Want a brighter smile? Smiling is one of the most powerful forms of human expression, and teeth whitening can have a huge impact on your interpersonal relationships, as well as your own confidence.

While DIY whitening kits promise quick results, they can cause permanent damage and are ultimately unreliable. That is why a professional teeth whitening appointment is better. Let’s see what to expect during your treatment!

Teeth Whitening Basics

Virtually all teeth whitening applications, both professional and DIY, rely on bleaching the teeth with hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. Exposure to these bleaching solutions, as well as the concentration of peroxide, affect the final result.

However, too much peroxide or too long exposure can dehydrate the teeth and make them more brittle, damage the oral epithelium, and cause several other health issues.

Most professional teeth whitening treatments use light or laser-activated peroxide solutions. Your dentist will combine the peroxide solution with heat or exposure to light in order to achieve a more balanced effect without overexposure to peroxide.

A Typical Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment

A teeth whitening appointment typically lasts up to two hours (ZOOM system) but can be broken down to several shorter visits.

The appointment begins with a brief exam of your teeth to make sure you are ready. Then, your dentist will apply gauzes and a lip retractor to keep your mouth open without straining your jaw muscles.

Next, your dentist will take steps to protect your gum tissues, your inner cheeks, and your lips. They do so with a combination of dental dams, barriers, and protectant gels.

Now you are ready for your teeth whitening treatment to begin! Your dentist will apply the activated gel directly on your teeth. Then, they will activate the gel by pointing strong light or a special laser directly at the gel.

Then you just have to wait for the activated gel to reach and remove any teeth coloration you might have. The time you have to wait varies depending on the type of treatment and can vary from 30 to 60 minutes.

This procedure may be repeated several times, depending on the type of treatment. Some treatments may require you to schedule further appointments to repeat the procedure.

Modern solutions, like Philips’ ZOOM system, work faster and may give the desired result with a single treatment.

Professional Teeth Whitening in the National Capital Region

Here at Dupont Dental Associates, we are committed to excellence in dental services. Whether it’s a routine check, professional teeth whitening, or a dental emergency, we strive to provide top-tier services in a positive environment.

With more than 30 years of experience and countless success stories, Dr. Gary Seiden is one of the most sought-after dental practitioners in Washington D.C.

At Dupont Dental Associates, we believe dental visits should be a thing you look forward to, so we go out of our way to make your experience a pleasant one. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!

Smiling is a powerful form of human expression; without it, humanity would probably fall apart. Your inability to smile due to embarrassment from your stained teeth might feel silly, but it’s a real insecurity.

Thankfully, there’s a way to fix this: cosmetic teeth whitening. Below are 5 benefits you can get from this dental procedure.

1. Your Self-Esteem Will Improve

The most obvious benefit is that your self-esteem will skyrocket. When you can smile as big as you want, you’ll ooze confidence and become a better version of yourself.

You’re sure to nail whatever life throws at you when you feel certain about your capabilities. This can have a profound effect on the relationships in your life.

2. You’ll Have Better Prospects

Whether you’re going to a job interview, meeting with clients, or a first date, you’ll have better prospects. When you smile warmly, you create a more comfortable atmosphere, which facilitates trust between you and other people.

This can lead to better opportunities, such as getting a raise, closing a business deal, and finding your life partner. Who knew such a minor cosmetic procedure could lead to so many wonderful things?

3. You’ll Look Younger

This cosmetic procedure can also erase years off of your face. First of all, we associate whiter teeth with youth. So the whiter you can get your teeth, the more youthful you’ll appear.

Also, when you smile more, it’ll lessen the appearance of wrinkles, especially the ones on your frown lines. Older people are often thought of as “grumpy,” so if you have a cheerful disposition, it can lead people to think you’re younger than you really are.

4. You’ll Practice Better Oral Hygiene

If your teeth are in poor shape, you won’t be motivated to take good care of them. But when you feel good about how your teeth appear, you’ll want to take better care of them.

This can lead you to practice better oral hygiene. You might start brushing regularly (at least twice a day), flossing after every meal, and booking your dental appointments in a timely fashion.

