Teeth Whitening – North Bethesda, MD
Multiple Ways to Brighten Your Smile
Have you noticed any stains or discoloration in your smile that you’ve been wanting to get rid of? While there are over-the-counter products you can buy at your local store, it’s typically best to work with your dentist for more reliable and dazzling results. Our team offers professional teeth whitening in North Bethesda to help patients brighten their pearly whites while achieving their dream smile! Keep reading to learn more about our treatment options or give our office a call today to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Aesthetic & Family Dentistry of North Bethesda for Teeth Whitening?
- At-Home & In-Office Options
- Personalized & Effective Treatment
- In-House Dental Savings Plan & Financing Available
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Those who are unhappy with the color or shade of their smile are typically good candidates for professional teeth whitening. Our team wants to ensure you can enjoy a grin that you’re proud to show off instead of covering your mouth due to any worries. Of course, we’ll need to evaluate your oral health beforehand in case we need to address any underlying problems, such as cavities or decay. Once you’re free of any complications and your mouth is healthy, we can move forward with deciding on the whitening process that works best for you.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
At our practice, we offer both take-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments. We’ll walk you through the benefits of both during your initial visit. In the meantime, here is what you can expect from either solution.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
We recommend Crest 3D take-home trays for patients with low tooth sensitivity. This can be thought of as a convenient “entry-level” solution. We also have KöR take-home whitening options available. Normally, you will use the KöR whitening kit for about two weeks before seeing results. You’ll wear custom trays filled with whitening gel for either 30 minutes every day or 8 hours every night depending on which type of KöR whitening solution you select.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If your teeth are sensitive but you still want a convenient solution, you can ask about Smile Perfected. You’ll spend 20 minutes in our dental office with a light-activated whitening solution, which will brighten your tooth by several shades in just one appointment. You’ll be given some take-home tools to touch up your smile as needed. KöR in-office whitening is the treatment of choice if you’re looking for a more dramatic change. It requires greater long-term commitment, but the results are worth it. This procedure can also be combined with our take-home whitening solutions, which can produce dazzling results.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
After completing your teeth whitening process, you’ll want to preserve your beautiful results by implementing the following measures:
- Brush your teeth after eating meals or treats
- Use a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages
- Rinse with mouthwash and floss to avoid dental discoloration
- Stick to light-colored foods like yogurt and white fish
- Avoid unhealthy oral habits like smoking
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening treatments, like KöR Whitening and Smile Perfected, offered at our North Bethesda office, provide superior results compared to store-bought products. Over-the-counter options are cheaper and use the same chemicals as professional whitening—hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide—but in much lower concentrations. This may temporarily lighten stains, but the results will likely be minor and uneven.
Our professional treatments use stronger, more effective formulas with customized trays that fit your teeth perfectly. They also offer longer-lasting results and are safer for your teeth and gums, especially if you have issues with tooth sensitivity.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Teeth whitening, when performed professionally at our office or with our KöR at-home kits, is safe and has no detrimental effects on enamel. Enamel damage with whitening most often occurs with overuse of over-the-counter products or “whitening” toothpastes containing charcoal or other abrasives. Our whitening treatments are designed to remove stains gently without harming your pearly whites.
Your teeth may become sensitive temporarily after your appointment, but any discomfort is usually mild and fades away quickly. At Aesthetic & Family Dentistry of North Bethesda, we prioritize your comfort and use products that protect enamel while delivering powerful results!
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
The length of teeth whitening treatment depends on the method used. In-office treatments like KöR Whitening and Smile Perfected take about 60–90 minutes, delivering noticeable results in just one visit!
For at-home whitening kits, the process typically takes about two weeks, depending on the recommended duration of daily wear. Our team will guide you through the process and help you choose the best option for your schedule and desired results. No matter the method, you’ll enjoy a whiter, brighter smile in no time!
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Teeth whitening treatments don’t work on dental crowns, veneers, or fillings because they’re made of non-organic materials like porcelain that don’t respond to whitening agents. Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel because of its porous structure that allows the chemicals to penetrate and gently lift the stains.
If you know whitening is in your future, the best time to mention it is during your initial consultation. With enough planning, our team can schedule your treatments, so your new restorations match your smile. Otherwise, the only way to ensure a seamless blend with your older crowns, fillings, or veneers is to replace them. Whatever your needs may be, we’ll always work with you to ensure you get the best results!