Teeth Whitening

How Can Professional Dental Whitening Help?

In-office teeth whitening uses a highly concentrated bleaching gel to immediately and dramatically lighten the surface color of teeth. This bleaching gel is much more powerful than the bleaching solution you receive with over-the-counter whitening systems. It works best on teeth that are stained by long-term use of tobacco and consumption of highly pigmented foods such as tomato sauce, blueberries, cherries, tea, coffee and cola.

Also known as chairside teeth whitening or power bleaching, in-office dental whitening differs from do-it-yourself whitening kits in that in-office treatment is closely overseen by our experienced dentists and dental team. This careful supervision ensures that you are safe and pain-free during the procedure. Also, a thorough pre-treatment examination by our teeth bleaching dentist helps identify the underlying cause of your tooth discoloration so we can deliver the best results for your smile.

Keep in mind that some teeth may not be suitable for a whitening treatment. For instance, if your teeth are discolored by medications such as tetracycline, dental whitening may not help. Teeth with discoloration caused by deep structural issues such as dental injuries or decay also do not respond well to the whitening solution.

You can find out if you’re a good candidate for chairside whitening by scheduling an evaluation with one of our experienced dentists.

Are There Options for Teeth Whitening at Home?

We understand that you may want to whiten your teeth in the convenience of your own home, so we offer our patients an easy-to-use, at-home teeth whitening kit. Your kit will be made by your dentist and customized to perfectly fit your mouth. To create this customized teeth whitening tray system, we’ll first take an impression of your teeth. This impression ensures that your whitening trays fit your teeth with minimal slippage during use.

Your kit will be ready in a couple of weeks, and it will include a whitening gel that is professional grade. Each day for two weeks, you’ll fill the tray with the teeth whitening gel and wear it for about an hour. At the end of your two-week kit use, your teeth will be up to six shades lighter.

What’s the Cost of Teeth Whitening?

Every person’s cost differs according to the type of teeth whitening system used, how many treatments are needed and whether the dentist will need to even-out the post-treatment color of your tooth restorations. Beyond the basic costs, you may also want to use follow-up whitening kits for home use, and those kits will affect your total cost. For more information about teeth bleaching cost, call our office to book a consultation. Once we’ve evaluated your individual needs, we can give you an accurate estimate.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and DIY Teeth Whitening Products?

If you’ve browsed your neighborhood drug store lately, you’ve likely noticed the dozens of DIY teeth whitening options. From gels, strips and trays to toothpastes and rinses, there’s no shortage of ways you can whiten your teeth at home. Unfortunately, these products lack the strength and reliability of professional whitening products. They are also very easily used incorrectly, potentially leading to painful gum and tooth irritation. In comparison, professional whitening gels are far more potent than DIY whiteners. Their professional supervision is also helpful, ensuring that you get consistent results immediately without damage to your gums or sensitive teeth.

What Will Happen During a Teeth Whitening Procedure?

While each teeth whitening procedure is different based on the type of whitening system used, there are a few similarities among most whitening procedures. The following describes what you are likely to experience during your procedure:

1. Before treatment begins, your teeth are cleaned and examined.
2. Photos of your teeth may be taken so your dentist can monitor progress.
3. A cheek retractor helps reveal your teeth.
4. A liquid is applied to your gums to protect them from the bleaching solution.
5. A number of layers of bleaching gel are applied to your teeth one at a time. Each layer sits on your teeth for a few minutes and is then removed. This process is repeated multiple times.
6. A light may be used to intensify your results.
7. Your dentist will determine if you require follow-up treatment based on the procedure’s results.

You don’t have to suffer from yellow teeth and an embarrassing smile. Call us today to restore your smile’s brightness with in-office teeth whitening in Waldorf.