Teeth Whitening Specialist
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Healthy Smile Dental
Hannah Baek, DDS
Dentist located in Woodridge, IL
Teeth discoloration can affect your confidence in many social situations. At her practice in Woodridge, Illinois, Dr. Hannah Baek offers teeth whitening services that will get you excited to unleash a bright smile. Healthy Smile Dental uses the ZOOM! in-office whitening method to help you achieve your desired smile. Contact the office to book an appointment and find out how you can reverse stained teeth.
Teeth Whitening Q & A
What kinds of whitening systems exist?
Many kinds of whitening systems are available to provide users with options, either over-the-counter or in-office from Dr. Baek. Over-the-counter solutions include whitening toothpaste, strips, trays, gels, and rinses.
The fastest method for getting rid of stains, however, is an in-office treatment. Dr. Baek applies the whitening product directly to your teeth and combines it with heat and special lighting to amplify the whitening process.
Healthy Smile Dental uses the ZOOM! whitening method, which involves a special lamp that activates the hydrogen peroxide, and accelerates the bleaching process. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks down from the light source, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach stained substances.
What does a ZOOM! whitening procedure entail?
Before attending the teeth whitening session, Dr. Baek may recommend you undergo teeth cleaning for more effective results. The ZOOM! procedure typically takes about an hour, with the hydrogen peroxide whitening gel left on your teeth in 15-minute increments while the light is activated. After four consecutive 15-minute whitening sessions, a fluoride gel may be applied to your teeth to reduce sensitivity.
How long do the whitening effects last?
Whitening systems work best on natural teeth, but the effects aren’t permanent. With the ZOOM! method, Dr. Baek can provide an at-home touch-up kit that involves customized whitening trays. Naturally, exposing your teeth to certain foods and beverages will gradually reverse the effects of whitening. These include coffee, red wine, cola, and tea.
Tobacco products will also stain your teeth. Constant exposure can lead to fading in as little as one month, but avoiding food and drinks that are prone to staining can sustain whiteness for about a year, or even longer. You can also sustain whitening effects through oral hygiene, regular professional teeth cleanings, and certain toothpastes containing whitening agents.
Who should avoid whitening procedures?
Individuals in certain situations are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening:
- Children under the age of 16
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Anyone with sensitive teeth or gums
- Anyone with receding gums
- Anyone with an allergy to peroxide
- Anyone experiencing gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, or exposed roots
- Anyone with tooth fillings, crowns, or other restorations since whitening best affects natural teeth
- Anyone with darkly stained teeth as they may not whiten
