Teeth Whitening in Chicago, IL
Few changes lift your confidence quite like a brighter smile. Dr. Raffi offers professional whitening at Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry that outperforms anything you can buy over the counter, and usually by a wide margin. Prefer to walk out whiter the same day, or brighten gradually with custom take-home trays? Either way, we help you reach the shade you want safely and effectively.
What it is
Professional-grade bleaching that lifts away years of stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and simple aging, and it works far better than over-the-counter strips or toothpaste.
Who it's for
Anyone whose teeth look stained, yellowed, or dull and who wants a brighter, more youthful smile. Surface (extrinsic) staining on natural teeth responds best.
How we help
You choose between two options: in-office laser whitening for fast results in about 30 minutes, or custom take-home trays that brighten gradually on your own schedule.
Ready to brighten your smile? Professional whitening delivers visible results in a single visit.
Your Whitening Options
In-Office Laser Whitening
- How it works: A professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth, then activated with a special light in 15-minute increments
- Time: The entire treatment takes about 30 minutes
- Results: Dramatically whiter teeth in a single visit, often several shades brighter
- Safety: Your gums are protected with a special barrier, and Dr. Raffi monitors the entire process
- Best for: Patients who want immediate, dramatic results
Custom Take-Home Trays
- How it works: Dr. Raffi creates custom-fitted trays that slide perfectly over your teeth, filled with a professional whitening gel
- Time: Wear the trays for a prescribed time each day, typically 1–2 weeks
- Results: Gradual brightening, with visible improvement in as little as 3 days
- Control: You decide how white you want your teeth and can use the trays for future touch-ups
- Best for: Patients who prefer convenience and gradual results at home
Professional vs. Over-the-Counter
- Strength: Professional whitening uses higher concentrations of bleaching agents for faster, more dramatic results
- Custom fit: Take-home trays are molded to your teeth for even coverage, while store-bought strips often miss spots
- Safety: Dr. Raffi evaluates your teeth first to ensure whitening is safe and appropriate for your situation
- Supervision: Any sensitivity or concerns can be addressed immediately
- Lasting results: Professional whitening typically lasts 1–3 years with proper maintenance
Maintaining Your Results
- Avoid staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, berries) for 48 hours after treatment
- Use a straw when drinking beverages that stain
- Brush twice daily and floss every night
- Schedule regular cleanings at {{ site.practiceName }} to remove surface stains
- Use your take-home trays for occasional touch-ups as needed
- Avoid tobacco products, which cause significant staining
Store-bought kits simply can't match what professional whitening achieves. See the difference for yourself.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Evaluation: Dr. Raffi examines your teeth to ensure whitening is appropriate and recommends the best option for your goals
- Shade assessment: We document your current tooth shade to measure your improvement
- Treatment: In-office whitening is completed the same day; take-home trays require impressions and a brief fitting visit
- Results: In-office patients leave with a visibly brighter smile; take-home patients see results within days
Helpful Tips
- A professional cleaning before whitening removes surface stains and helps the bleaching agent work more effectively
- Whitening works best on natural teeth, since existing crowns, veneers, and fillings won't change color
- Temporary sensitivity is common but usually resolves within a day or two
- If you have deep or intrinsic staining, Dr. Raffi may recommend veneers for the best cosmetic result
- Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or for children under 16
Frequently Asked Questions
Results vary with the type and severity of your staining, but most patients end up several shades brighter than when they started. Teeth stained by food, drink, and tobacco (extrinsic stains) tend to respond especially well to professional whitening.
During your consultation, Dr. Raffi looks at the nature of your staining and gives you a realistic sense of the improvement you can expect, so your goals and the likely outcome line up before treatment begins.
Yes. Professional whitening has been studied extensively and is safe when it is supervised by a dentist. The concentrated products used in the office are stronger than store-bought kits, which is exactly why professional oversight matters.
At our Chicago and Bourbonnais, IL offices, Dr. Raffi examines your teeth and gums before treatment to confirm you are a good candidate, then protects your gums throughout the procedure. That mix of evaluation and protection keeps professional whitening both effective and gentle.
Some patients do notice temporary sensitivity during or shortly after whitening, most often a brief twinge to hot or cold. For the majority it settles within 24 to 48 hours and leaves no lasting effect.
If you already tend toward sensitive teeth, mention it ahead of time. Dr. Raffi can recommend a desensitizing treatment before or after whitening and adjust the approach so you stay comfortable.
Professional whitening results typically last 1 to 3 years, though the exact span depends heavily on your daily habits. A few things speed up re-staining:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine
- Tobacco in any form
- Deeply pigmented foods like berries and dark sauces
Cutting back on those, keeping up good hygiene, and doing occasional touch-ups with your take-home trays can stretch your results considerably.
No. Professional whitening products are formulated to break up stains without harming tooth enamel, and decades of use back up their safety when they are applied as directed.
The bigger risk comes from over-the-counter products used too often or incorrectly, which can trigger sensitivity. Having whitening supervised by a dentist keeps the concentration and timing appropriate for your teeth, which is one more reason the professional route is worth it.
Whitening agents only lighten natural tooth enamel. Existing crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding are made from materials that do not respond to bleaching, so they keep their original shade no matter how long you whiten.
If whitening leaves a visible restoration looking darker than your freshened natural teeth, Dr. Raffi can talk through replacing it so everything matches. Many patients whiten first, then update any visible restorations to the new, brighter shade.
A brighter smile is just one visit away. Book your whitening consultation today.
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Visit Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry
Chicago Office
6215 W Touhy Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
Bourbonnais Office
876 N Convent St
Bourbonnais, IL 60914