5. It’s a Safe Procedure

One of the main benefits of cosmetic teeth whitening is it’s a safe procedure, so long as you have your dentist do it. It won’t damage your teeth, nor will it make you more sensitive to hot or cold foods.

Not only are your appointments quick, but the effects last for a while as well. If you have the choice between at-home or dental treatments, always choose the latter.

Get Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Today

Cosmetic teeth whitening has a number of benefits, but most important of all, it can improve your confidence. If you always feel self-conscious about your teeth and never smile or laugh fully, you’re probably a great candidate for whitening. After this procedure, you’ll be able to show off your pearly whites proudly!

Want to have your teeth professionally whitened? Then make an appointment with us today!

Considering whitening your teeth? From pastes to strips to at-home trays, there are many options available to you. If you’re looking for a convenient, effective method, consider the Opalescence at-home whitening system.

Why You May Want Teeth Whitening

Not all types of tooth stains can be removed. For instance, if your tooth is discolored because the nerve has died, whitening won’t change the color of your tooth. However, extrinsic stains can be removed with whitening treatments. Extrinsic stains are stains that affect the outer layer of your enamel. These types of stains are often caused by:

• Food: Curry, white and red wine, coffee, tea, and tomato sauce
• Smoking

Not sure which type of stain you have? Your dentist will be able to determine if professional tooth whitening treatments are right for you.

Benefits of Professional Versus Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments

Once you’ve determined that your stains are extrinsic and will, therefore respond to whitening treatments, it’s time to decide: OTC or professional whitening treatments. Over-the-counter options (which include pastes, gels, strips, and general once-size-fits-all trays) are tempting; one quick stop to the drugstore and you’re set.

However, there are a few benefits to opting for professional treatments like the Opalescence at-home treatments. The top benefits include:

• More efficient: Professional whitening agents are stronger than OTC whitening agents. This means that each treatment with a professional whitening agent will be more powerful and provide more dramatic results in less time.
• More effective: Why opt for a professional tray when you can get a tray at the store? The Opalescence trays are custom-made, which means they will fit against your teeth perfectly. This also means that the whitening agent is applied more thoroughly to your teeth. This results in uniform whitening.
• Convenient: With OTC trays, you have to prep the tray, wait for the time to elapse, then remove the tray. During that time, you cannot eat or talk so it can be a hassle if you have family members trying to converse with you. With Opalescence at-home whitening system, you wear your trays to bed. You don’t have to miss out on precious evening time without the ability to talk. Your trays will whiten your teeth while you sleep.

How to Maintain Your Results

Once your teeth are brightened, you can maintain your brilliant results with a few easy care tips:

• Avoid foods that stain: If you do indulge in foods like curry or tea, be sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating the stain-inducing food.
• Eat foods that clean your teeth: Crunchy raw produce (like celery or apples) can help keep your teeth white by literally scraping away any plaque from your teeth.
• Continue to follow a solid oral care routine: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with an ADA-approved mouthwash.
• Continue to see your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and exams.

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

To learn more about Opalescence teeth whitening treatments or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

Teeth whitening is one of the top dental priorities for many patients. Luckily, there are many options available to achieve those goals. From in-office treatments to whitening toothpaste to at-home remedies, there is no shortage of methods. One natural whitening method that is gaining popularity is the use of turmeric. Like activated charcoal, turmeric, at first glance, seems to be a counter-intuitive choice for whitening. Can turmeric whiten your teeth?

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a plant native to southern Asia. The roots of this plant are boiled and dried into a beautiful golden colored powder: this is the turmeric present in most kitchen spice cabinets. Turmeric has been used in a variety of ways from thousands of years, most notably as a fabric dye and as a component of eastern medicine.

How does it work?

Because of its long history of being used to dye cloth yellow, it may seem wrong to use turmeric to whiten teeth, yet there is no shortage of anecdotal evidence that it does work to whiten teeth. Turmeric, which also contains astringent properties, acts as a gentle abrasive. Gentle abrasion helps to remove surface stains on teeth.

Pros of using turmeric to whiten teeth

Unlike many conventional whitening products that may irritate sensitive gums, turmeric can help relieve dental inflammation. Additionally, thanks to the essential oil of curcumin that is present in turmeric, turmeric pastes also help fight gingivitis. Researchers in the latter study noted that turmeric was just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in fighting plaque.

