Professional teeth whitening is a fast and affordable cosmetic treatment at our Frederick dental office. Our dentists can brighten your smile and boost your confidence in just one visit. Dr. Sahil Goyal offers both in-office whitening and take-home kits. The whitening treatments at Frederick Center for Dentistry can help you achieve a more youthful look.
Our cosmetic dentists can whiten your teeth in as little as 30 minutes, helping you meet your aesthetic and oral health goals. Keep reading to learn more about this cosmetic procedure, which is available to most of our patients.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens the color of your teeth or removes stains. It usually involves using a bleaching agent with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains. This makes your teeth look whiter with few or no side effects.
The goal of teeth whitening is to improve the appearance of your natural teeth. Many patients want whiter teeth to achieve a brighter smile, which often helps them look younger and more attractive.
A whiter smile can boost your confidence, help you speak more clearly, and make you enjoy laughing more. Our team in Frederick will provide the right teeth whitening treatment to help you get the beautiful smile you want.
Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?
Tooth discoloration is a common issue that can dull the brightness of your smile. It occurs for many reasons, including lifestyle habits, food choices, aging, and health conditions.
Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks
What you eat and drink plays a major role in tooth discoloration. Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda contain pigments that cling to your tooth enamel, causing stains over time. Foods such as berries, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces can also leave marks on your teeth. The more frequently you consume these items, the more your teeth will likely lose their natural whiteness.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco products are a leading cause of tooth discoloration. Both smoking and chewing tobacco stain teeth because of the tar and nicotine they contain. Tar is naturally dark, and nicotine turns yellow when exposed to oxygen. These substances create stubborn stains that regular brushing can’t easily remove, leaving your teeth looking yellow or brown.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine can result in discolored teeth. Plaque and tartar build up on the enamel when you don’t brush and floss regularly. Over time, this buildup causes a yellowish or brownish appearance. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent discoloration caused by bacteria and food particles.
Aging
As you age, your teeth naturally lose their brightness. This happens because the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, wears down over time. When the enamel thins, the dentin underneath becomes more visible. Dentin has a yellowish color, giving your teeth a less vibrant appearance as you age.
Medications and Medical Treatments
Certain medications and treatments can contribute to tooth discoloration. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline are known to stain teeth, especially in children during tooth development. Other drugs, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and some blood pressure medications, may also cause discoloration. In addition, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation near the head and neck can lead to tooth darkening.
Dental Trauma
An injury to a tooth can result in discoloration. If a tooth’s internal tissue becomes damaged, it can turn darker or develop a grayish tint. For children, trauma to developing teeth can disrupt enamel formation, leading to visible discoloration in their permanent teeth.
Excessive Fluoride Exposure
While fluoride helps prevent cavities, too much fluoride can cause discoloration. Fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride during childhood, appears as white streaks or spots on the teeth. Severe cases of fluorosis can lead to brown or gray discoloration.
Genetic Factors
Genetics plays a role in the natural color of your teeth. Some people are born with thinner or more translucent enamel, which makes the yellow dentin beneath more visible. Even with excellent oral care, these individuals may experience discoloration due to their genetic makeup.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, vinegar, and carbonated drinks, can erode enamel over time. When enamel weakens, it becomes easier for stains to penetrate, making discoloration more likely.
Teeth Whitening in Frederick, MD
We offer several options for professional teeth whitening based on your needs, preferences, and budget. You can choose to have your teeth whitened in our Frederick dental office or opt for a take-home treatment. During your consultation, your dentist will help you decide which option is best for you.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
- Zoom Teeth Whitening: This non-invasive and safe treatment can whiten teeth up to 8 shades in one hour. Dr. Goyal will apply a special whitening gel to the teeth. Then, we will apply a special light to the teeth activating the whitening agent.
- Zoom Pen: Zoom pens use a whitening gel that the dentist directly applies to teeth. Dr. Goyal will apply a thin layer of gel directly onto the front surfaces of the teeth.
- Laser Whitening: Laser teeth whitening is a safe and effective whitening treatment. This method breaks down stains on the tooth enamel using heat.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Many patients like the convenience of our professional at-home teeth whitening kits. We create custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly against your teeth and gums, minimizing sensitivity. Patients usually wear these trays overnight. This option is also great for touch-ups and maintaining results from Zoom or laser teeth whitening.
