
Mar
Products claiming to whiten teeth have been around for a very long time. Today’s over-the-counter teeth whitening products may not deceive like their predecessors, but they still exaggerate the truth. This is why many people choose West Suburban Oral Health Care, where our dentists offer the latest tooth whitening treatments, including kits for at-home teeth whitening.
To understand how teeth whitening works, it’s crucial to grasp the biology of your teeth. Although teeth may appear as simple bone structures, they are quite distinct from bones. One key difference is that teeth are not comprised of living tissues and do not grow like bones.
Teeth are also made up of four layers:
Enamel: Enamel is considered the human body’s hardest tissue. It covers the surface of a tooth’s dental crown. While it appears completely solid, enamel has tiny pores. This means that the shade of a tooth’s deeper layers can dramatically impact its shade.
Dentin: Dentin consists of tissue that creates the dental crown down to the tooth root. This layer is between the enamel and cementum layers. Its texture is softer than the upper enamel layers, and it has a tiny tissue fluid tube called a dentinal tubule that runs throughout.
Cementum – The third layer is cementum. It covers the surface of the part beneath the surface of the gums, known as the tooth root. The cementum connects the alveolar bone (the jawbone) to our teeth via the periodontal ligament.
Pulp – The last layer is nerve tissue, known as the “dental pulp.” This layer consists of nerve fibers and blood vessels that supply vital nutrients to the dentin.
As you can see, your tooth has a pretty intricate ecosystem, meaning that any effort to brighten your smile has to be strong enough to impact far beyond the enamel layer.
Tooth whitening products sold over the counter without a dental prescription are not allowed to contain the same concentrations of specific bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, that are found in bleaching gels used at practices like West Suburban Oral Health Care.
Products containing more than 0.1 percent hydrogen peroxide can only be sold by dentists. Dentists often use products containing up to 6 percent hydrogen peroxide. Anything you can buy in a store without a dental prescription will be too weak to significantly whiten your teeth, depending on how stained they are.
The difference between the results from over-the-counter whitening treatments and professional tooth whitening is significant. With our deep-penetrating teeth whitening treatments, you can leave with a smile several shades whiter on the same day!
Plus, you can whiten your teeth at home. We also offer convenient take-home kits that allow you to whiten your smile at your own pace using your custom dental tray and a different formulation of gel that’s still far stronger than anything sold in stores. This whitening is also more economical, and you can combine it with our in-office whitening treatment to sustain your brilliant smile year-round.
Your amazing smile is waiting to be revealed. Naperville residents can contact West Suburban Oral Health Care at 630-393-3045 to schedule a consultation today. Remember, when it comes to brightening your smile, trust the professionals.
Dr. Susan Mazzei is a skilled dentist specializing in prosthodontics. A
graduate of Northwestern
University Dental School, she completed a Certification in Prosthodontics before joining
the
faculty of Northwestern University Dental School as a Clinical Assistant Professor, where she
served for 12 years and became Assistant Professor Emeritus. Dr. Mazzei believes that excellent
oral health begins with education and prevention and is committed to continuing her education.
She is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, a Charter Fellow in the American Academy of
Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and has completed the Bale and Doneen Method Preceptorship
Program.
Connect with Dr. Susan Mazzei on Linkedin
Dr. Kelsey Esposito worked in healthcare advertising and communications before
realizing that
her passions were dentistry and patient care. She holds a BA in Economics and Fine Art from
Kalamazoo
College, a Premedicine Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from Northwestern University,
and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Illinois in Chicago. She is a member
of
the American Dental Association (ADA), Chicago Dental Society (CDS), Illinois Dental Society
(IDS), Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and AAOSH.
Dr. Marco Fajardo is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, where
he also served
as a part-time Assistant Clinical Instructor. He was a member of the University Dental
Associates of the University of Chicago too. In 1994, he formed the basis of West
Suburban Oral
Healthcare with Dr. Mazzei. He is now its Team Leader.
Dr. Ashley Nguyen studied at the University of Buffalo and Midwestern University in Downers
Grove, IL (dental school). She is a member of the ADA, CDS, IDS, and other local organizations.
She continues her education by attending dental conferences and seminars.