Cons of using turmeric

• Taste: The first and most obvious difference in using a turmeric-based whitening paste is the taste. Unlike the minty fresh taste that we usually associate with dental products, the turmeric tastes earthy, warm, and spicy.
• Bathroom stains: Because turmeric does stain, it may make a bit of a mess in your bathroom. However, keeping a microfiber cloth nearby will help you wipe up any spilled powder. Note: clean up any spilled turmeric to avoid set-in stains later.

How to whiten your teeth with turmeric

Whitening your teeth with turmeric is as simple as a trip to your pantry. Simply sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric onto your brush and apply to your teeth. Let the powder sit for about 3 minutes before rinsing off. Brush as usual to remove any residual turmeric. Your teeth will look yellow unless you remove all of the powder.

Additionally, mixing the turmeric with a few other ingredients will not only make it easier to apply but will also pump up the whitening power. Mix the following ingredients in a ramekin:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

What to do:

1. Using your toothbrush, apply the turmeric paste and brush it on your teeth.
2. Let the mixture sit on your teeth for 3-5 minutes.
3. Rinse.
4. Then, brush with your regular toothpaste.
5. Try this routine once a day for one week. It’s best not to use any abrasive paste on a long term basis.

While you won’t end up with a blindingly white smile, over time, you will notice a brighter smile as the surface stains are scrubbed away.

Teeth whitening can help you achieve a smile that’s brighter, whiter, and more confident. When brushing alone doesn’t give you the pearly whites you desire, a trip to your dentist can help. Both in-house and at-home teeth whitening treatments are available to individuals who want a whiter, stain-free smile that they can feel good about displaying to the world.

Making a Good First Impression

Maybe you’ve always been self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth. Or perhaps you have an upcoming event in which you want to look your very best. No matter the reason, teeth whitening in DC can make you feel more confident about yourself while also making a good first impression upon others.

Your natural tooth color can be affected by numerous factors, such as the natural aging process, excess fluoride consumption, the use of tobacco, drinking coffee and other colored beverages, and the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Teeth whitening can instantly reverse years of discoloration to give you a more youthful appearance.

In-Office vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening

Return your teeth to a radiant white at home or in your dentist’s office. At-home teeth whitening options include whitening rinses, whitening toothpastes, gel strips, and whitening trays. While effective, at-home teeth whitening methods typically take longer than in-office options and are not custom fit to your mouth, which can irritate your gums.

In-office teeth whitening in DC is the preferred choice for many individuals looking to whiten their teeth in as little as one hour. The most common method involves the use of a custom-made tray that is filled with a powerful bleaching solution. Professional teeth whitening can lighten teeth up to 10 shades.

The Tooth Whitening Process

The fastest way to a whiter, brighter smile is through in-office teeth whitening. The process begins with a thorough polish of your teeth with pumice which helps remove plaque from the tooth surface. Your mouth is then isolated with gauze to keep your teeth dry during the procedure. The dentist may also place a barrier along the gumline.

Next, your teeth fronts are coated with a whitening solution that uses a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. Depending on the type of whitening treatment chosen, a curing light or laser may be used to help cure the solution and activate the peroxide. The solution is then left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes before being rinsed off.

After a teeth whitening procedure, you’ll be given instructions that will help keep your teeth looking their brightest. Avoid foods and beverages that contain high pigments that can easily stain the teeth, such as coffee, cola, red wine, juice, and tomato sauce. You will also want to avoid tobacco use for at least 24 hours following the treatment.

Teeth whitening in DC is fast, simple, and highly effective. With so many whitening options available today, there’s no reason to live life with a less than stellar smile. Everyone wants a perfect smile and teeth whitening can bring you one step closer to achieving this goal. For more information about teeth whitening or to schedule your whitening treatment, contact your dentist today.

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment, loved by many people. Removing stains and coloring from your teeth gives you a brilliantly white smile. If you are considering whitening your teeth, you may have noticed that there are two primary options. You can have your teeth whitened in your dentist’s office, or you can do it at home. Dupont Dental offers both options, with Zoom in-office whitening or the Opalescence at-home system. Both treatments are equally effective, and they each have their benefits. Read on to find out the difference between the two systems and which one is best for you.