Over-the-Counter Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
A bright smile can boost your confidence and make a lasting impression. Many people turn to teeth whitening to achieve a dazzling smile, but choosing the right method matters. While store-bought whitening products may seem convenient and affordable, professional teeth whitening offers superior results and several important advantages.
One of the biggest benefits of professional teeth whitening is its effectiveness. Dentists use powerful whitening agents much stronger than those found in over-the-counter products. These professional-grade treatments can remove deep stains and discoloration that store-bought options often fail to address. In just one appointment, professional whitening can make your teeth several shades whiter, providing dramatic and noticeable results.
Another advantage of professional whitening is its safety. When you whiten your teeth at the dentist’s office, trained professionals oversee the entire process. They carefully protect your gums and other sensitive areas to prevent irritation or damage. In contrast, store-bought kits can sometimes cause gum sensitivity or uneven whitening if used incorrectly.
Professional teeth whitening is also tailored to your specific needs. Your dentist evaluates the condition of your teeth and designs a treatment plan that works best for you. They can target stubborn stains or discoloration caused by coffee, tea, wine, or smoking. This customized approach ensures consistent and natural-looking results.
Another reason to choose professional whitening is convenience. Many store-bought products require weeks of daily use to see minor improvements, and the process can feel tedious. In comparison, professional treatments often deliver noticeable results in just one visit, saving you time and effort. For those who prefer whitening at home, dentists can also provide custom trays and professional-strength gels for more effective and faster results than over-the-counter kits.
Durability is another key benefit of professional whitening. The results typically last longer because the whitening agents penetrate deeper into the enamel to remove stains. Your dentist may also provide tips and products, such as whitening toothpaste or touch-up kits, to help maintain your bright smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
After learning about our methods, review our most commonly asked questions about professional teeth whitening options. If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
Are in-office teeth whitening treatments painful?
No, we take steps to protect your gums and enamel during treatments so you won’t feel any discomfort. Dr. Goyal also uses a gel that’s gentle for patients with sensitive gums or teeth. Some patients may feel temporary sensitivity to hot and cold foods, but this usually goes away within a couple of days as your enamel adjusts.
Will bleaching gel whiten my dental veneers or crowns?
No, whitening gel doesn’t work on dental veneers or crowns. Dentists can’t bleach them, but they can replace them with whiter ones if needed. You also have the option to whiten your natural teeth before getting new veneers or crowns.
If you have an old veneer or crown and want a brighter smile, we can help you choose the best option. This might involve a complete smile makeover with new veneers, crowns, or other cosmetic treatments.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Most patients over 16 years old are good candidates for teeth whitening, as long as they don’t have dental problems that could affect the results. For the best outcome, it’s important to start with a clean, healthy mouth. Issues like tooth decay or gum disease could cause sensitivity or tissue damage during whitening.
Does dental insurance cover tooth whitening?
Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic treatment, so it’s not covered by dental insurance. We will provide all cost information upfront, and our office staff will review convenient payment options with you.
How long do tooth whitening results last?
How long your teeth stay white depends on factors like genetics and lifestyle habits. If you smoke or drink coffee regularly, the results may fade sooner. Professional whitening can last from six months to a few years. You can extend your results by using whitening toothpaste, brushing more than twice a day, and using a hydrogen peroxide rinse.
Is professional tooth whitening worth it?
Yes, it’s worth it to choose professional whitening to ensure safe and effective results. Over-the-counter products can damage your teeth and cause long-term sensitivity. Professional whitening gives you better and safer results.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening might not be suitable for patients with very sensitive teeth or gums. Whitening could make this sensitivity worse. Deep stains, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or other restorations can also limit your results. Deep, intrinsic stains won’t respond to whitening, as it works best on surface (extrinsic) stains.
Whitening treatments won’t affect dental restorations or prosthetics. If you’re planning to get a dental prosthetic, whitening your teeth first will give you the best results. Schedule a consultation for teeth whitening in Frederick, MD, today!
Call us or schedule a consultation online to begin your whitening process at Frederick Center For Dentistry. Dr. Goyal will discuss your goals, evaluate your smile, and decide if teeth whitening is the right treatment for you. Request an appointment online, or contact us by calling 301-264-5680.