Teeth Whitening – Rockville, MD
Transform Your Smile from the Comfort of Home
If you’ve been to your local grocery store or pharmacy recently, then you know that there is no shortage of over-the-counter whitening kits. And that doesn’t even include all of the products you can purchase online! There’s just one problem: these products overpromise and underdeliver. That’s because they contain diluted brightening gels and flimsy applicators. Luckily, there’s a considerably more effective and equally as convenient alternative: take-home teeth whitening kits from our dedicated cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robert J. Sanker.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Patients schedule a consultation for all sorts of reasons – from severe dental discoloration to relatively mild stains. Either way, we need to conduct a thorough oral exam and learn all about your smile goals before determining if teeth whitening is the ideal cosmetic dental treatment for you. Fortunately, this is the case for the majority of patients who visit us with healthy teeth and gums. Even if that’s not the case, we can begin your treatment plan with the necessary restorative care so that your dream smile isn’t out of reach for long.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
We touched on in the first section why over-the-counter teeth whitening kits don’t work, including that they rely on diluted whitening agents. Our professional treatments, on the other hand, come with high-quality bleaching gel as well as customized oral trays. In addition to providing you with these, we will give you specific instructions on how often to wear them. Then, you can use them at your leisure, like while you’re watching Netflix or relaxing by the pool. Around the two-week mark, you’ll notice that your teeth are significantly brighter!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The best way to prevent dental discoloration from surfacing soon after your treatment is by taking great care of your smile. That includes:
- Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently
- Using a straw when drinking coffee, wine, and soda
- Eating light-colored foods, like white fish and plain yogurt
- Avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like smoking
- Getting a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year
As always, if you have any questions about professional teeth whitening or you’d like to learn more about the treatment process, you’re more than welcome to reach out to us!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Since our professional whitening treatments and store-bought kits can both be used at home, you might be wondering if there is really a difference between the two. The short answer is “yes!” Not only do our treatments begin with a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, but we also consider your unique smile, including whether you have any existing dental work. We also use a high-quality bleaching gel and customized trays, while OTC products contain diluted brightening agents and one-size-fits-all applicators.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
Take-home teeth whitening treatments typically take about two weeks to deliver the full results. With that said, there are some cases when it takes longer. For example, if we need to provide preliminary care to get your teeth or gums healthy enough for treatment, or you want to lighten your teeth by 8+ shades, then multiple appointments are needed. That’s why we advise against waiting until the last minute to schedule your consultation!
Is Teeth Whitening Covered By Dental Insurance?
Typically, dental insurance providers don’t cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry treatments, including teeth whitening. Fortunately, that isn’t the only way to make the price fit into your budget. With trusted third-party financiers, like CareCredit, you can break up the total cost into smaller chunks that fit within your monthly budget. If you would like more details, including where to sign up, give us a call!
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat After Whitening My Teeth?
In an effort to prolong your results, we recommend avoiding any foods that could cause stubborn stains to resurface, including beets, blackberries, dark chocolate, soy sauce, and ketchup. Instead, stick to mostly light-colored foods, like white fish, egg whites, cottage cheese, bananas, and plain yogurt.
When Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours to drink coffee. Even after you’re in the clear, it’s important to take certain precautions to protect your teeth, starting with using a straw and extending to rinsing your mouth with water when you’re done. About 20 minutes after you’ve finished your cup, brush your teeth as well (this will help prevent the residue from lingering on the surface).
Will the Results of My Teeth Whitening Treatment Last Forever?
Sadly, your results will not last forever. There are, however, a few steps you can take to prolong yours, including brushing and flossing consistently at home, using a straw when drinking coffee, and coming to our office every six months for a cleaning. When the time does eventually come when stains start to resurface, you can always schedule a touch-up whitening treatment with our Rockville dental team as well. That way, we can give you the bright, beautiful smile you deserve!