Home / Cosmetic Dentistry / Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening and custom take-home trays in the South Loop, with appointments until 8 PM on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Dental Group of Chicago, led by Dr. Alexander Reznikov, DDS · Updated November 2026
Several shades brighter
Often in a single visit
Free whitening gel
At every six-month cleaning
Open until 8 PM
Weekdays, plus Saturdays
★★★★★ 4.7 on Google
From 800+ patient reviews
Stained or yellowed teeth are one of the most common cosmetic concerns patients bring to the dentist. Coffee, tea, red wine and the natural process of aging all leave their mark on enamel over time, and over-the-counter strips rarely deliver the results people are hoping for.
As part of our cosmetic dentistry care in the South Loop, Dental Group of Chicago offers dentist-supervised whitening that fits around your week. We are open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM, so a brighter smile does not mean taking time off work.
Both use professional-grade gel. The difference is how fast you see results and where the whitening happens.
Your dentist protects your gums, applies a higher-concentration gel and monitors the treatment throughout, adjusting as needed.
Time: about 60 to 90 minutes
Results: several shades brighter, often in one visit
Best for: a quick change before a wedding, interview or event
We make trays that fit your teeth and give you professional whitening gel to use at home, at your own pace.
Time: gradual, on your schedule
Results: a steady, controlled change
Bonus: free gel at every six-month cleaning
Touch up your shade twice a year without buying more gel. Just keep up with your regular teeth cleaning visits, which also help your whitening results last longer.
Professional whitening applies a peroxide-based gel to each tooth. According to the American Dental Association, carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are the most common whitening ingredients, and temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect.
We look at your enamel, gum health and the type of staining, and talk through the shade you want.
Your dentist places a protective barrier over your gums and soft tissues before any gel goes on.
A professional-grade gel is applied and monitored throughout, customized to your starting shade.
We go over how to protect your results, especially during the first 48 hours.
The difference comes down to the strength of the gel and the supervision behind it.
Gel strengthProfessional-grade, higher concentration
Time to resultsSeveral shades in about 60 to 90 minutes
Gum protectionProtective barrier applied by your dentist
SupervisionMonitored and adjusted throughout
CustomizationTailored to your starting shade and goals
Gel strengthLower-concentration formulas
Time to resultsWeeks of daily use for a modest change
Gum protectionNo professional protection
SupervisionSelf-applied with no oversight
CustomizationOne size fits all
Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco leave pigment on enamel over time. Aging also thins enamel so the yellower layer underneath shows through. Whitening handles most of these cases.
Certain medications, such as tetracycline taken while teeth were forming, past dental trauma or internal changes can cause deeper discoloration that whitening may only partly lift. In those cases, dental veneers or tooth bonding may be a better fit.
During your consultation we check your enamel, gum health and the type of discoloration to confirm whitening is the right fit.
Active cavities and untreated decay should be fixed first, so whitening does not irritate a tooth that needs care.
Gum disease should be treated before whitening. A professional cleaning beforehand also helps you get the most from your results.
Chronic sensitivity or worn enamel can make whitening uncomfortable. We will talk through gentler options or what to address first.
Results depend on your starting shade and the type of staining. We give you a realistic picture before we begin.
Go easy on coffee, tea, red wine, dark juices and tomato sauces while your enamel is most open to staining.
Limiting staining drinks, and using a straw when you have them, makes a real difference over time.
A soft-bristled brush, fluoride toothpaste and plenty of water all help your results last.
Smoked or chewed, tobacco is the biggest driver of stains coming back.
Dr. Reznikov leads Dental Group of Chicago, a dentist-owned practice in the South Loop. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, he has invested hundreds of hours in advanced continuing education across cosmetic and restorative dentistry, so most care stays in-house.
Whitening is one of the most requested services at the practice, and he approaches every case consultation-first: evaluating enamel health, staining type and realistic goals before recommending in-office whitening, take-home trays or another option.
DDSUniversity of Illinois College of Dentistry
Top 5%Invisalign provider
Top Implant ProviderRecognized for 2025
4.7 ★★★★★ on Google, from 800+ patient reviews
Whitening is one of the more affordable ways to refresh your smile. Our team will explain your options so there are no surprises.
Cosmetic whitening is not typically covered, but the cleaning and exam you may need first usually are. We are in-network with most PPO plans and can check your benefits.
After you buy custom take-home trays, every six-month hygiene visit comes with a free tube of professional whitening gel.
We are at 1556 S Michigan Ave, Suite 200, open Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 2 PM. Call (312) 588-0043.
1556 S Michigan Ave, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60605
Monday – Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8 AM – 8 PM
8 AM – 2 PM
Closed
In-office whitening typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Many patients see their teeth lighten by several shades in a single appointment, which is why it is a popular choice before weddings, interviews and other events. The exact time depends on your starting shade and the result you want.
With proper aftercare, professional whitening results typically last between one and three years. Limiting staining foods and drinks, avoiding tobacco and keeping up with your professional cleanings all help your results last longer.
In-office whitening is the fastest way to a noticeable change, often in one visit. Custom take-home trays whiten more gradually on your own schedule, and once you have them, you get a free tube of whitening gel at every six-month cleaning. Many patients use trays to touch up after an in-office treatment.
Professional whitening works very well on surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, aging and tobacco. It is less predictable for stains from certain medications, dental trauma or discoloration inside the tooth. Our dentist will look at the source of your staining and tell you what to realistically expect.
Yes. When it is done by a dentist, whitening is safe for most patients. We protect your gums before treatment and use professional-grade materials. Some patients feel mild, temporary sensitivity for a day or two afterward, which usually goes away on its own.
Professional whitening done under a dentist’s supervision is designed to brighten teeth without harming healthy enamel. That is one reason we check your enamel and gums first and adjust the treatment to your teeth.
Most patients only need an occasional touch-up to keep their shade. Take-home trays make that easy, and touch-up treatments are always available before a big event. We will recommend a schedule based on your results and habits.
In-office whitening uses a stronger professional gel applied by a dentist who protects your gums throughout, so results are faster and more predictable. Store-bought strips use lower-concentration formulas that take weeks to show a modest change and have no professional oversight.
Covers deep stains that whitening cannot lift.
Learn more
Fixes small chips, gaps and spots in one visit.
Learn more
Straightens teeth with clear aligners.
Learn more
Removes surface stains and keeps results bright.
Learn more
We will check your teeth and gums, talk through in-office whitening and take-home trays, and help you pick the right option for your smile and schedule.
Dental Group of Chicago
1556 S Michigan Ave, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60605
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday, 8 AM to 2 PM
Sunday, closed
