Teeth Whitening – Lake Zurich, IL
A Faster Way to a Brighter Smile
Tooth stains can form for many reasons – dark-colored beverages, genetics, fluorosis, certain medications, smoking, etc. While it might take time for them to form, once they do, you may find yourself looking for a fast and effective solution. At Grand Dental - Lake Zurich, our team of professionals can deliver long-lasting results that eliminate stains and boost your smile’s appearance using teeth whitening . Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Unlike other cosmetic solutions that are available, teeth whitening is often a good option for anyone who wants to enhance their appearance. Although it is safe to use and highly effective, it does require a scheduled consultation with a member of our team before moving forward.
When examining your smile, we will determine if there are any small signs of decay or cavities that might exist. We’ll also check for gum disease. If your oral health needs improvement, we will administer appropriate treatment before teeth whitening is performed.
We’ll formulate a treatment plan and cost estimate to show you what you can expect when it comes to how we treat stains and discoloration as well as what you can expect to pay. We’ll also share special offers to help lower any out-of-pocket expenses you might incur.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening comes in various forms; however, at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening. A clearer explanation of each is provided below:
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Using Opalescence take-home teeth whitening kits, we will provide you with customized trays made from impressions taken of your teeth. Combining them with high-grade bleaching gel, you will wear the trays a certain amount of time each day. Within two weeks, you can expect to see dramatic results.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
With Zoom teeth whitening, our professionals will apply the bleaching agent to your teeth before using a specialized blue light to activate the peroxide found inside the whitening solution. Stains and discoloration will be lifted with results showing in just one hour.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
If you want your teeth to look brighter for longer, it’s important that you maintain your smile using these tips:
- Keep your teeth and gums clean by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily
- Keep your six-month checkups and cleanings with our team
- Stop smoking and using tobacco products
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Stop unhealthy habits like biting your fingernails or eating ice
- Minimize your consumption of dark-colored beverages and foods
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What is the difference between professional and store-bought teeth whitening?
While both are designed to eliminate stains and discoloration, they each work differently, producing different kinds of results.
Over-the-counter whitening kits use one-size-fits-all trays and bleaching agents that are diluted. Professional whitening customizes each patient’s experience so that smile goals are achieved.
A cosmetic dentist also begins by performing a thorough examination to ensure you are a good candidate for treatment. Your oral health (teeth and gums) as well as any existing restorations will be considered before moving forward. This is just part of the reason why professional teeth whitening is much safer than anything you might buy over the counter at your local drugstore.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Generally, no, whitening gels will not damage your tooth enamel; however, some instances require careful thought. For example, if you have gum disease or tooth decay, it is possible that the ingredients found in whitening solutions can cause problems for your enamel. Also, if you try to use one of the many do-it-yourself whitening trends to brighten your teeth (i.e., activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide), you may sustain further discoloration.
Seeing a trusted professional for this type of treatment will eliminate the overuse of whitening products and ensure that you receive a safer form of care in the long run.
Does teeth whitening work on dental crowns?
No, teeth whitening will not change the color of your dental crown. The reason is that these artificial teeth are not porous like regular enamel. It is also strongly discouraged, as the bonding agent used to hold the crown in place can be weakened if exposed to whitening gels. The good news is that you can take steps at home to keep your dental crowns brighter and more vibrant.
If you decide that you want your crown to match the rest of your whiter smile, the best course of action is to inquire about having a new dental crown made.
Is teeth whitening expensive?
Unlike veneers, gum recontouring, and other similar cosmetic services, teeth whitening is actually quite affordable. Completed in less time and requiring no anesthesia, the process can be cost-effective. However, you should not expect your dental insurance carrier to provide coverage for treatment. Considered a “luxury” form of care, insurers feel there is no need to help with the financial requirement. Instead, you will be required to pursue alternative payment methods like CareCredit Financing or an in-house membership program like our Grand Advantage Plan.