Elmhurst Cosmetic Dentist Explains the Benefits of Teeth Whitening Treatment
Elmhurst Cosmetic Dentist Explains the Benefits of Teeth Whitening Treatment
Teeth whitening treatments, both professional and over-the-counter, are increasingly popular with many of my patients. However, most people do not know the difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, nor how these treatments really work. I thought that I would take this opportunity to explain the basics of teeth whitening, and tell you a little bit more about an effective in-office bleaching treatment, the KöR Whitening System.
As our teeth age they lose the whiteness and brilliance of younger teeth. Eating, drinking, and smoking can further dull your smile. Some patients even experience tooth-darkening from antibiotic medications such as tetracycline. Luckily, there are cosmetic procedures available to whiten your smile, making it appear younger and more vibrant.
Teeth Whitening Vs. Teeth Bleaching
Patients and dentists commonly use the terms “teeth bleaching” and “teeth whitening” synonymously, but they are actually slightly different methods of lightening your smile. Understanding the difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching can help you decide which procedure fits your needs.
- Teeth whitening restores the tooth to its natural color. Teeth whitening treatments simply clean staining elements off of the tooth’s surface. These treatments remove dulling agents to keep your smile from looking dark and dingy. Everyday dental hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash are technically teeth whitening treatments. Many at-home cosmetic teeth whitening kits also fit under this category.
- Teeth bleaching, on the other hand actually lifts stains from tooth enamel and dentin. Bleaching treatments use oxygenating agents, like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to whiten teeth, thus rejuvenating your smile. These treatments are administered and monitored by professional cosmetic dentists, and you’ll see results quickly. Some teeth bleaching kits also have an at-home component to complement the in-office treatment.
Our Elmhurst cosmetic dentists use the ground-breaking KöR Whitening System for professional teeth-bleaching. The KöR Whitening System is safe, non-invasive, and formulated as a gentle bleaching option. Our patients are continually satisfied with the KöR system—most patients experience little or no sensitivity during treatment.
When using the KöR Whitening System a dentist first takes molds of your teeth. From these molds, they make custom teeth-whitening trays. After your initial appointment with your cosmetic dental team, you will wear your custom whitening trays every night for two weeks. Then you’ll come back to the dentist’s office for a final appointment, and you’re done. The KöR Whitening System is incredibly effective—some patients whiten their teeth by as much as 16 shades. It can even lighten tetracycline-stained teeth, which was previously impossible to do.
Hopefully you’re now informed about teeth whitening, teeth bleaching, and the KöR Whitening System in particular. These treatments are fast, non-invasive ways to refresh your smile. If you have questions, or you’d like to talk about teeth whitening treatments with our Elmhurst dentists, please give us a call at (630) 733-1624.