Will teeth whitening damage my enamel?

A primary concern with teeth whitening is that some products may contain strong chemicals that could potentially weaken or harm enamel over time. Common whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, are effective in lifting surface stains but can become abrasive at high concentrations. When used correctly, these ingredients can brighten teeth without compromising enamel. However, excessive or overly concentrated use may lead to enamel damage. The professionally administered products we use at Chicago Aesthetic Dentistry, though strong and effective, will not damage your enamel.

Should I stop drinking coffee or tea after teeth whitening?

It depends on the type of whitening treatment. During whitening — whether a single in-office Zoom treatment or a two-week at-home KöR regimen — pores in the teeth open, allowing the bleaching agent to penetrate stains. Those open pores also make teeth susceptible to new staining. For in-office whitening: wait 24 hours before consuming coffee, tea, red wine, or other stain-prone foods. For at-home whitening: avoid staining foods and drinks for the full two weeks of treatment, plus an additional day or two after. As a general rule, avoid anything during whitening that you wouldn't drop on a white linen tablecloth at a cocktail party. Coffee and tea lovers: sip through a straw to bypass the front teeth and keep your smile bright.

How white will my teeth get from professional teeth whitening?

The brilliance you achieve with professional whitening depends on your natural tooth color, the type and depth of stains, and the whitening method chosen. With Zoom Whitening, most patients see their teeth brighten by 2–3 shades. The KöR Whitening system can achieve up to 10 shades lighter. Since each smile is unique, a consultation with Dr. Brittany Dickinson will provide a personalized view of what's possible for your ideal results.

Can I whiten my fillings or veneers?

If you have porcelain veneers, crowns, or white fillings, consult with a cosmetic dentist before pursuing any whitening treatments. No whitening procedure — in-office or at home — can lighten tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or veneers. Bleaching gels are designed to lift stains from natural tooth structure, not composite restorations. Patients with veneers or bonding on their front teeth may find their restorations appear darker next to newly brightened natural teeth. If you're considering a significant smile makeover, complete whitening before getting veneers or bonding — otherwise you risk a noticeable mismatch.

What causes smiles to become discolored?

Tooth discoloration is influenced by many factors. Oral hygiene matters: irregular brushing and flossing allows plaque and food particles to build up, causing surface stains. Diet plays a major role — dark-colored foods like berries, curry, red wine, coffee, and tea gradually affect tooth color. Tobacco use (smoking, vaping, or chewing) causes noticeable yellow or brown stains. Some medications, including tetracycline antibiotics and certain antipsychotic drugs, can cause intrinsic discoloration during tooth development. Excess fluoride exposure during childhood can cause white streaks (fluorosis). As we age, the outer enamel naturally wears, revealing the yellower dentin underneath. Dental trauma can darken a single tooth. Medical conditions like celiac or liver disease, certain blood pressure medications, metal amalgam fillings, and head/neck radiation can all affect tooth color.

Is it safe to whiten if I have sensitive teeth?

Yes — with KöR specifically. KöR was designed with sensitive-tooth patients in mind. The protocol includes a dedicated desensitizing agent, and the custom trays seal out saliva (which is what makes whitening uncomfortable in over-the-counter systems). If you've avoided whitening because of sensitivity, this is the system we use.

Who is professional teeth whitening right for?

Professional teeth whitening is ideal for patients with moderate to severe discoloration caused by aging, smoking, medications, and staining foods or beverages. Individuals with yellow or brown staining are especially well-suited for this treatment. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid teeth whitening. Whitening is also not recommended for patients with active gum disease, worn enamel, or untreated decay — these conditions should be addressed first. Patients with gray or purple-toned discoloration may not achieve optimal results through bleaching alone and are often better candidates for porcelain veneers.

How long will my teeth whitening results last?

Professional teeth whitening is not permanent, but results can be prolonged with attentive care. To maintain a bright smile, avoid smoking and limit staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. Consistent dental hygiene — brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash — is essential. Dr. Brittany Dickinson recommends Sensodyne Whitening, hello Naturally Whitening, or Colgate Optic White toothpastes. Regular dental cleanings and touch-up treatments every six months keep results fresh. With good maintenance, Zoom results typically hold for 1–2 years and KöR results often hold longer.

How can I touch up my whitening between professional sessions?

