At Bethesda Family Smiles, we love seeing our patients leave our office with beautiful and healthy smiles. Our office is happy to provide teeth-whitening services to help you brighten and whiten your smile. Teeth whitening lifts any stains or discoloration from common foods and beverages. After just one teeth whitening treatment, your smile will look more youthful.
Teeth Whitening in Bethesda, MD
Dr. Khanna practices cosmetic dentistry in Bethesda, MD. She enjoys helping patients feel more confident about showing off their smiles. Our office is happy to provide professional teeth whitening services to patients interested in removing years of stains and discoloration from their dental structures.
Professional teeth whitening has many benefits over drugstore options. The products available over the counter aren’t as effective as professional solutions. They’re also designated as one-size-fits-all, meaning you can get splotchy or uneven results. You’re also more susceptible to sensitivity with over-the-counter options. You’re more likely to accidentally get the bleaching agent on your soft tissues.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our office, we offer in-office and take-home whitening solutions. In-office whitening can be done in one visit to our office. We isolate your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. We then paint a bleaching agent that’s activated with a special light on your teeth. In an hour-long appointment, your teeth can get up to eight shades whiter. This option is ideal if you have an event or something coming up where you want a whiter smile fast.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening is a more gradual solution. We take impressions of your teeth to custom-make bleaching trays that are personalized for your smile. They seal out saliva so it doesn’t negatively impact the bleaching process. Because they’re custom, they also ensure that you have a nice, even result. We’ll also personalize the treatment time for your cosmetic goals. You’ll wear the trays for a certain time every night for several weeks.
Why Are My Teeth Discolored?
A variety of things can cause discolored teeth, one of which is age. The older you are, the more likely you are to have discolored teeth. As we age, the white enamel layer gets thinner, exposing more of the off-white dentin layer underneath. The years take their toll on our teeth just like they do on the rest of our bodies.
Lifestyle habits are also a big part of discoloration. Smoking and tobacco use cause yellow stains from tar on teeth. The longer you smoke, the more discoloration you’ll have. Regularly drinking darker drinks like coffee, tea, or cola can also cause discoloration.
Medications can cause deeper staining. Trauma and other issues can also cause discoloration, as they may stop the blood flow into your teeth. Traditional teeth whitening techniques may not work on deeper stains. We offer other solutions, like porcelain veneers, to treat this kind of discoloration.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening offers many benefits. Investing in your smile with our whitening treatments can significantly enhance your appearance and confidence.
Unlike store-bought generic whitening products, Dr. Khanna will supervise your treatment, ensuring safety. She administers whitening treatments and tailors them to your needs, so you can expect more effective treatment.
Other benefits include immediate and noticeable results. In one office visit, we can lighten your teeth several shades. We can also take steps to minimize sensitivity, making the process more comfortable.
Most often, a brighter smile comes with heightened self-confidence that positively reflects on all personal and professional interactions. Investing in professional teeth whitening can help you achieve a better-looking smile that promises long-lasting results.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
If you’re considering seeking help to brighten your smile, you likely have some questions. Our team compiled a list of commonly asked questions about professional teeth whitening. We aim to help you better understand the process and set realistic expectations for your results.
Should I use over-the-counter whitening products?
Over-the-counter whitening products take a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening. While this may work for some people, most find that these products do not evenly distribute the bleaching products over all their dental structures. This can lead to inconsistent, blotchy results.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Patients struggling with teeth sensitivity may experience discomfort from over-the-counter whitening products. However, with professional teeth whitening, we can tailor the intensity of the bleaching solution to ensure that you do not experience discomfort while undergoing treatment.
What can I do to maintain a whiter smile?
Avoid eating or drinking foods that are notorious for staining your smile. Additionally, brush and floss at least twice a day. When brushing and flossing are not an option, rinse your mouth out with water throughout the day or chew on sugar-free gum to keep food residues from remaining on your dental structures.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening is not permanent, but it can be a long-term solution. The results will depend on the type of whitening treatment you get. It will also depend on how well you care for your teeth afterward.
Some people find that their teeth return to their original color after a few months, while others can keep their white teeth for up to two years. To make teeth whitening last as long as possible, brush and floss regularly, avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, and avoid smoking.
What should I avoid after a teeth whitening procedure?
You should avoid drinking dark liquids and smoking for at least 24 hours after your dental whitening procedure. These habits can cause staining and discoloration in your teeth.
Do I qualify for professional teeth whitening?
Most people are good candidates for teeth whitening. Professional whitening is a great option to enhance your smile if you have healthy teeth and gums. However, there a few reasons why some peole should avoid it. These reasons include:
- Pregnancy
- Under the age of 18
- Suffer from intrinsic stains
- Worn enamel or sensitive teeth
Book a consultation to ensure this cosmetic dentistry treatment suits your specific needs and will address any concerns.
Will professional tooth whitening harm my enamel?
Professional tooth whitening is safe and should not hurt your tooth enamel. We use special tools and gels that are made to protect your teeth while lifting stains. You might feel some mild sensitivity right after, but it doesn’t last long. If you whiten your teeth too often or use strong store-bought kits too much, your enamel could weaken. Letting a dentist help you get the smile you want is best.
Is it better to whiten my teeth before or after orthodontic treatment?
It is better to whiten your teeth after you finish orthodontic treatment. The treatment can make it hard for the whitening gel to reach all tooth surfaces. If you try to whiten your teeth before treatment is over, some parts of your teeth may not get as white as others. After the braces or aligners come off, your teeth will be ready for even whitening, and your smile will look its best.
How will professional tooth whitening affect my dental crown?
Professional tooth whitening can make your natural teeth whiter, but it will not change the color of your dental crown. The crown is made from a different material, so it does not react like your teeth to the whitening agents. After whitening, your crown might look darker than your shiny, white teeth.
Schedule A Dental Exam With Dr. Khanna to Learn More About Professional Teeth Whitening in Bethesda, MD
Looking for a local dentist office equipped to meet your needs? Our Bethesda dentist office welcomes new patients and provides dental services for children and adults. We will do our best to ensure your visit is simple and easy while you enjoy our environment and benefit from our care. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Khanna today, and we look forward to seeing you in our Bethesda, MD dentist office very soon.