Our team at Floss & Co. would love to meet you and your family and provide you with the dental care you deserve!
Professional teeth whitening delivers results that over-the-counter strips, trays, and pens simply can’t match. Store-bought products use low-concentration bleaching agents and one-size-fits-all delivery systems that limit how much they can actually move the needle. Professional whitening uses higher-strength hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel applied precisely to each tooth, with gum protection in place, by a trained dental professional who adjusts the approach to your starting shade and sensitivity level.
At Floss & Co., Dr. Martha Silva, Dr. Izzy Naem, and Dr. Catherine Murphy provide professional teeth whitening as part of our cosmetic dentistry services in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge. We offer both in-office whitening for same-day results and customized take-home trays for patients who prefer to whiten on their own schedule. Both options use professional-grade whitening agents precisely tailored to your starting shade and sensitivity level.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration? (And What Whitening Can Fix)
Teeth discoloration is extremely common and can stem from both lifestyle factors and causes entirely outside your control. Understanding which category your staining falls into matters — because it determines what whitening can realistically achieve for you.
Extrinsic staining (surface-level, most responsive to whitening) includes stains from dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries; tobacco use; and plaque buildup from inconsistent oral hygiene. These stains sit on or just below the enamel surface and typically respond very well to professional whitening.
Intrinsic staining (deeper, within the tooth structure) includes discoloration from aging as the enamel thins and the underlying dentin yellows; dental trauma that affects the tooth’s internal structure; certain medications taken during tooth development like tetracycline or high blood pressure drugs; and conditions like celiac disease or excessive fluoride exposure. Intrinsic staining is more resistant to whitening and may require alternative cosmetic treatments like veneers or bonding.
During your consultation, we’ll examine the color and pattern of your discoloration, review your health history, and give you an honest assessment of what whitening will and won’t do for your specific situation.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
Our in-office whitening treatment uses a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel applied directly to the tooth surfaces. Here’s what a typical appointment looks like:
Shade assessment and polish. We record your current tooth shade and polish the teeth to create a clean surface for the whitening gel to adhere to.
Protection. We use gauze, cheek retractors, and a protective barrier along the gumline to keep the whitening solution off soft tissue throughout the procedure.
Gel application. We apply the whitening solution to the front surfaces of your teeth. You keep your mouth closed during treatment, which prevents dryness and reduces post-treatment sensitivity.
Activation. A curing light or laser activates the peroxide, which penetrates the enamel and breaks up staining compounds beneath the surface. This phase takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Rinse and fluoride. We rinse the gel and apply fluoride to help manage any sensitivity you may experience after treatment.
For patients who prefer to whiten at home or want to maintain their in-office results, we also provide customized take-home whitening trays with professional-grade gel. These are fabricated from impressions of your teeth for a precise fit — very different from the one-size-fits-all strips and trays sold at drugstores — and typically produce results over two to three weeks of regular use.
Ready for a Whiter Smile?
In-office professional whitening delivers results most patients can see after a single visit. Schedule your consultation and we'll show you what's realistic for your smile.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATIONIs Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Whitening works well for most patients, but it’s not the right solution for everyone — and knowing upfront whether it will work for you saves time and sets realistic expectations.
Teeth whitening is most effective for patients with healthy teeth and gums whose discoloration is primarily extrinsic — surface staining from food, drink, or tobacco. It works on natural tooth enamel only. It will not change the shade of dental crowns, veneers, bonding, or other restorations. If you have significant restorative work on your front teeth, whitening the surrounding natural teeth may create a shade mismatch. We’ll flag this during your consultation and discuss your options.
Whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy, for patients with severe gum disease or untreated cavities (those need to be addressed first), or for patients with significant intrinsic staining from tetracycline or trauma — where results are typically minimal. For those cases, porcelain veneers or dental bonding are often a better path to the result you want.
Professional Teeth Whitening Close to Home
Brighter Smiles for Chicago Southwest Communities
Achieve a whiter, brighter smile with professional teeth whitening treatment designed for the busy lifestyles of Chicago’s southwest communities. Our Chicago whitening team provides fast, effective results without the hassle of traveling across the city.