We offer two convenient touch-up options. Custom-made trays let you touch up at home approximately once a month using whitening gel — the trays provide longer-lasting contact with the gel for enhanced effectiveness. For busy lifestyles or frequent travelers, our on-the-go whitening pen is an excellent portable option. Both keep your professional whitening results bright between in-office sessions at Chicago Aesthetic Dentistry.

What does professional teeth whitening cost in Chicago?

At Chicago Aesthetic Dentistry in Lakeview: Zoom Whitening is $500–$600. KöR Whitening is $1,150–$1,650. Additional whitening gel is $35 per syringe. Additional KöR gel is $160 per kit. Whitening pen is $50. Pricing is confirmed at your consultation based on case complexity.

Who is professional whitening NOT right for?

A few groups: pregnant or breastfeeding women (we delay treatment, not deny it); patients with active gum disease, worn enamel, or untreated decay (we treat those first, then whiten); and patients with fillings, bonding, crowns, or veneers on their front teeth — those restorations won't whiten and will look darker by contrast. This is why we start with a consultation: to make sure whitening is the right answer for your specific teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Chicago

A faster, deeper, more controlled brightening than anything you can buy at the drugstore — done in our Lakeview office with Zoom® or KöR® whitening, by a cosmetic dentist who designs the rest of your smile too. For patients with sensitive teeth, click here for our gentle protocols.

✔ Up to 10 shades whiter with KöR

✔ Zoom in-office in about 90 minutes

✔ Built-in sensitivity protocol — even for tender teeth

✔ Done by the same team behind 200+ cosmetic veneer cases

Book a Whitening Appointment

See whitening before & afters →

Chicago Cosmetic Dentist | AACD Member | Facially Driven Smile Design

Whitening done by the same team behind hundreds of cosmetic veneer cases — so we know when whitening is the right answer, and when it isn't.

First Things First — Is Whitening Actually Right For You?

Most teeth-whitening pages online are sales pitches. This one starts with what other Chicago dentists won't tell you upfront:

Professional whitening works really well for some people. It works less well for others. And for a small group, it's the wrong treatment entirely.

You'll get the biggest visible jump from professional whitening if:

Your teeth are yellow, brown, or just generally dulled from coffee, tea, wine, or age
The discoloration is on natural enamel (not on fillings, bonding, crowns, or veneers)
Your gums are healthy and your teeth are decay-free

Professional whitening won't change the color of:

Existing tooth-colored fillings on your front teeth
Composite bonding
Crowns
Porcelain veneers or no-prep veneers

That matters because if you have any of those on your front teeth and you whiten everything around them, the restorations will suddenly look darker than your natural teeth — a mismatch that wasn't visible before. If that's your situation, we'll talk about it at your consultation. Sometimes the right answer is whitening first, then redoing the restorations to match. Sometimes it's porcelain veneers instead.

The reason I lead with this: I'd rather you start somewhere else and get the result you actually want, than spend $500–$1,650 on whitening that doesn't move the needle for your specific teeth.

Before and after images of teeth whitening, showing a close-up of a person's smile. The top image displays slightly discolored teeth, while the bottom image shows whiter, brighter teeth post-treatment.

*Actual results from zoom whitening

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What Whitening Looks Like at Chicago Aesthetic Dentistry

We offer two professional whitening systems in our Lakeview office. They use different chemistry, work on different timelines, and are priced differently — so the right one depends on you.

Zoom® Whitening — Fast, In-Office, Done in One Visit

Best for: patients who want a noticeable brighten in a single visit and have low-to-moderate tooth sensitivity.

What to expect:

One appointment, about 90 minutes in the chair
Average lift: 2–3 shades brighter
A specialized light activates the gel and accelerates the result
Mild post-treatment sensitivity is common but usually manageable with Tylenol

Investment: $500–$600, all in.

We also send Zoom patients home with a custom-fitted Zoom whitening pen ($50) for touch-ups, so you can keep the result fresh between visits.

The Zoom Whitening Special — $100 off through August 2. (Only show this block when the July ad campaign is live. Remove the rest of the year.

