fluorosis, which happens when you use too much fluoride, whitening products, or whitening toothpaste. It causes little white spots on your teeth to form.
White discoloration may also be noticeable after individuals get braces or retainers removed from their teeth. This is usually due to poor brushing and flossing habits, instead of other factors. With this type of white discoloration, people usually notice white spots in the middle of their teeth where the braces or retainer used to be.
Purple, Red, or Blue Discoloration
If you’ve ever had a glass of wine, enjoyed some beets, or other highly pigmented foods, you may notice your teeth staining specific colors afterward. The Purple, red, and blue discoloration you may see is not due to your enamel wearing down. Instead, it’s caused by stains that occur for one reason or another.
Black Discoloration
Black tooth discoloration is the most dangerous type of discoloration there is. If you notice your teeth are black or very dark gray, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta at your earliest convenience to stop this discoloration in its tracks.
Black tooth discoloration is usually attributed to tooth decay, which is when bacteria or other substances eat at the surface of your teeth, causing them to rot or layers to be completely etched away. If left untreated, rotten teeth can lead to abscesses or the need to remove the tooth altogether.
Most Common Reasons For Tooth Discoloration
Now that you have a better idea about different categories of tooth discoloration, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for what may be causing your discoloration. It’s important to remember that even if you take good care of your teeth, they still may be discolored, and that’s okay. Dr. Mehta and her team at Chicago Loop Dentistry are here to help you out!
Poor Dental Hygiene
One of the most common reasons why your teeth may be discolored is improper dental hygiene, especially if you’re younger and don’t have any preexisting health conditions that put you at risk for tooth discoloration. For tips on how to make sure your dental hygiene is top-notch, refer to the section below titled “Things To Do Naturally Whiten Your Teeth and Prevent Further Discoloration”.
Aging
Unfortunately, everyone gets older. As time goes on, our body and bodily processes won’t be as strong as they once were. This goes for the condition of our teeth as well. During the aging process, your teeth may become thinner as well as more yellow as your enamel wears off. As much as we’re sure you take good care of your teeth, some things just can’t be helped, and aging teeth are one of those things.
Genetics
Genetics is another factor that plays a role in how white our teeth are. Some people are simply born with more enamel, less enamel, or naturally whiter teeth. Others may be born with certain health conditions or predisposed genes that determine how yellow or white our teeth are.
Two of these conditions are dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta. Although these conditions are rare, it’s important that you’re aware of them in case you suspect you or someone you know has one.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a condition where one’s teeth are discolored (usually a yellow-brown or blue-gray color) and more translucent than normal. People with this condition may also have teeth that are thinner than ‘normal’ teeth, which naturally makes them weaker and more prone to discoloration over time.
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a similar genetic condition affecting tooth growth. People with this condition have smaller teeth, pitted/grooved, or discolored (usually a yellow-brown color). Amelogenesis imperfecta also makes teeth more prone to discoloration, breakage, and greater-than-normal wear.
Disease or Illness
Similar to genetics causing tooth discoloration, certain diseases and illnesses may cause your teeth to become discolored as well. If you have certain conditions that require radiation or chemotherapy for treatment, chances are your teeth will naturally become discolored even if only by a little bit.
Additionally, if a pregnant mother contracts an illness or gets cavities, that bacteria may be passed onto the baby and cause their teeth to be naturally discolored when they’re born.
Most of the time, these are things that can’t be helped. If you struggle with discolored teeth after being treated for a certain disease, please reach out to Dr. Mehta at Chicago Loop Dentistry. She and her team would love to help you restore your teeth to the pearly whites you want them to be.
Medications or Other Dental Procedures
Just as much as medications are designed to help people heal and feel better, they can have adverse effects on the body too. Certain dental procedures may also affect the way that teeth are colored, too.
For a long time, it has been known that certain antipsychotic, antihypertensive, antibiotics, and other medications can and do discolor the teeth to be a yellow or brown color. Certain mouthwashes or other prescriptions that children have under the age of 8 can also affect enamel growth, leading to discolored teeth when adult teeth are developed.
