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.
