Professional Teeth Whitening Silver Spring, MD
Professional teeth whitening is a safe, comfortable procedure that brightens and enhances the appearance of people's smiles. This cosmetic dental procedure can effectively remove surface stains caused by foods, beverages, aging, and more. People who receive this procedure can achieve a smile that is several shades whiter and brighter.
If you want to enhance your smile's appearance, professional teeth whitening may be the right option for you. We provide professional teeth whitening at Lee Dentistry in Silver Spring and the surrounding area. Call us today at (301) 605-1123 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
As people age, their teeth often become discolored. Staining food and beverages, nicotine and tobacco use, and certain prescription medications can cause teeth to appear yellow and less healthy. These stains can be extrinsic or intrinsic, causing the yellow dentin beneath tooth enamel to show through minuscule cracks on the tooth's surface.
Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can help teeth become three to eight shades whiter than before. Teeth whitening can provide optimal results in a short amount of time when performed by a professional. Having professional care and consultation is the safest and most effective way to achieve a whiter, more beautiful smile.
“Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can help teeth become three to eight shades whiter than before.”
Candidacy for Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a viable treatment option for many people. However, patients should have a consultation to determine whether they are an ideal candidate for this treatment. Anyone who is allergic to peroxide, the whitening agent, should not get this treatment. We also do not recommend teeth whitening for pregnant or lactating women.
Candidates should be in good oral health, without gum disease or worn down enamel. Cavities should get treated before people can consider getting their teeth whitened. Teeth whitening works best for people with yellow teeth, but some patients with brown teeth have also received positive results. Gray or purple discoloration indicates trauma or decay, which cannot be fixed by teeth whitening.
“Anyone who is allergic to peroxide, the whitening agent, should not get this treatment.”
Peroxide in Teeth Whitening
According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, teeth whitening uses hydrogen peroxide to cause a chemical reaction that removes stains. Hydrogen peroxide has been an ingredient in teeth-whitening and oral care products for decades. It is the primary active ingredient in many at-home and professional whitening products.
This chemical compound reacts with and oxidizes the double bonds between the stain and the tooth's surface to lighten discoloration. Over-the-counter whitening products use 3 to 20% peroxide-based bleaching agents. Professional teeth whitening is more effective because the bleaching solution is much stronger, containing 15% to 43% peroxide.
“Professional teeth whitening is more effective because the bleaching solution is much stronger, containing 15% to 43% peroxide.”
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Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening can brighten teeth by up to 10 shades. This treatment involves spreading a bleaching agent on teeth and using a special laser that generates heat to enhance its effectiveness. This speeds up the bleaching process for quick and dramatic results.
Although laser whitening is not long, it is precise. This treatment should only be performed by a licensed professional. Not all patients qualify for this procedure, so it is essential to speak with our team to determine whether this service is right for them.
“Not all patients qualify for this procedure, so it is essential to speak with our team to determine whether this service is right for them.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How effective is professional teeth whitening treatment?
Q. Who should receive professional teeth whitening?
Q. What is peroxide's role in teeth whitening?
Q. What is laser teeth whitening?
Q. Are at-home teeth whitening treatments effective?
People Also Ask
Q. What are teeth whitening options at the dentist?
Q. Why is it important for patients to discuss their concerns with a dentist that understands them?
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening at a dentist's office?
Q. What are the common cosmetic dental services?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Cautions Against Teeth Whitening At Home
While teeth whitening is also possible at home through over-the-counter kits, it is important to approach with caution. Some of these whitening kits contain questionable ingredients that can do more harm than good. While do-it-yourself teeth whitening at home sounds convenient, many of these tips can cause serious problems and do not produce effective results.
Since our team supervises professional teeth whitening, we can use a stronger bleaching solution. We can also ensure that sensitive gums do not become more irritated while producing safe and reliable results. Ultimately, professional teeth whitening produces the most precise and effective results.
“Ultimately, professional teeth whitening produces the most precise and effective results.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is professional teeth whitening comfortable?
A. Most patients experience no pain during the whitening procedure. Some sensitivity for a few days following the treatment is to be suspected. People can use over-the-counter pain medications to minimize discomfort.
Q. How long does professional teeth whitening take?
A. The length of the procedure varies depending upon the extent of the patient's discoloration. In-office procedures last for up to one hour. Dentist-supervised whitening outside of the office may take up to several weeks.
Q. How can I care for my whitened teeth?
A. Proper dental hygiene is essential for preserving the color of whitened teeth. Patients should brush their teeth and floss twice a day. They should also avoid nicotine products and foods and beverages with dark colorations.
Q. How long does professional teeth whitening last?
A. The length of the teeth whitening effects will depend on the varying bleaching concentration and the whitening method. The average bleaching results can last anywhere from six months to three years. People can extend the whitening effects by taking good care of their teeth.
Q. Will professional teeth whitening damage my enamel?
A. Professional teeth whitening does not damage or harm tooth enamel. Enamel is one of the hardest tissues in the human body. Professional supervision can ensure that the least amount of damage occurs while whitening teeth.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us Today
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Our team at Lee Dentistry can help. Call us today at 301-605-1123 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Lee Dentistry was established in 1997.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Montgomery County and Prince George’s County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Silver Spring, Columbia, Bethesda, Washington, DC, Langley Park, Chevy Chase, White Oak, and Wheaton-Glenmont
- National Provider Identifier Database (1902824121). View NPI Registry Information
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