Reserve your Zoom appointment

KöR® Whitening — Deeper, Sensitivity-Friendly, Built for Stubborn Stains

Best for: patients with severe discoloration, tetracycline staining, sensitive teeth, or anyone who wants the most dramatic result possible without veneers

KöR is the system I personally recommend for two specific groups of patients:

Patients with sensitive teeth who've avoided whitening because they're worried about pain. KöR's protocol includes a dedicated desensitizing agent and reaches results without the aggressive light Zoom uses.
Patients with stubborn or treatment-resistant stains — including older patients whose teeth have darkened over decades, or anyone whose teeth haven't responded to other whitening methods.

What to expect:

Combines in-office sessions with at-home custom trays
Treatment runs over a few weeks, not a single visit
Average lift: up to 10 shades brighter — the largest visible change of any whitening system
The custom trays are designed to seal out saliva, which protects the peroxide and gives KöR its long-lasting result

Investment: $1,150–$1,650, depending on your starting shade and case complexity.

Maintenance gel refills: $160 per kit. Most patients refill once or twice a year.

How Dr. Brittany Decides Between Zoom and KöR

This is what we'll actually talk about at your consultation. I'm including it here so you walk in already knowing the framework:

| Factor | Zoom is better when… | KöR is better when… |

| Tooth sensitivity | You handle cold OK | Cold makes your teeth ache |

| Starting color | Yellowish, light–moderate stain | Deeply darkened, decades of stain |

| Timeline | You want it done in one visit | You can give it a few weeks |

| Goal | "Look polished for an event" | "I want the biggest change possible" |

| Budget | Lower upfront investment | Higher investment for a deeper result |

Veneers are the right answer instead when: you also want to change tooth shape or proportion, or when you have visible restorations on your front teeth that whitening would mismatch. We'll have that conversation if it applies to you.

Whitening Before Veneers — Why Order Matters

This is the single most expensive whitening mistake patients make, so I'm naming it directly:

If you're planning porcelain veneers within the next year, whiten first.

Veneers are color-matched to your natural teeth at the time they're made. If you whiten after the veneers are placed, the natural teeth around them will brighten — and the veneers won't. You'll be left with a permanent mismatch that can only be fixed by replacing the veneers.

The right sequence is always:

Whiten the natural teeth to your target shade
Wait about two weeks for the color to settle
Design the veneers in that final shade

If you're considering a smile makeover or any cosmetic work, bring that up at your whitening consultation. We'll plan the order together.

Caring for Your Result — The "Cocktail Party" Rule

Whitening isn't permanent, but you can stretch the result for a long time with two simple habits:

1. The cocktail party rule (first 48 hours after treatment). During the first 24–48 hours after in-office whitening, the tiny pores in your enamel are open and unusually receptive to stain. Avoid anything you wouldn't drop on a white linen tablecloth — coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, beets, berries, curry, soy sauce. After two days, you can resume normal eating and drinking.

2. Sip dark drinks through a straw. Coffee and tea drinkers don't have to give them up to keep teeth bright — you just have to route the liquid past your front teeth. A straw works.

For maintenance long-term, I recommend three whitening toothpastes that I trust because they brighten without abrasive enamel-stripping ingredients:

Sensodyne™ Whitening (best if you have any cold sensitivity)
hello® Naturally Whitening (gentlest option, fluoride-free version available)
Colgate® Optic White® (strongest brightening of the three)

Touch-up trays or the Zoom pen every six months will hold a Zoom result; KöR results typically hold longer because of how deeply the system penetrates.

Whitening Before & Afters

See the full portfolio of [57 before-and-after cases](/before-and-afters) — including combination whitening + veneer cases.

Zoom whitening before and after by Dr. Brittany Dickinson, Chicago Aesthetic Dentistry, Lakeview.

Kor whitening before and after by Dr. Brittany Dickinson, Chicago Aesthetic Dentistry, Lakeview.

Why Patients Choose Chicago Aesthetic Dentistry for Whitening

You can get whitening at any dental office. Here's what makes ours different:

Cosmetic-first practice. Whitening here is delivered by the same team behind 200+ cosmetic veneer cases. We know when whitening is the right tool and when it isn't — and we'll tell you.
Two systems under one roof. Most Chicago offices offer Zoom or KöR. We offer both, so you get matched to the right system instead of the one your dentist happens to carry.
Sensitivity protocol built in. If you've been told you can't whiten because your teeth are too sensitive, we'd like to talk. KöR was designed for exactly that group, and we use it routinely.
Lakeview office, easy to get to. 3346 N. Paulina St., half a block from the Paulina Brown Line.