Benefits of In-office Whitening

Our in-office whitening system is called Zoom. As the name suggests, it’s a quick and efficient way to get the white teeth you want. This professional treatment from Philips is a safe way to whiten your teeth in less time. When you come to our office, your dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide (bleach) gel to your teeth. They then use a lamp with UV light to break down the gel and activate it. Your teeth are bleached to a whiter shade while remaining healthy.

There are some excellent benefits to coming to our office for your whitening treatment. To start with, the treatment is quick. It takes around an hour to complete so that you can fit it around your other commitments quickly. There’s no need to spend time recovering or undergo a lengthy procedure. Another excellent benefit is that you can see improvement in the color of your teeth immediately after the treatment. The Zoom whitening system can make your teeth six to eight shades brighter compared to when you walk into the office. The treatment is comfortable, and our office is too.

Benefits of At-home Whitening

There are a couple of ways you can choose to whiten your teeth at home. You can buy at-home whitening kits from pharmacies and other outlets. However, we recommend always going to your dentist for an at-home whitening kit. Your dentist can ensure that the kit is customized for you. This makes the whitening trays safer. We ensure that they fit your teeth and keep the bleach solution away from your gums.

The at-home whitening system we use is Opalescence. It provides you with incredible results, just like our in-office whitening. However, it also gives you the convenience of doing your treatment at home. Many people don’t have time to do the in-office treatment or might feel comfortable about sitting in the chair for an hour. When you use our Opalescence whitening trays, you put them on your teeth before you go to bed. They work while you sleep, so you don’t have to use anytime or effort. Just let them do their thing and the gel will whiten your teeth.

In-office and at-home whitening treatments each have their positives. Deciding which one is best for you is a matter of time, convenience and comfort. Everyone has different feelings about which is the best method.

Having a bright, white smile is something that many of us desire. As teeth whitening has become more accessible to the masses, it has seen a dramatic rise in popularity. You can go to any beauty counter and find affordable teeth whitening kits you can apply at home. Unfortunately, some teeth whitening products are being sold without the right safety information. They can also include harmful chemicals that are not always safe for use. This can lead to permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Read through this guide to see just how easy and beneficial a professional teeth whitening session can be.

They Have Training and Experience

As stated above, some whitening kits use harmful chemical and don’t contain safety precautions. If you use these products incorrectly, you can cause some issues. For instance, if the whitening gel is placed on the gums it can cause irritation and inflammation. This can be painful and make it uncomfortable to eat and talk. Regularly, using too much gel on the surface of your teeth can also cause irreversible damage which could lead to tooth loss. The expertise of a trained professional means you get fantastic results while keeping your teeth and gums in a healthy condition. They can also recommend when your next session should be to ensure minimum damage is caused.

They Can Offer Advice

Having a professional carry out this procedure means you can ask them questions and gain informative information. You might be unsure how white you want your teeth to be or what the process entails. They can put your mind at rest and discuss your options with you. You might experience some minor side effects afterward, which they can also prepare you for. Some people try to use whitening to mask other dental issues they have such as gum disease and dental cavities. But they don’t realize that whitening is often less efficient on damaged teeth, and the chemicals use can make these conditions worse. So if your teeth are painful or damaged, your dentist can advise you on what dental treatments you should have before you whiten your teeth.

They Tailor the Service to You

Many home whitening kits use universally sized trays and strips. No two mouths are the same as our teeth are all different shapes and sizes. This means that these methods many not provide you with the results you expected. It can also mean the chemicals reach sensitive areas such as your gums and tongue. A professional at your dental practice should have custom sized equipment that fits perfectly. This tailored approach will not only make you feel more comfortable but ensures they chemicals are used in the right place.

There’s no denying that home teeth whitening kits are convenient. But getting this procedure carried out by a professional can give you better results and keep you safe. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to ask them any questions you may have. They should be able to clearly talk through the process and show you examples of their previous work.

If you feel like you’d like your teeth to look better, you probably have considered whitening. Teeth whitening is a wonderful way of improving the look of your teeth and boosting your appearance. It’s an excellent source of confidence and self-esteem, and for making you feel great. So, you need to make a decision about whether you want to get this done at the dentist, or use a home DIY kit.

