Get your prized bright, white smile in one easy visit to our office. Unlike over-the-counter bleaching products, ZOOM!® teeth whitening is supervised by our dentist for noticeable results and minimal sensitivity.
Experience the difference of professional tooth whitening. Over-the-counter products are less reliable than Dr. Dean Lodding’s proven dental expertise, which can safely provide whitening solutions that will work for your smile. Why wait? Discover your teeth whitening experience – come in soon for your teeth whitening solution!
Professional teeth whitening is an incredibly popular choice at our office. Even if you have a thorough and frequent dental hygiene routine complete with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups, your teeth can still suffer from discoloration. Teeth whitening treatments at our practice can address the appearance of stains that are often formed by the natural aging process, consuming certain tooth-staining beverages like wine or coffee, or the use of tobacco products.
A teeth whitening treatment can:
These treatments use advanced technology to significantly lighten the shade of your teeth. Each procedure is designed to be safe and to provide long-lasting results. Whitening treatments from our Elgin cosmetic dentist, Dean Lodding, DDS, can enhance the appearance of your smile by brightening your teeth for a whiter, more refreshed look.
During this appointment, either Dr. Lodding or one of our experienced dental team members will apply the professional-grade ZOOM!® whitening gel to your teeth after isolating your lips and gums. This bleaching gel can effectively penetrate deep layers of stains on your enamel. Then, a specially designed light activates this gel. All you need to do is lay back and relax as your smile is lightened.
This process typically takes one hour from start to finish and can brighten your teeth by several shades. We will send you home with a touch-up whitening gel to complete your ZOOM!® Teeth Whitening process. We also recommend scheduling a check-up appointment so we can determine if you would benefit from another session.
Ideal candidates for teeth whitening are often individuals with healthy teeth and gums who want to brighten their smile by removing surface or internal stains caused by food, beverages, tobacco, or natural aging. Teeth whitening generally works best for patients with yellow or light brown discoloration, as these shades typically respond well to bleaching agents. However, it may be less effective for gray-toned stains or discoloration caused by medications or dental trauma. Candidates should not have untreated cavities, gum disease, or worn enamel, as whitening could cause sensitivity or irritation. Additionally, teeth whitening does not change the color of dental restorations such as porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, or tooth-colored fillings.
During a consultation at Smile for Life Dental, Dr. Lodding can evaluate your oral health and determine whether professional teeth whitening is the best option to help you achieve a brighter smile.
Purchasing a teeth whitening kit from the local convenience store may be your first thought when you notice your teeth beginning to yellow or stain. However, we strongly advise against this option for multiple reasons. Many products such as toothpastes, gels, mouthwashes, and teeth whitening strips make bold claims of their capabilities to effectively whiten your teeth. Oftentimes, the stains or discolorations on your teeth are too deep for these products to be successful.
It is likely that the products, apart from whitening strips, do not contain bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. If the teeth whitening strips do have these ingredients, their effectiveness may be limited due to short shelf-life or improper application of the strips.
When you decide to have your treatment done professionally, you can receive top results and high-quality care. Dr. Lodding or one of our other experienced dentists will oversee the entire procedure for the best possible outcomes.
If teeth whitening is not suitable for you or does not achieve the desired results, several effective cosmetic alternatives are available. Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular options. They cover the front surfaces of teeth with thin, custom-made shells that mask deep stains, discoloration, and other imperfections. Cosmetic dental bonding can also improve the appearance of discolored teeth by applying a tooth-colored resin directly to the enamel for a natural-looking result. In some cases, dental crowns may be recommended to cover and protect teeth with significant staining or damage. Each of these treatments can provide long-lasting, beautifully bright results.
During your consultation, Dr. Lodding can evaluate your unique smile goals and recommend the most effective treatment to help you achieve a more radiant smile.
The cost of professional teeth whitening can vary depending on several factors, including the type of whitening treatment used, the number of sessions needed, and the extent of discoloration. While in-office whitening typically costs more than take-home kits, it often offers faster and more dramatic results. Custom whitening trays designed for home use may provide a more budget-friendly option while still delivering excellent outcomes. Additional factors, such as whether other dental treatments are required beforehand, can also affect overall pricing.
Dr. Lodding can discuss available whitening options, outline expected costs, and help you choose the most effective treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal smile safely and efficiently.
Results are typically seen immediately following your in-office treatment. If stains are much deeper than the surface, it might take more than one session to see the best possible results.
It is possible that you may experience sensitivity amongst your teeth after this treatment. Our dental staff does everything possible to limit tooth sensitivity. When possible, we can add fluoride to the bleaching trays to reduce the chances of sensitivity after this procedure. If you are still concerned about sensitivity, please talk with our staff before beginning your treatment.
Every patient is different and is affected by different circumstances. If consuming drinks such as alcohol, coffee, or tea is part of your lifestyle, these can make a difference in how often your teeth should be whitened. Teeth whitening treatments are not permanent; therefore, occasional touch-up appointments need to be made to keep the appearance of lighter teeth. Typically, these appointments are scheduled every six months to maintain results.
The results from your teeth whitening treatment can be preserved in a few different ways. Regular touch-up appointments with Dr. Lodding every six months can be beneficial. Implementing routine oral hygiene regimens that include brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings can also extend your results. Also, consuming less teeth staining foods and beverages can extend the whiter appearance of your teeth.
“Dr. Lodding and his team are the best! You can tell they truly care and want you to have the best experience!”
If you have further questions about our teeth whitening procedure, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.