Frequently Asked Questions

A primary concern with teeth whitening is that some products may contain strong chemicals that could potentially weaken or harm enamel over time. Common whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, are effective in lifting surface stains but can become abrasive at high concentrations. When used correctly, these ingredients can brighten teeth without compromising enamel; however, excessive or overly concentrated use may lead to enamel damage. The professionally administered products we utilize, though strong and effective, will not damage your enamel.
The answer to this question depends on the type of teeth whitening treatment you’re undergoing. During whitening—whether a single in-office treatment or a two-week at-home regimen—pores in the teeth open, allowing the bleaching agent to penetrate and reduce stains. Unfortunately, these open pores also make teeth susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. Preventing this is essential for effective results.
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening requires just one visit, typically twice a year, and leaves the teeth highly receptive to stains for about a day. Waiting a full 24 hours before consuming stain-prone items like coffee or tea allows the whitening agent to set, giving your teeth time to build resistance against staining foods and beverages.
At-Home Whitening
At-home whitening takes longer—usually around two weeks of applying trays and gel. During this time, teeth remain vulnerable to new stains, making it best to avoid staining foods and drinks for the entire duration. After completing the two-week treatment, it’s recommended to wait an additional day or two before reintroducing foods and drinks that can cause discoloration.
No Dark Food or Drink at a Cocktail Party” Rule
Dr. Brittany Dickinson advises using a helpful rule of thumb: avoid anything during whitening that you wouldn’t consume while walking around socializing at a cocktail party. Picture your teeth as that immaculate rug at your friend's home—items like coffee, tea, red wine, or tomato sauce wouldn’t be welcome, and the same goes for your teeth during the whitening process.

No need to worry, coffee and tea lovers—you don't have to give up your favorite morning beverage while whitening your teeth. Simply sip through a straw to bypass the front teeth and help keep your smile bright and stain-free.
The brilliance you can achieve with professional whitening depends on factors such as your natural tooth color, the type and depth of stains, and the whitening method chosen. With Zoom Whitening, most patients see their teeth brighten by 2-3 shades, while the KöR Whitening system can achieve up to 10 shades lighter! Since each smile is unique, a consultation with your dentist will provide a personalized view of what’s possible for your ideal results.
If you’re concerned about tooth discoloration or staining and have porcelain veneers, crowns, or white fillings, it’s wise to consult with a cosmetic dentist before pursuing any whitening treatments. It’s important to note that no whitening procedure—whether performed in-office or at home—can lighten tooth-colored fillings or crowns. Bleaching gels are specifically designed to lift stains from natural tooth structures, not composite restorations.
Those with veneers or cosmetic bonding on their front teeth may find themselves at a disadvantage when whitening, as these restorations could appear darker next to your newly brightened natural teeth. The key takeaway is this: if you’re considering a significant smile makeover through professional teeth whitening, it’s best to complete that before getting veneers or bonding. Otherwise, you risk a noticeable mismatch that could persist until the color begins to rebalance.
Tooth discoloration can be influenced by a variety of factors that may affect the vibrancy of your smile, but understanding them can help you take charge of your oral health! Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing is essential, as it prevents the buildup of food particles and plaque that can lead to unsightly surface stains. Your diet also plays a key role; indulging in dark-colored foods like berries, curry, and red wine can gradually affect your tooth color, while enjoying acidic fruits, such as citrus, may weaken enamel and increase susceptibility to staining.
If you’re a tobacco user, whether through smoking, vaping, or chewing, be aware that these habits can contribute to noticeable yellow or brown stains. Additionally, certain medications, like antibiotics such as tetracycline and some antipsychotic drugs, can lead to intrinsic discoloration during tooth development, giving teeth a grayish or brownish appearance. It’s also important to monitor fluoride exposure during childhood, as excessive intake from drinking water or supplements can result in white streaks or spots known as fluorosis.
As we age, it's natural for the outer layer of enamel to wear down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath, which can slightly alter our smile’s brightness. Dental trauma, especially in young children with developing teeth, can impact blood flow or damage nerves, leading to a darkened tooth. Certain medical conditions like celiac disease or liver disease can also influence enamel development, affecting tooth color. Moreover, some medications prescribed for high blood pressure and other conditions might have discoloration as a side effect. Lastly, dental materials such as metal or silver amalgam fillings can create gray or black tints around restored areas, and exposure to head and neck radiation can result in significant changes in tooth color due to alterations in enamel structure.
Understanding these factors empowers you to make informed choices for a dazzling, radiant smile!
Yes — with KöR specifically. KöR was designed with sensitive-tooth patients in mind. The protocol includes a dedicated desensitizing agent, and the custom trays seal out saliva (which is what makes whitening uncomfortable in over-the-counter systems). If you've avoided whitening because of sensitivity, this is the system we use.

