2579 John Milton Dr, Suite 250, Herndon, VA 20171 • Conveniently Located in Fox Mill Center
(703) 860-8860
Teeth Whitening – Herndon, VA
Lift Stubborn Stains, Reveal a Bright Smile
Everyone appreciates a bright, white, beautiful smile. As we age, however, enamel often discolors from dark-colored beverages, oral hygiene habits, and natural wear. Fortunately, we have a solution: in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments! With them, we can create brighter and whiter smiles that make you look and feel your best. If you are interested in this cosmetic dental treatment, then keep reading to learn more or give us a call to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Premier Dental Care for Teeth Whitening?
- Highly Experienced and Caring Dental Team
- Top-Rated Dental Office on Google
- Convenient Appointment Times, Including Evenings
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening procedures are effective only on natural tooth enamel. That’s why it is suggested that anyone interested in teeth whitening schedule a consultation with Dr. Bakhtyari, or “Dr. B.” That way, he can evaluate your dental applications or restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.) before a whitening procedure is attempted. If needed, he will suggest a replacement of any dental restorations after the bleaching is completed so that your restorations match your newly whitened smile.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
As we mentioned above, the first step of the treatment process is scheduling a consultation. If we decide together that teeth whitening is the best option for you, then we will begin working on your custom treatment plan. At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening treatments, and you can learn a little more about each below!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
A take-home teeth whitening procedure typically requires two visits. In the first visit, trays will be created from molds (impressions) of your teeth. In the second visit, the trays are refitted, and the patient is sent home with a special whitening solution as well as instructions for wear. After about two weeks of consistent use, the full results will be evident!
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At Premier Dental Care, teeth whitening (also known as dental bleaching) is an enormously popular in-office treatment that uses bleaching agents to break apart these yellowing or staining compounds deep in the tooth enamel. Not only is it extremely effective, but it also allows us to lighten a patient’s teeth by up to eight shades in a single visit!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Unfortunately, teeth whitening is not permanent. The good news is that you can make the results of your treatment last for 6+ months with healthy habits, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently. It’s also important that you avoid doing anything that could cause noticeable, yellow stains to resurface, like smoking or drinking coffee without a straw.
If you are interested in teeth whitening and live in the Herndon, Oak Hill, Reston, or Northern Virginia area, feel free to give us a call or ask Dr. B about treatment offerings during your next appointment!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Even with elective procedures like cosmetic dentistry, many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they’re afraid it will be painful.
The good news is that because professional whitening is entirely custom, you’re significantly less likely to experience any tooth sensitivity. However, if your teeth are prone to sensitivity, be sure to let your dental team know in advance.
Spacing out treatments, avoiding hot or cold beverages, and using sensitive toothpaste can all help you to avoid this unpleasant sensation.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
While both over the counter and professional whitening treatments are designed to lift stains from the teeth, their similarities end there.
Over-the-counter whitening kits rely on one-size-fits-all trays and diluted brighteners, while professional treatments are completely customized to your unique smile goals.
Whitening treatments from your dentist also include a thorough dental exam which takes into account your existing restorations such as fillings, veneers, and crowns, as well as the health of your teeth and gums.
Professional whitening from your dentist is safer and more effective than storebought treatments, and can provide you with dramatic, noticeable results in as little as one appointment!
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
The good news is that no, teeth whitening will not damage healthy tooth enamel. However, if your teeth are already compromised due to decay or gum disease, these chemicals could cause problems. This is why it’s so important that your dentist conducts a dental exam prior to treatment.
It is possible to damage your teeth with at-home remedies, such as activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, overusing whitening products can also wear away the enamel of your teeth.
Even if you choose to use an over-the-counter whitening kit, you should always consult your dentist first, as they can provide you with valuable insight into products and oral hygiene habits that will help you achieve your smile goals safely.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Unfortunately, no, teeth whitening is not permanent. Results typically last anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on how well you take care of your teeth.
To maintain your results for as long as possible, be sure to implement a solid, at-home oral hygiene routine, visit your dentist every six months for your routine dental exams and cleanings, and be sure to avoid poor dental habits like smoking and vaping.
You can also visit your dentist for touch-up treatments as needed.