Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Whitening at Home?
Teeth whitening can have dramatic results for your smile, helping you look years younger and feel much more confident. While there is an array of do-it-yourself whitening products to choose from at your local drug store, professional care is much safer and more effective. At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we proudly offer Zoom! Whitening. We recommend at-home teeth whitening only as a supplement to office-based care at our Bloomington, IL, practice.
Learn more about Zoom teeth whitening and why Dr. David D. Wyse and Dr. Jay W. Chrisman recommend this treatment rather than over-the-counter methods. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to book your teeth whitening procedure.
Types of At-Home Teeth Whitening
Today there is an overwhelming array of teeth whitening treatments. DIY methods include:
- Toothpastes
- Whitening strips
- Pens
- Whitening kits with LED lights
Most of these whitening methods use hydrogen peroxide to break down dental stains.
In addition, online sources often tout all-natural or organic methods, such as charcoal mixed with table salt. However, these methods have not been proven effective – and, according to the American Dental Association®, some may actually be dangerous.
Teeth Whitening at Home and Dental Sensitivity
Peroxide can cause dental sensitivity. Often, the higher the concentration of peroxide, the greater the risk of discomfort. Many over-the-counter methods of teeth whitening have unregulated amounts of peroxide, which can result in significant sensitivity. In contrast, the whitening gel that we use in our office has carefully regulated amounts of peroxide to minimize any side effects.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Results
When you choose to whiten your teeth at home, results can vary significantly. Some methods – typically those provided by a dentist – can yield results that are comparable to office-based treatments. Others, however, have negligible benefits.
Moreover, in-office Zoom yields results in about an hour. Take-home kits typically require a treatment regimen of several weeks.
The Role of Teeth Whitening at Home
At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bloomington, we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. We recognize that at-home teeth whitening does have a role to play in cosmetic dentistry, but we provide it as a supplement to office-based care.
Once you have completed your Zoom! treatment in the office, we can provide you with a set of trays, which will fit comfortably around your teeth. You will fill these trays with whitening gel and wear them periodically to maintain your brighter smile. Because you will receive these materials in the office, you can rest assured that they are safe and contain controlled amounts of peroxide. Be sure to follow our instructions regarding when and how often to perform whitening touch-ups.
Visit Us for Safe and Effective Teeth Whitening
To learn more about teeth whitening and the benefits of dentist-supervised Zoom!, contact Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today. Reach us online or give us a call at (309) 663-6393. Dr. Wyse, Dr. Chrisman, and their team proudly serve patients in Bloomington and Champaign, IL, as well as the surrounding communities.