Teeth Whitening in Lanham, MD
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth. Teeth whitening can be performed by a dentist or at home.
In-office teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. The gel remains in contact for about an hour before being removed from the teeth.
You can also whiten your teeth at home using whitening kits such as whitening toothpaste and whitening strips. These kits gently lift stains from your teeth.
When Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Needed?
The most common causes of dental staining include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain medications
- Tobacco use
- Drinking dark-colored beverages
- Aging
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- Excessive fluoride use
A teeth whitening treatment can help eliminate dental stains and result in a beautiful smile.
Types of Whitening Treatments
There are generally three types of whitening treatments:
- In-office Treatment: Your dentist will apply a stronger whitening gel to your teeth. Some dentists use a light or laser to activate the gel.
- Take-home Treatment: Your dentist will take a mold of your mouth to make custom-fitted trays. You will place the whitening gel in the trays and wear them at home.
- Over-the-counter Whitening Treatments:Over-the-counter teeth whitening products have carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as their major ingredient and work to brighten the teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
Professional teeth whitening treatments use a bleaching gel to lift stains and discolorations from the tooth enamel surface. The bleaching gel contains a form of hydrogen peroxide, which is the active ingredient that whitens the teeth. The teeth whitening treatment begins with protecting your gums and lips and then applying the bleaching gel to the teeth. The teeth are then exposed to a special light that helps to activate the bleaching gel. The gel is left on the teeth for a specified amount of time and is rinsed off. The procedure is repeated till the desired whitening level is achieved.
Why Is It Best To Have Professional Whitening Treatments Done?
Many patients choose professional teeth whitening because it’s fast, safe, and proven to make your teeth whiter and brighter. In-office teeth whitening involves a highly concentrated bleaching agent applied to the teeth, where it is activated using a special light or laser. This results in faster, more effective whitening than at-home whitening products. In-office whitening can whiten teeth up to 8 shades, making it the most effective teeth whitening treatment. Besides, since the procedure is done under the supervision of your dentist, they are safer.
To learn more about our dental services, call Lanham Smiles Family Dentistry at (301) 459-0914 or schedule an online appointment. You can also visit our dental office located at 9500 Annapolis Road, Suite C6, Lanham, MD 20706.
