Teeth Whitening – Homer Glen, IL
Achieve a Smile You Can Be Proud Of
Your smile is important to you - after all, it’s one of the first things that others notice when meeting you, according to recent surveys. To help you make the best first impression, Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions. Among these beneficial services, professional teeth whitening in Homer Glen is one of our most popular. Our practice is happy to offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments to create your brilliant smile. Ready to get started? Call us today and schedule your appointment!
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
In truth, almost anyone unhappy with the color of their smile can benefit from professional teeth whitening in Homer Glen. Of course, the only way to know for sure whether or not you qualify is by attending a consultation with Dr. DeAngelo. At your appointment, he’ll review your medical history and assess your oral health to determine which treatment option is right for you. Based on his findings, he’ll create a custom treatment plan to help you get the bright results you want.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
During your consultation, Dr. DeAngelo will explain your teeth whitening options. You’ll learn more about in-office treatment and take-home whitening kits. While they’re both capable of producing stunning results, each method has a unique process.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you would like to gradually whiten your smile, Dr. DeAngelo can recommend our at-home whitening system. A member of our team will fit you for a customized whitening tray and provide a prescription whitening gel. On your own time, you’ll load the gel into the trays and wear them for the prescribed amount of time. You’ll reach your optimum whitening level in about two weeks. You can also use this at-home care to upkeep the brilliant results of your in-office Zoom! treatment.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our team uses Zoom! Whitening for in-office teeth whitening in Homer Glen. Zoom! Whitening has been shown in clinical trials to effectively erase deep-rooted stains in enamel to lighten teeth by as much as eight shades. In-office teeth whitening only takes about an hour and you’ll emerge from Dr. DeAngelo's dental office with a shining white smile. This option is best if you want to immediately see the results of your cosmetic service at our Homer Glen location or if you want your teeth brighter for a social event, such as a wedding! Dr. DeAngelo is happy to help his patients feel and look beautiful.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Want to keep your smile looking its very best for as long as possible? You can maintain your bright results by taking the following steps:
- Reduce your intake of dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., soda, coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce)
- Practice good oral hygiene (i.e., brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash)
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Avoid poor dental habits (i.e., smoking, biting your fingernails, using your teeth as tools)
- Inquire about at-home touch-ups to maintain your results
Teeth Whitening FAQs
If you’re bothered by the color of your smile, a teeth whitening treatment could be exactly what you need to enhance your appearance and restore your confidence. However, you should only move forward with teeth whitening once you’re sure that you fully understand what it entails. Below you’ll find the answers to several common questions about teeth whitening. If there’s anything else you want to know or have concerns about, please reach out to us today.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
There are many store-bought whitening products that are designed to lift stains from your teeth. However, these products usually aren’t very effective at removing certain kinds of discoloration, and they rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Meanwhile, professional whitening can be customized to your specific needs and is an excellent option for removing a wider variety of stains, such as those that form underneath your enamel.
Furthermore, professional whitening gives you the benefit of oversight from a dental expert. Our team will make sure that your teeth and gums stay safe throughout the whitening process, and they’ll always take existing restorations into account and customize your treatment accordingly.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are different from your natural teeth, so teeth whitening does not work on them. If a crown becomes discolored, it will need to be replaced. The good news is that you can lower the risk of staining your crown by:
- Brushing at least twice every day.
- Limiting your intake of dark-colored foods and beverages.
- Giving up bad habits like smoking.
It should be noted that whitening gel can potentially weaken the adhesive that keeps your crown attached to your tooth. To avoid unnecessary complications, please let us know about any crowns you have – or any other dental work you have had done in the past – before beginning the whitening process.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Under normal circumstances, teeth whitening gel shouldn’t cause any damage to your enamel. That said, the chemicals in the gel might cause issues for patients with tooth decay and gum disease; this is part of the reason why we need to confirm that your mouth is in good shape first.
At your initial consultation for teeth whitening, we will review your oral health history and check your mouth for any problems. We’ll consider your unique circumstances carefully to determine whether or not teeth whitening is a viable option for your smile.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Since teeth whitening is a personalized treatment, the overall cost is different for every patient. Factors that influence the amount you pay include the number of whitening sessions needed, the type of whitening you choose, and any restorative care that’s required beforehand. We’ll be transparent about these factors during your initial consultation and create an estimate for you. Be sure to ask about the financial options we offer that can make your whitening treatment more affordable.