Additionally, certain dental procedures may leave teeth with a gray stain or film over them for a while after the procedure is finished. These stains usually go away with time, though.
Food, Drinks, Tobacco, and/or Smoking
Aside from poor dental hygiene, the food and drinks we consume play the largest role in the color of our teeth. This is amplified even more if you smoke cigarettes or consume chewing tobacco. The following list details some of the most common food and drink items that are prone to staining teeth and making them discolored:
Trauma
Another reason that may be causing your tooth discoloration is any trauma or injury your teeth have experienced. Whether your teeth were hit by something, you fell and chipped your teeth, or had another injury, it’s possible to have your teeth discolored as a result of the trauma. Even if they aren’t immediately knocked out or discolored, the affected area can discolor faster or easier than other areas of your mouth.
Your Environment
Last but not least, your teeth may be discolored due to the environment where you spend most of your time. Whether at work or home, if you are consistently in an area that is dusty, dirty, or uses radiation and other light waves, these things may all affect the color of your teeth the longer you’re in them.
What To Avoid While Trying to Whiten Your Teeth (and Prevent Further Discoloration)
We’ve all been there before. You get sick of being unhappy with the color of your teeth and decide to look up quick fixes on the internet. The first article you see reads “3 natural ways to whiten your teeth fast”. It’s natural, so you should be good to go, right? Well, not always. Even if there’s a website claiming your teeth can get whiter after following certain steps for 10 minutes a day, it doesn’t always mean it’s safe for your teeth.
There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, especially with the rise of social media trends and catchy advertising. Unfortunately, you shouldn’t believe everything you see when it comes to the health of your teeth. This section will talk about what you shouldn’t do and things you should avoid when trying to whiten your teeth or prevent new discoloration from occurring.
- Avoid Acidic and Pigmented Food
- Avoid Natural Remedies That Require the Use of Vinegar or Baking Soda
- Don’t Scrub Your Teeth With Oil and Spices
- Ditch the Activated Charcoal Toothpaste, Scrubs, and Other Products
Try Chicago Loop Dentistry’s Safe, Quick, and Inexpensive Teeth Whitening Kit
If you’ve tried teeth whitening kits and aren’t receiving the pearly whites you desire, it may be time to consider veneers. What are veneers? Veneers are cosmetic dental treatments that consist of porcelain or other materials. They’re essentially thin covers that go over the surface of your teeth that instantly make them whiter and the color you desire.
How durable are porcelain veneers? With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.
Dr. Mehta will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.
Refraining from using your veneers as tools to open and cut things will prolong their life, and if accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to replace only the veneer involved.
Why Choose Chicago Loop Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
Our team of experienced dental professionals uses the latest whitening techniques and technologies to ensure you receive the most effective treatment. At Chicago Loop Dentistry, we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options, allowing you to choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
Our in-office whitening treatment can dramatically brighten your smile in just one visit, while our take-home kits provide the convenience of whitening your teeth at your own pace. Both options are designed to deliver impressive results, with your safety and comfort in mind.
If you’re ready to transform your smile and boost your confidence with our teeth whitening service, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Chicago Loop Dentistry. We’re here to help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you’ve always desired.
At Chicago Loop Dentistry, we believe in the transformative power of a bright, beautiful smile. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve your dream smile through our top-tier cosmetic dentistry services, including our professional teeth whitening service. Connect with us today and let us light up your smile – we look forward to serving you
How to reach us
Phone: +1 (312) 372-3323
Text: +1 (833) 785-7494
Email: info@chicagoloopdentistry.com
Hours:
Monday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Things to Do To Naturally Whiten Your Teeth and Prevent New Discoloration
Now that you know how not to enhance the health of your teeth, you’ll learn about things you can do to prevent further discoloration.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Remember at the dentist’s office as a kid when you got the dreaded question “How often do you brush your teeth”? As much as you may not have liked hearing that as a kid, there is merit to it. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that you brush your teeth twice a day (usually day and night) to keep them clean and prevent discoloration, disease, and cavities.
