Getting your teeth cleaned and whitened is a great way to improve your oral health and enhance your appearance. A bright, white smile can help you feel confident and beautiful. This is especially true if your teeth are discolored or stained from eating certain foods, smoking, or drinking alcohol.

In order to achieve the best results, you need to have your teeth whitened at a dental office. Over-the-counter solutions aren’t as effective as professional whitening methods, and overuse can destroy your tooth enamel and gums. You may also experience sensitivity, which is temporary. The solution will not work on caps or crowns.

If you want to brighten your teeth and enhance your smile, you can find a professional Chicago teeth cleaning and whitening service at The Chicago Lux Smiles. Their staff will help you choose the best method of treatment to achieve the result you’re looking for.

Before you can start a whitening treatment, your dentist will need to clean your teeth and remove any tartar or plaque. This will allow the whitening gel to penetrate the surface of your teeth, break up stains, and make your teeth look whiter. You should follow a good oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Your dentist may also recommend you use a take-home whitening kit.

Some people opt for in-office whitening, which offers faster results. These treatments utilize the most powerful whitening solutions to make your teeth up to eight shades lighter than before. You can expect dramatic results in an hour. Your dentist will provide you with a shade guide to determine which shade you are currently at, and will match it to the desired shade. You can then lie down in the chair while your teeth are being whitened. You’ll be able to watch your favorite TV show or movie while you wait for the whitening to complete.

Once the whitening is complete, you’ll need to keep your teeth white by avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages. It is also a good idea to brush after meals to ensure that your teeth are free from debris. If you’re planning to go on vacation, you can pack a teeth bleaching tray so you can lighten your teeth while you’re away. You can use the tray at work as well, so you can have a whiter, brighter smile while you’re on the road.

Your dentist will also evaluate the condition of your teeth. If they need to be repaired, you can have them whitened before you have them fixed. If your teeth are stained, you may want to consider veneers to cover the stains. They will be custom made to match the color of your surrounding teeth, so they won’t yellow like your natural teeth.

Your teeth are susceptible to discoloration from aging, smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating acidic foods. They can be affected by medication interactions, nerve damage, and poor brushing and flossing habits. They can also be affected by cigarette smoke, which is the leading cause of stubborn tooth stains.