Neighborhood Whitening Services For:
- Garfield Ridge – Your local teeth whitening specialist offering affordable professional whitening options
- Midway Airport Area – Quick whitening appointments perfect for busy professionals seeking immediate results
- Bridgeview – Convenient professional whitening without long commutes for touch-up treatments
- Burbank – Expert whitening care with easy access for maintenance and follow-up visits
Why Local Whitening Treatment Works: Quick appointment scheduling fits busy schedules, familiar team provides personalized whitening plans, and convenient location for any sensitivity management or touch-ups needed.
Complete Whitening Services: In-office professional teeth whitening, take-home whitening systems, and maintenance treatments – all designed for lasting, beautiful results.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation at Floss & Co.
At Floss & Co., Dr. Silva, Dr. Naem, and Dr. Catherine Murphy have been caring for patients in Chicago’s southwest communities since 1982. Professional whitening here means professional-strength results — with a team that takes the time to assess your starting point and give you honest expectations before treatment begins. We accept all dental insurances and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Lending Club. While whitening is typically a cosmetic procedure not covered by insurance, the cost is often comparable to or less than a course of at-home whitening products that take weeks to show results.
Results typically last 6 months to 2 years depending on your habits. Limiting coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco use, staying consistent with brushing and flossing, and getting regular professional cleanings will help extend your results. Periodic touch-ups with your take-home trays can maintain the shade between in-office treatments. If you’re ready to see what professional whitening can do for your smile, contact our office to schedule your consultation.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How Long Do Professional Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The results of professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on your lifestyle and oral care habits. For instance, if you maintain good oral hygiene and avoid staining substances like coffee or tobacco, your results may last longer. Touch-ups may also be necessary periodically, especially if your teeth are exposed to staining foods and drinks regularly.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe for My Enamel?
Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe for your enamel when performed by a trained dental professional. The whitening treatments used in-office are designed to be gentle on your enamel while effectively removing stains. Your dentist will ensure that the procedure is tailored to your needs, minimizing the risk of sensitivity or damage to your teeth.
Will Teeth Whitening Work on All Types of Stains?
Teeth whitening is highly effective for surface stains caused by foods, drinks, or smoking. However, it may not be as effective on deep, intrinsic stains, which are caused by aging, medications, or certain health conditions. Your dentist can evaluate the type of stains and recommend the best whitening approach, potentially combining treatments for more stubborn stains.
How Does In-Office Whitening Compare to At-Home Whitening Kits?
In-office whitening typically offers quicker, more dramatic results because it uses stronger, professional-grade whitening agents. The process is supervised by a dental professional, ensuring safety and effectiveness. In contrast, at-home kits are convenient but may take longer to show results and might not achieve the same level of whitening as professional treatments.
Is Teeth Whitening Painful or Does It Cause Sensitivity?
Some people may experience mild sensitivity during or after the teeth whitening procedure, but this is usually temporary. The level of discomfort varies depending on the person and the type of treatment used. If you experience significant discomfort, your dentist can provide recommendations or adjust the treatment to minimize sensitivity.
Meet Dr. Izzy Naem
Dr. Naem is a dedicated general and cosmetic dentist specializing in advanced dental technologies with personalized patient care. With his expertise in airway expansion and comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Naem ensures every aspect of your dental experience meets the highest standards of excellence. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, airway expansion, and innovative treatments, Dr. Naem uses cutting-edge technology to help patients enjoy optimal health while maintaining the highest standards. His practice philosophy emphasizes building meaningful relationships with patients, taking time to understand their unique needs, and creating treatment plans that are both functional and aesthetically exceeding expectations.
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Visit Us!
Located in the heart of Chicago, Floss & Co. combines state-of-the-art technology with warm, patient-centered care. Dr. Naem and his team provide comprehensive dental services, from preventive care to advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry, all designed to keep your smile healthy and confident.
We accept ALL dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible to every patient.
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The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional dental care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition or treatment. Please don't hesitate to contact our office directly if you have any questions about our services, treatments, or policies.
- Medically Reviewed by Dr. Izzy Naem