A brighter, more confident smile can leave a lasting impression. At Skale Dental Professionals in Northbrook, IL, we offer two of the most advanced whitening systems available — Zoom Whitening and POLA. These professional treatments safely and effectively remove years of discoloration caused by coffee, tea, wine, and everyday habits. Whether you’re looking for immediate results in the office or the convenience of at-home whitening, our customized solutions deliver noticeably whiter teeth and a radiant, refreshed smile.
How Professional Whitening Treatments Work
Unlike over-the-counter whitening kits, professional whitening treatments use powerful yet safe formulas that penetrate the enamel to break down stains at their source. These clinical-grade whitening gels contain active ingredients — such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide — that dissolve discoloration molecules without damaging the tooth structure.
During treatment, the gel is carefully applied to your teeth and activated by light or left to develop naturally, depending on the whitening system used. The result is a dramatic improvement in color, brightness, and overall uniformity. Because professional treatments are supervised by dental professionals, you can achieve faster, longer-lasting results with minimal sensitivity or discomfort. Professional whitening is ideal for patients looking to:
- Reverse surface staining from foods, beverages, or smoking.
- Brighten teeth dulled by age or natural enamel changes.
- Achieve a polished, camera-ready smile before special occasions.
At Skale Dental Professionals, we customize each treatment to your goals and comfort level, ensuring your smile looks naturally bright — never artificial or over-bleached.
Comparing Zoom® & POLA® Systems
Both Zoom Whitening and POLA are highly effective professional whitening systems, but each offers unique advantages depending on your preferences and schedule.
ZOOM® WHITENING
This in-office treatment delivers fast, dramatic results in a single appointment. A specialized whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated with a powerful LED light, accelerating the whitening process. Most patients see their smiles brighten by several shades in under an hour. Advantages of Zoom Whitening include:
- Instant results after one visit.
- Professional supervision throughout treatment.
- Safe and effective for most patients, even with mild sensitivity.
- Ideal for those preparing for an event or photo session.
POLA® WHITENING
POLA is a professional-grade take-home whitening system that allows you to brighten your teeth at your own pace. Custom-fitted trays are created for your mouth, ensuring even coverage and comfortable wear. The whitening gel is worn for a set period each day, with noticeable improvements within one to two weeks. Advantages of POLA include:
- Convenient, at-home application.
- Gradual whitening for more control over brightness.
- Gentle formulation suitable for sensitive teeth.
- Long-lasting results with consistent use.
Our team will help you choose the whitening system that best fits your lifestyle, goals, and comfort preferences.
What To Expect During Whitening Sessions
Your whitening experience begins with a consultation to determine which system is right for you. We’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your desired results, and ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening.
FOR ZOOM® WHITENING
- Your gums and lips are protected with a barrier to ensure comfort.
- The whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated with a special LED light.
- The gel is refreshed every 15 minutes for optimal results.
- The entire procedure typically lasts about one hour.
FOR POLA® WHITENING
- Impressions of your teeth are taken to create custom trays.
- Once your trays are ready, you’ll receive instructions for home use.
- The whitening gel is applied to the trays and worn for the recommended duration, typically 30–60 minutes daily.
- You’ll notice gradual whitening over several days, reaching full brightness within two weeks.
Both treatments are comfortable, effective, and tailored to your specific whitening goals.
Maintaining Your Results At Home
After professional whitening, maintaining your bright smile is simple with good oral care and smart lifestyle habits. To preserve your results:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent new stains.
- Limit dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Rinse with water after consuming stain-causing drinks.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove surface buildup.
- Use a whitening touch-up kit as recommended by your dentist.
With proper care, your professional whitening results can last for months or even years, depending on your habits.
Safe Whitening For Sensitive Teeth
Sensitivity during whitening is common but temporary. Both Zoom and POLA are designed with patient comfort in mind, using formulas that minimize irritation while still delivering powerful results. For sensitive teeth, we may recommend:
- Using POLA for gradual whitening at home.
- Applying desensitizing gels before or after treatment.
- Spacing whitening sessions to allow enamel to rehydrate.
Our team ensures that every whitening experience is safe, gentle, and customized to your comfort level.
Reveal Your Brightest Smile With
Professional Whitening
Your smile deserves the best care — and professional whitening is one of the fastest, most rewarding ways to enhance it. At Skale Dental Professionals in Northbrook, IL, we offer both in-office Zoom Whitening and at-home POLA treatments to fit your schedule, sensitivity level, and aesthetic goals.
Whether you want instant results or gradual whitening from the comfort of home, our expert team will guide you toward a radiant, natural-looking smile you’ll love to share. Schedule your consultation today and discover how professional whitening can illuminate your confidence. At Skale Dental Professionals, we make your brightest smile a reality.