At Home – Do it Wherever

One thing that a lot of people like about using home remedies for teeth whitening is that you can do it anywhere. If you go to stay with friends, or you take a vacation, you can take the kit with you. This means you don’t have to miss out on whitening your teeth as and when you want to. Wherever you are, you will still have access to the kit, and you’ll be able to use it.

At Home – Everyday Treatment

The brilliant thing about doing this from home is that you can do it every day. You may not always have time to go to the dentist. You’ll need to book an appointment, and it will cost you money each visit. Whereas if you choose to whiten from home you have the option of doing it every day. This gives you much more freedom to help your teeth whiten on a regular basis. But, you do need to be careful about how much of the product you’re using, and how frequently you’re using it.

At the Dentist – Better Remedies

Another thing you’ve got to keep in mind is that your dentist is going to use much better remedies. When you whiten your teeth, you want something that’s going to be effective, and last a long time. And whatever whitening product the dentist has is going to be much better than what you can buy off the shelves. This means you’ll get a better remedy that will last longer and look a lot better. So, this is one of the best reasons why you should visit your dentist to get your teeth whitened.

At the Dentist – Safer

You need to understand that a lot of these teeth whitening kits contain chemicals. And you need to be careful about what you’re putting into your body. It’s difficult to be sure of what is in the home remedy packs, but your dentist will know exactly what they are using. You can ask them about it if you have any questions, and they will know exactly what is right to use and what isn’t. The whole process becomes a lot safer when you let the dentist deal with it. You have to focus on doing what’s right for your teeth and gums, and this is the best way of achieving that.

Teeth whitening used to be a luxury for a lot of people, but it’s become a lot more accessible in recent years. You can either whiten your teeth at home, or you can visit the dentist to perform the procedure. Nevertheless, the overall verdict is that it is safer and more efficient to get it done by your dentist.

Everybody wants that perfect smile, but not everybody knows how to achieve it. The truth is, a lot of it is down to basic daily care. We all know that looking after your teeth is important. But it is not just a health concern. Taking proper care of your teeth is also beneficial to their appearance. When you want teeth that shine, you need to take good care of them. Daily brushing and flossing, a careful diet – these things are essential. But what if you do take great care, and you’re still not happy with your smile? Many people find themselves in this unfortunate position – so the first thing is to mention that you are not alone. What’s more, there is good news. If you want your teeth to look their best, there are some options available to you. One attractive possibility is whitening your teeth. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of teeth whitening.

Instant Improvement In Appearance

Getting your teeth whitened is famed for the way in which it dramatically improves the appearance of your teeth. Immediately after the procedure, you are likely to be much happier with the smile you see beaming back at you from the mirror. Of course, improving the appearance of your teeth also has a huge effect on your overall appearance. This is one of the main reasons that people go for teeth whitening – and it is one which pays off.

Boost To Your Self-Confidence

Along with this improvement in appearance comes an immediate boost to your self-confidence. The vast majority of people who have had their teeth whitened report feeling a great deal better about themselves. And if you thought that was just because of the improved appearance, you may be mistaken. The fact is, having good-looking teeth makes you feel better about yourself. That, in turn, improves your self-confidence. And who couldn’t do with a little extra confidence?

Unexpectedly Affordable

Many people make the assumption that cosmetic dental work must be expensive. But actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Certain procedures, in particular, are pleasantly affordable – and whitening is one such procedure. With teeth whitening, you have an effective cosmetic procedure which doesn’t need to break the bank. That’s good news for just about anyone who cares about watching the pennies. It is perfectly possible to have a healthy smile and a healthy bank balance!

No Side Effects

Last but by no means least: Whitening your teeth does not produce any harmful side effects. Part of the reason for this is because stained teeth do not have anything wrong with them as such – besides their appearance. It is just that they have become stained with caffeine or nicotine or similar. As such, the process of teeth whitening is not in any way harmful to the teeth or the mouth area at all. So if a fear of something terrible happening was holding you back – don’t let it! Why not get your teeth whitened today? Chances are, you will not regret it.