Professional teeth whitening at the dentist is ideal for those with moderate to severe discoloration, often caused by factors like aging, smoking, medications, and certain foods or beverages. Individuals with yellow or brown staining are especially well-suited for this treatment. However, pregnant or lactating women should avoid teeth whitening procedures.
Teeth whitening is also not recommended for individuals with gum disease, worn enamel, or untreated decay; these issues should be addressed before whitening. Additionally, those with gray or purple-toned discoloration may not achieve optimal results through bleaching alone. Our team is here to discuss personalized options to help you achieve the bright smile you desire.
While professional teeth whitening is not permanent, results can be prolonged with attentive care. To maintain a bright smile, it’s best to avoid smoking and limit foods and beverages that stain, like coffee, tea, and red wine. Consistent dental hygiene—brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash to minimize plaque—is also essential.
Dr. Brittany Dickinson recommends Sensodyne™ whitening toothpaste, hello® Naturally Whitening Toothpaste, or Colgate® Optic White® to help support ongoing brightness. Regular dental cleanings are vital, and patients may also explore touch-up treatments every six months to keep their smile looking fresh. Our team is happy to discuss options for lasting results.
We have some delightful suggestions to help you maintain your professional whitening results between your more intensive sessions! For your convenience, we offer custom-made trays that allow you to touch up at home approximately once a month. Additionally, for those with busy lifestyles or frequent travelers, our on-the-go whitening pen is an excellent option. While the trays provide longer-lasting contact with the gel for enhanced effectiveness, nothing quite compares to the ease and portability of our whitening pen. With these tools, you can effortlessly keep your smile bright and beautiful!
Zoom Whitening: $500-600
KoR Whitening: $1150-1650
Additional whitening gel: $35
Additional KoR Gel: $160
Whitening Pen: $50
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (we delay treatment, not deny it)
- Patients with active gum disease, worn enamel, or untreated decay (we treat those first, then whiten)
- Patients with fillings, bonding, crowns, or veneers on their front teeth- these things won’t whiten.
This is why we start with a consultation — to make sure whitening is the right answer for your teeth, not just teeth in general.

Book Your Whitening Consultation

The first step is a 30-minute in-office consultation. We'll evaluate your starting shade, check for any restorations that affect the plan, talk through Zoom vs. KöR for your specific case, and give you a confirmed quote.

We're at 3346 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60657, in the heart of Lakeview — half a block from the Paulina Brown Line, across from Starbucks.

Office hours: Monday – Thursday.

[Secondary text link: Or call 773-883-1818]

Book your whitening consultation

or call 773.883.1818

Why choose Dr. Brittany Dickinson for teeth whitening in Chicago?

If you’re looking for professional teeth whitening in Chicago that delivers lasting, beautiful results, Dr. Brittany Dickinson’s practice offers a truly elevated experience. With advanced technology, personalized care, and years of expertise in cosmetic dentistry in Chicago, Dr. Dickinson can help you achieve the radiant smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you choose Zoom teeth whitening for a quick, in-office solution or the KöR whitening system for more intensive, sensitivity-friendly whitening, each treatment is tailored to suit your specific needs.

Choosing professional teeth whitening over DIY methods ensures you get safe, impressive results that stand the test of time. Dr. Dickinson and her team provide comprehensive guidance on maintaining your results, from dietary tips to effective at-home touch-up options, so you can enjoy a brilliantly white smile that reflects confidence. If you’re ready to boost your self-assurance and make a lasting impression, book your teeth whitening consultation in Chicago with Dr. Brittany Dickinson today and start your journey toward a brighter, healthier-looking smile.