If you think that those dazzling white smiles you see on the television and movie screens are only for celebrities, we urge you to think again.
You’ve always wanted that “Hollywood smile” but believed you couldn’t afford it or have to use whitening toothpastes or a DIY teeth whitening kit from the general store.
In reality, dental professionals offer you several affordable options that give you that smile you’ve always dreamed of having.
Professional teeth whitening is one of those options.
Teeth Discoloration
Before we discuss your teeth whitening options, it would be helpful to first explain the causes of tooth discoloration. There are two types of discoloration, extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.
- Extrinsic discoloration – This is the type of stain that affects the surface of your teeth, usually caused by lifestyle choices, and is treated rather easily. Extrinsic discoloration can be caused by smoking and by the frequent consumption of certain beverages such as red wine, coffee, and tea.
- Intrinsic discoloration – This type of discoloration occurs because of something happening inside the tooth. The discoloration could be caused by aging, an infection, a childhood illness, medication, or some kind of trauma to the tooth. In situations like these, professional teeth whitening is really necessary to achieve satisfactory results.
How A Professional Teeth Whitening Session Works
All that said, you may be wondering how these professional treatments work. The first step in the process is for your dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth to remove any plaque and other debris from your gums.
This thorough cleaning is followed by the application of a safe chemical solution – usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This solution sits on your teeth anywhere from half an hour to an hour while your teeth are exposed to a laser or special lighting to activate the peroxide.
At the end of that period, the dentist will rinse your teeth and fluoride may be applied to reduce sensitivity. Your dentist will advise you to avoid consuming acidic or heavily pigmented food and drinks for at least 48 hours.
There is a great chance you might have whiter teeth in as little as one session. It should be noted that additional visits may be required to achieve exactly the shade of smile you desire.
Teeth Whitening Benefits
All of that may sound rather arduous, but it really is not. In the vast majority of cases, the teeth whitening process is quite simple, yet it can produce enormous benefits. Here are five of the benefits of professional teeth whitening.
- Improved results – You have tried some over-the-counter products to whiten your smile, and found that they just haven’t produced the desired effect. While safe, the OTC preparations are essentially “one size fits all,” whereas your dentist can tailor a plan that meets your specific needs and gives you the smile you’ve always wanted.
- Personalized treatment – In contrast to the OTC products, your dentist will carefully assess your situation before proceeding with your own customized treatment plan. Your dentist will, for example, look for both extrinsic and intrinsic causes of your teeth discoloration and then formulate a plan that will help you achieve the shade of white you want.
- Improved self-confidence – It’s quite possible that, whatever the cause, the shade of your teeth has had a negative effect on your self-confidence, and nothing helps boost your spirits more than a glistening smile. Through the procedures now available, your dentist can give you that smile you’ve always wanted.
- Improved social life and professional opportunities – According to a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 95 percent of respondents expressed the belief that having an attractive smile makes a person more attractive to the opposite sex, and 74 percent believed having an unattractive smile hurts your chances for professional success. So, having a great smile that you’re confident about is a great way to boost both your social life and your career path.
- It’s affordable – Admittedly, some cosmetic dental procedures can be expensive, but that is not the case with teeth whitening. It is not only a fairly quick procedure, but it’s also one that is well within the financial means of most patients and will not break your budget.
Professional Teeth Whitening Solutions at North Suburban Dental
At North Suburban Dental, our goal is to provide you with a bright smile that is healthy and makes you feel confident.
From what we have shared with you, we hope you can see how easy and affordable it is to have your teeth professionally whitened by one of the best dentists in Highland Park. Our teeth whitening treatments are safe, reliable, and long-lasting.
If you have any questions about teeth whitening or any of our other cosmetic procedures, or you wish to schedule an initial consultation, contact North Suburban Dental at any one of our three locations in Highland Park, Northbrook, or Mundelein.
