Teeth Whitening: An Overview
Many of our patients are looking for the fastest way to get the smile of their dreams. One of our most recommended cosmetic dentistry solutions is teeth whitening in Laurel, MD. This is because it is an effective, minimally invasive treatment that will brighten your smile.
We offer at-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments to best meet our patients needs. Before you receive treatment, our cosmetic dentist creates a custom mouth tray for you. This will ensure that your teeth are exposed to the correct amount of whitening gel.
TEETH WHITENING IN LAUREL, MD
As a cosmetic dentist in Laurel, MD, that you can trust, we are happy to provide you with professional teeth whitening solutions to meet your needs. Whether you are interested in whitening your teeth at home or in our office, we provide the treatment that is most convenient for you. Both treatments will deliver effective results.
TAKE-HOME TEETH WHITENING PLACES NEAR YOU
We offer a simple at home whitening kit for patients who prefer to whiten their teeth from the comforts of their home. You will need to come to our Laurel, MD, dentist for a brief visit. Here, we will take impressions of your teeth and use them to create your custom trays.
Your custom fit trays will fit perfectly against your teeth much like a mouthpiece. This allows for even whitening and less sensitivity. We will show you how to properly use them for optimal results. Your teeth will slowly whiten during the treatment period which is typically about two weeks but may vary from patient to patient.
IN-OFFICE TEETH WHITENING IN LAUREL, MD
Choosing best teeth whitening in our Laurel, MD, dentist office may cost more but the results are instant. This is convenient if you need your teeth whitened for a special upcoming event. It is also the safest way to whiten teeth since the gel is applied by a dental professional. For the best results, we may suggest a teeth cleaning before the treatment.
TEETH WHITENING FAQS
HOW LONG DOES TEETH WHITENING NEAR YOU LAST?
Teeth whitening is not a long term solution for achieving white teeth. Depending on your personal habits, teeth whitening results can last for one or more years. For example, if you are a regular coffee drinker or smoke cigarettes, your smile is likely to dull faster than others. Patients will often return to our office for touch up treatments every so often.
Is Teeth Whitening Suitable for Everyone?
Teeth whitening is quite a popular cosmetic procedure sought by many looking to brighten their smile. However, it’s important to understand that it may not be suitable for everyone. Here’s what you need to consider:
Who Can Benefit?
- Healthy Teeth and Gums: The best candidates are people with healthy teeth and gums, free from cavities or gum disease. Whitening products can aggravate existing dental problems.
- Stains and Discoloration: If your teeth are yellowing due to age, food, drinks, or smoking, whitening can be effective. It’s particularly beneficial for extrinsic stains—those on the surface of the teeth.
Who Should Proceed with Caution?
- Sensitive Teeth: People with sensitive teeth should approach whitening with caution. Products can increase sensitivity, making it uncomfortable for some.
- Dental Restorations: If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, know that whitening treatments don’t affect these materials. This might lead to uneven coloration.
- Pregnant or Nursing Women: Generally, it’s advised that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid whitening treatments due to the lack of research on safety during these stages.
Consulting with a Professional
Before embarking on any teeth whitening procedure, it’s crucial to consult with a dental professional. They can evaluate your oral health, discuss suitable options tailored to your needs, and ensure you’re making a safe choice. Remember, while over-the-counter products may suffice for some, others might need professionally administered treatments for effective results.
DO YOU RECOMMEND OVER-THE-COUNTER WHITENING STRIPS?
Patients can buy teeth whitening products at their grocery store, including over-the-counter whitening strips. We suggest avoiding these products, as they are often a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening. Our custom whitening trays fit only your smile so that the color of your teeth is consistent. Often, patients who use whitening strips come to us afterward with blotchy teeth because the whitening solution was not evenly applied to the surface of their teeth.
WHEN DO YOU SEE RESULTS FROM TEETH WHITENING?
After professional teeth whitening treatment, patients should expect to see results after about 24 hours. They may continue to become brighter for 2 weeks after treatment. During the first 2 days, patients teeth are more sensitive to staining.
DO TEETH STAIN EASIER AFTER WHITENING?
After teeth whitening treatment, patients teeth may become stained easily from potent colored drinks and food. Patients should avoid drinking coffee, wine, and artificially dyed foods like candy for at least a week.
SHOULD I CLEAN MY TEETH BEFORE OR AFTER WHITENING TREATMENT?
The whitening treatment goes better if your teeth are clean right before the treatment. We suggest an in-office whitening right after a dental cleaning or getting your whitening trays after a cleaning. We will remove any plaque or tartar buildup and you’ll get an even whitening treatment.
DOES TEETH WHITENING HURT?
No, whitening your teeth shouldn’t hurt. If anything, you’ll experience some sensitivity. This will go away after a few days. Professional teeth whitening gels minimize sensitivity on your teeth.
HOW OFTEN CAN I WHITEN MY TEETH?
Even with professional products, teeth whitening can cause severe sensitivity if patients use it too much. Only whiten your teeth once or twice a year. Your teeth whitening results last for at least this long and you should not need to do it more often than that.
Teeth whitening does more than simply brighten your smile. Here’s how it enhances both your appearance and confidence:
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Improves Aesthetic Appeal: A brighter smile can dramatically improve your overall look. White teeth often signal good health and hygiene, which can make you appear more attractive to others.
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Boosts Self-Esteem: Knowing that your smile is immaculate can significantly increase your confidence. You’ll likely find yourself smiling more often, which can make interactions more enjoyable and less self-conscious.
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Positive First Impressions: Whether in personal, professional, or social settings, a radiant smile leaves a lasting impression. It communicates warmth and friendliness, helping you to connect with others more effectively.
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Makes You Look Younger: Teeth naturally darken with age due to various factors like diet and lifestyle. Whitening can counteract this process, giving you a more youthful appearance.
By understanding these benefits, you can see why many choose teeth whitening as a way to improve both personal and social interactions.
Book an Appointment for Teeth Whitening in Laurel, MD
Transform your smile with professional teeth whitening services. Call us or request an appointment online to get started!