At Bethesda Family Smiles, we love seeing our patients leave our office with beautiful and healthy smiles. To help you brighten and whiten your smile, our office is happy to provide teeth-whitening services. Teeth whitening lifts any stains or discoloration left behind from common foods and beverages. After just one teeth whitening treatment, your smile will look more youthful. Learn more about our teeth whitening services below.
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 carries many benefits over the drugstore options available. 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 get the bleaching agent on your soft tissues accidentally.
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 on your teeth that’s activated with a special light. 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 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. It also ensures that you have a nice, even result because they’re custom. We’ll also personalize the treatment time for your cosmetic goals. You’ll wear the trays for a certain time every night for a determined number of weeks.
Why Are My Teeth Discolored?
A variety of things can cause discolored teeth. Age is one of them. The older you are, the more likely you are to have discolored teeth. As we get older, 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 with the rest of our bodies.
Lifestyle habits are a big part of discoloration as well. Smoking and tobacco use cause yellow stains from tar on your teeth. The longer you smoke, the more discoloration you’ll have on your teeth. Regularly drinking darker drinks like coffee, tea, or cola can also cause discoloration in your teeth.
Medications can cause deeper staining. Trauma and other issues can cause discoloration too, as it 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.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
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 these products do not evenly distribute the bleaching products over all of their dental structures. This can lead to inconsistent, blotchy results.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Patients who struggle with teeth sensitivity may experience some 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, make sure that you are brushing and flossing at least twice a day. You may also 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 when brushing and flossing are not an option.
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 take care of 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, be sure to 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.
Schedule A Dental Exam With Dr. Khanna
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.