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Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening Options at Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC

Zoom In-Office Whitening Treatments

The first teeth-whitening option is an in-office treatment where teeth whitening is done professionally using the Zoom teeth whitening method. Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel (our tooth bleaching agent) is applied to the discolored teeth. The Zoom light penetrates the teeth and breaks up the stains and discolorations. Immediately following this procedure, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste gel is applied to the teeth. Unlike teeth whitening strips and other over-the-counter teeth whitening products, with professional teeth whitening, you never have to worry about your results being too subtle to notice. They will be fully visible after treatment.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Options

The second option is an at-home treatment system where patients can whiten their teeth using customized dental trays along with thin applications of whitening gel as prescribed by our specialists per week. They allow you to whiten teeth from the convenience of your own home.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Absolutely! We don’t offer any treatments or procedures at Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC that aren’t safe and proven effective. Zoom teeth whitening and our at-home options are all safe ways to brighten and whiten your teeth quickly and easily.

Who is a Good Candidate for Tooth Whitening?

Almost anyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening, especially at-home teeth whitening treatments. If you’re struggling with stains, yellow teeth, or anything that’s not white teeth, you are likely a good candidate for one of our tooth whitening treatment options.

With Zoom teeth whitening, you should have little to no tooth sensitivity, have healthy gums, be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene, have realistic expectations of treatment, and struggle with tooth discoloration, stains, or yellowing on your teeth.

Both treatments work best on yellow teeth versus brown teeth, but your dentist will customize treatment for you.

What to Expect from Teeth Whitening

During your initial consultation, your doctor will determine if teeth whitening is right for you, and if so, then they will determine if Zoom or at-home teeth whitening is right for your needs. More advanced staining may need professional teeth whitening compared to the at-home approach.

To start Zoom teeth whitening, we’ll start by cleaning your teeth of any stains or debris. From there, your provider will then apply hydrogen peroxide bleaching solution to the teeth. The custom Zoom light will then be applied to the teeth. The light breaks up the stains and discoloration, revealing the brighter smile underneath.

With at-home teeth whitening, we’ll walk you through all the steps to ensure you know what to do when you get home.

Teeth Whitening Results

After the Zoom light is used, we’ll apply a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste gel to reduce any sensitivity you experience. From there, you are free to go. You’ll notice brighter, whiter teeth immediately. You’ll want to follow your dentist’s instructions on how best to care for your teeth after treatment.

To maintain your new whiter smile, you’ll want to brush and floss regularly (you can use whitening toothpastes if you’d like), use mouthwash, avoid darkly-colored foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.

Laser Teeth Whitening FAQs

Can you get yellow teeth back to white?

With the help of our dental lasers and specialized gel, you can absolutely achieve whiter teeth, even if they are yellow.

Does laser teeth whitening work on crowns?

Unfortunately, laser teeth whitening does not work on crowns, but you can have your crowns replaced to match your natural teeth.

Does laser whitening hurt?

Absolutely not! Laser teeth whitening is a quick and gentle treatment that is virtually painless.

How long does laser whitening of teeth last?

How long laser teeth whitening lasts depends greatly on your oral hygiene, your lifestyle, and how well you take care of your teeth. That said, the whitening can last anywhere from six months to a few years.

How much is professional teeth whitening?

How much professional teeth whitening costs depends on the type of whitening done and the results you’re looking for. On average, it’s typically around $750 per session.

How often can you do laser teeth whitening?

We typically recommend having laser teeth whitening every 1-2 years for the best results.

Is laser teeth whitening better than gel?

Our laser teeth whitening treatment uses both lasers and gel, which makes it better than just using gel alone. It can provide better, more noticeable, and quicker results.

Is laser whitening safe for your teeth?

Absolutely! Because the laser whitening treatment is gentle and done by only experienced providers, it’s a completely safe treatment.

How long does teeth whitening take?

Professional, in-office teeth whitening can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes and can require multiple visits. It all depends on the method of whitening chosen and the results you’re looking for.

What causes teeth to stain?

Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, dark-colored food and drinks, tobacco use, and certain medications. Sticking to a good oral hygiene routine is the best way to prevent stains.

Are there any side effects to teeth whitening?

Tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage are the most common side effects of tooth whitening.

How can I maintain my teeth whitening results?

Practicing good oral hygiene, staying away from dark-colored foods and drinks, quitting smoking, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to maintain your perfectly white smile.

What should I avoid after whitening my teeth?

For at least 48 hours after your whitening treatment, it’s recommended you stay away from acidic, darkly pigmented, and sugary foods and drinks. This includes coffee and tea, dark fruits and vegetables, and red wine.

When will I see the results of teeth whitening treatments?

Depending on the whitening system used, most patients see significant results after a week, with full results after 2-3 weeks.

Who is teeth whitening not appropriate for?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have gum disease, tooth decay or cavities, or are younger than 16, you are likely not a good candidate for teeth whitening.

What is the difference between professional and over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments?

The solution used to whiten teeth professionally is much stronger than what you can find over the counter, ensuring you receive results much faster. Professional teeth whitening can also be customized to meet your specific needs and are considered much more effective than their over-the-counter counterparts.

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Schedule A Consultation

Ready to have the beautifully white smile you’ve always wanted? You could not choose better than our team at Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC. We’ll walk you through the entire whitening process to ensure you’re completely comfortable. To get started, call our Bethesda, MD office at (240) 358-3078 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.

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Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC

location-icon6720-B Rockledge Drive, Suite 125
Bethesda, MD 20817

phone-icon(240) 719-6104

office-iconMonday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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Award-Winning Care

Dr. Kaplan has recently been awarded by the American College of Prosthodontists recognizing extraordinary collegiality, outreach, and community service.

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