Try Over-The-Counter Whiteners
We’ve all seen the commercials- whitening strips, a teeth whitening pen, whitening toothpaste, or other over-the-counter products that promise to whiten your teeth after just one use! But how effective are these things, really? Although they may seem gimmicky, most over-the-counter whiteners are approved by the ADA and are proven to provide whiter teeth to most people who use them.
Over-the-counter kits usually contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which are both two chemicals that provide a “bleaching” effect to the teeth, effectively removing stains and brightening their look.
Floss Your Teeth and Use Mouthwash
Another way to keep your teeth white and prevent them from becoming discolored is to floss once a day and use mouthwash after flossing. This removes any food, plaque, or other things from the surface of your teeth and gums and overall contributes to a healthier smile.
Take Advantage of Straws When Drinking Liquids That Stain Teeth
One thing you may not have thought about that helps prevent new tooth discoloration is using straws when you drink dark or staining liquids. Straws prevent the liquid from hitting your teeth, so you don’t even have to worry about staining or discoloration from happening to begin with. Using straws can also be helpful to folks who have sensitive teeth.
Consider Professional Whitening Treatments or Veneers
Another solution that is guaranteed to whiten your teeth is professional whitening treatments or other cosmetic dentistry. There are many different treatments that dental hygienists and dentists themselves can recommend to you and implement. These options can be one-time treatments, at-home treatments, or in-office treatments.
If you’re interested in purchasing professional whitening treatments for your beautiful smile, consider Chicago Loop Dentistry’s safe, quick, and inexpensive teeth whitening kit! You can read more about this kit in the section below, titled “Try Chicago Loop Dentistry’s Safe, Quick, and Inexpensive Teeth Whitening Kit”.
Attend Regular Dental Hygiene Appointments Every 6 Months
To go right along with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, Dr. Mehta recommends that you get routine cleaning performed every 6 months. This not only ensures your teeth are clean with the best technology and products available, but they’re also routinely checked for any cavities, disease, injury, or decay. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
If you haven’t had a check-up in a year or more, that’s more than okay too. Chicago Loop Dentistry strives to provide the best service possible to all people, regardless of when you had your last cleaning.
Zoom Teeth Whitening
What to expect after wisdom teeth removal
If you prefer teeth that are immediately whiter right now or you would rather whiten your teeth over a few nights while you sleep, Dr. Mehta has your answer with our In-Office Whitening System. It uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades* in a little over an hour while you relax at your dentist’s office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. The Take-Home Whitening System uses a revolutionary patent-pending gel to whiten your teeth an average of six shades in three nights*. And you may go even lighter with additional applications. Start on Friday and by Monday you’ll have a whole new smile.
Strips or paint-on gels are a waste of time. Get your teeth whiter in a fraction of the time with In-Office Whitening.
What is In-Office Teeth Whitening?
In-Office is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.
What can cause tooth discoloration?
In-Office is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. With an oral exam, Dr. Mehta can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.
Is tooth whitening becoming more popular?
Absolutely! A bright, beautiful smile can make a big difference. The In-Office Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, In-Office whitening is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
Do the results last a long time?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and touch-ups with a take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.
Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and In-Office Whitening?
Yes! Consulting Dr. Mehta is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. In-Office Whitening is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades* in one hour or six shades* in just one weekend.
How does the In-Office System work?
The In-Office system’s whitening gel’s active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any colored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged. We activate the Hydrogen Peroxide in the office by mixing the gel which helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.
Is the In-office procedure painful?
No. During the procedure, patients can actually watch television or listen to music. Many fall asleep.
Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.
How long is the procedure?
The entire procedure takes just over one hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A fluoride treatment completes the procedure (we recommend a cleaning prior to the actual In-Office Whitening session).
How is the Take-Home System different from the In-Office System?
The main difference between the two systems is that you use the Take-Home System in the convenience of your own home over a few nights. The In-Office System is performed entirely in the office.
Schedule an Appointment
Chicago Loop Dentistry combines first-rate general, restorative, and cosmetic dental care with a commitment to your long-term health and comfort. Conveniently located on the loop, our dental clinic serves patients throughout downtown Chicago and the surrounding area.
