How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening lifts stains that everyday brushing cannot reach. The treatment uses a professional-strength gel made with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks discoloration into smaller particles through a gentle oxidation process. According to the American Dental Association, deeply pigmented compounds called chromogens from foods and drinks attach to your enamel and build up over time, so cleaning the surface alone rarely restores brightness. Because the gel works below the surface of the enamel, it can brighten teeth several shades beyond what over-the-counter strips or toothpastes achieve.
We offer two professional options. In-office whitening delivers fast, dramatic results in a single visit, while custom take-home trays brighten your smile gradually over a couple of weeks. Both use professional-grade gel that is far stronger and more even than store-bought kits, and we help you choose the approach that fits your timeline and your comfort.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration
Understanding why teeth darken helps you choose the right treatment and keep your results longer. Stains generally fall into two groups, surface stains that build up on the enamel and deeper stains that form within the tooth. Common causes include:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas, which carry deeply colored pigments
- Tobacco use, which leaves stubborn yellow and brown stains
- Natural aging, as enamel thins and the yellower dentin beneath shows through
- Certain medications, including some taken during childhood tooth development
- Excess fluoride during early development, known as fluorosis
- Injury to a tooth, which can darken it from the inside
Surface stains usually respond well to professional whitening, while deeper stains may lighten more gradually. During your visit we identify the type of discoloration you have so we can set realistic expectations for your results.
The GLO Whitening Process
The GLO whitening process begins with a thorough cleaning to remove surface stains and ensure even contact between the gel and your teeth. We then place protective barriers over your gums before applying the professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel.
What sets GLO apart is its patented mouthpiece, which delivers gentle warming heat and light to activate the gel. This acceleration helps the gel work more effectively without raising sensitivity, and the controlled temperature and timing keep treatment comfortable while maximizing results. Most patients notice a visibly brighter smile after a single in-office session.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Professional whitening works best on natural teeth with yellow or brown discoloration. Before recommending any cosmetic treatment, we examine your teeth and gums to confirm they are healthy enough for whitening. It is worth knowing that whitening does not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings, so if you have visible restorations we will talk through whether whitening fits your goals or whether updating that dental work makes more sense.
Whitening can also be adjusted for anyone with gum recession or sensitive teeth, and results vary with the type and cause of discoloration. Most patients lighten three to eight shades, with yellow tones responding faster than brown or gray. During your consultation we discuss your goals and build a plan around your smile and your oral health.
Maintaining Your Whiter Smile
Professional whitening gives dramatic results, and a few simple habits keep your smile bright for longer. After treatment we share recommendations tailored to your routine.
Limiting staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas makes a real difference, and sipping through a straw helps too. Brushing and flossing well removes surface stains before they set, and occasional touch-ups with professional take-home trays maintain your results between visits. Many Lincoln Park patients find that pairing in-office whitening with at-home maintenance gives the longest-lasting brightness, with periodic touch-ups as needed.
Combining Teeth Whitening with Other Cosmetic Treatments
Teeth whitening often makes an ideal first step in a smile makeover. Many patients brighten their teeth before other cosmetic work such as composite bonding or veneers, so the new restorations can be matched to a lighter, brighter shade. If you are considering more than one treatment, we help you plan the best sequence for your goals.
For patients with alignment concerns, pairing orthodontic treatment with whitening can transform a smile. We offer orthodontic care in our Lincoln Park office, including airway orthodontics with Dr. Silva, and whitening can follow once your teeth are properly aligned.
Teeth Whitening Pricing and Payment Plans
Estimated Range $350 to $450
Monthly Payments Starting At $30
Our professional teeth whitening is designed to brighten your smile safely and effectively, and treatment typically costs between $350 and $450 depending on the method you choose. Financing is available with monthly payments as low as $30 through CareCredit, and we accept many major dental insurance plans to help lower your costs wherever possible.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening at Floss Lincoln Park
Ready for a brighter, more confident smile? Our team at Floss Lincoln Park pairs GLO whitening technology with personalized care to deliver results that look natural and last. We have helped many Lincoln Park patients refresh their smiles with safe, effective whitening built around their goals.
Whether you are preparing for a special occasion or simply want to look and feel your best, we are here to help. Call us today at 872-316-7233 or schedule your consultation to take the first step toward a brighter smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr. Delone Jouja, DMD
How much does professional teeth whitening cost at Floss Lincoln Park?
Professional teeth whitening at our Lincoln Park office typically costs between $350 and $450, depending on the method you choose and any current promotions. We use the GLO Whitening system, a professional-grade option that delivers excellent results. In-office whitening gives immediate brightening, while custom take-home trays whiten gradually over time. Both use professional-strength gel that is far more effective than over-the-counter products. We also offer CareCredit financing and in-house payment plans, so a lack of insurance is never a barrier to treatment.
Is professional teeth whitening safe for my enamel?
Yes, when performed by a qualified dental professional, teeth whitening is completely safe for your enamel. Our whitening systems use carefully controlled concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that have been clinically tested for safety and effectiveness. We protect your gums and soft tissues during treatment and can adjust the strength based on your sensitivity level. Any temporary sensitivity typically subsides within 24-48 hours after treatment.
What's the difference between in-office and take-home whitening?
In-office whitening uses a higher concentration bleaching gel and typically lightens teeth 3-8 shades in a single 60-90 minute appointment. It’s perfect for immediate results before special events. Take-home professional kits use custom-fitted trays and a lower concentration gel worn for 30 minutes to 2 hours daily over 2-3 weeks. This method provides more gradual, comfortable whitening and can achieve similar results with less sensitivity. Both methods are far more effective than over-the-counter products.
Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel and will not change the color of crowns, veneers, fillings, or other dental restorations. If you have visible restorations in your smile zone, we’ll discuss whether whitening is appropriate or if replacement of restorations might be needed to match your newly whitened teeth. It’s best to complete whitening treatment before placing new crowns or veneers so we can match them to your desired tooth shade.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, we can modify treatment for patients with sensitive teeth. We may recommend a lower concentration gel, shorter treatment sessions, or the use of desensitizing agents before and after whitening. Take-home trays often cause less sensitivity than in-office treatment because they use gentler concentrations. We also provide fluoride treatments and recommend sensitivity toothpaste to minimize discomfort. Most sensitivity is temporary and resolves within a few days.
How white can my teeth get with professional whitening?
Most patients can expect their teeth to lighten 3-8 shades with professional whitening, though individual results vary based on the original tooth color and type of staining. Yellow stains typically respond better than brown or gray stains. Teeth have a natural limit to how white they can become, and we’ll discuss realistic expectations during your consultation. Our goal is to achieve a natural, bright smile that complements your facial features.
Why should I choose professional whitening over store-bought products?
Professional whitening uses higher concentration bleaching agents (15-35% hydrogen peroxide) compared to over-the-counter products (3-10%), resulting in faster, more dramatic results. We provide custom-fitted trays for even application and protect your gums from irritation. Professional treatment is supervised by our dental team, ensuring safety and optimal results. While store-bought products cost less upfront, professional whitening provides better value with longer-lasting, more predictable results and fewer treatments needed over time.
