Two Types of Teeth Whitening Solutions: Insights from a Dentist in Lincolnwood, Illinois
When people meet you, one of the first things they notice about you is your smile. Bright and shiny teeth are no longer reserved for celebrities. Over the last few years, advances in cosmetic dentistry have made teeth whitening safer and more accessible for just about anybody who wants a brighter smile. But why is a white smile so important? This teeth whitening dentist in Lincolnwood, Illinois is going to explain why below, and we’ll also review your different options for teeth whitening.
Why Should You Consider Whitening Your Teeth?
According to a national survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 96% of respondents believe that an appealing smile makes a person more attractive, while 74% say an unappealing smile might harm a person’s prospects of professional success. In other words, having a bright smile that you are proud of improves your social and professional opportunities.
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the lives of many people. Bright teeth can be seen just about everywhere today — from social media to magazines to billboards. Whether it’s to look your best for a job interview or an upcoming event, most people have considered whitening their teeth. Fortunately, the effectiveness, ease of use, and affordability of teeth whitening solutions have vastly improved over the years. There are two primary types of teeth whitening solutions that are available in Lincolnwood, Illinois: those done at home with DIY teeth whitening kits, and those done by a Lincolnwood dentist at their office. There are certain factors to consider when deciding which one is ideal for you, which we’ll review below:
At-Home Teeth Whitening
When most people think of teeth whitening, they think of at-home DIY kits. You can choose between two types of at-home DIY teeth whitening kits: gel-covered strips that stick to the front surface of the teeth, or gel-covered thin plastic trays that are fitted over the teeth. The latter can be bought in a grocery store or prescribed by your local dentist in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The ones prescribed by the dentist will be customized to fit your teeth, and the gel will contain a stronger, dentist-formulated bleaching agent for faster results. Both whitening solutions require you to “soak” the teeth in the whitening gel for some time.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easily accessible
- Can be done from the comfort and privacy of your home
Cons
- Can get messy
- Hard to apply
- Slow results
- Results do not last long
- Can cause gum irritation
- Can cause damage to the enamel
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening in Lincolnwood, Illinois has grown in popularity in recent years due to the immediate and noticeable results it provides. Dentists use a stronger hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening agent and curing light (a specialized UV light that activates the applied whitening gel), which makes in-office teeth whitening more effective. Plus, professional teeth whitening has improved greatly over the years — you can now get your teeth whitened at a dental office in as little as 30 minutes.
Pros
- Faster results
- Long-lasting results
- Less discomfort because of perfectly fitted teeth whitening strips and trays
Cons
- It can be more expensive than at-home whitening
- Must travel to your Lincolnwood dental office
Looking for a Professional Teeth Whitening Dentist in Lincolnwood, Illinois?
Ready to brighten your smile? Are you looking for the top-rated teeth whitening dentist in Lincolnwood, Illinois? At Smile Innovations, we would love to help you achieve the bright and white smile you’ve hoping for. If you have any questions regarding our teeth whitening procedure, please feel free to reach out to us. You can contact us today at (773) 763-1000 or email us at appointments@smileinnovationschicago.com to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ziols.