Teeth whitening treatments are a non-invasive option that leaves teeth significantly whiter in as little as an hour. Patients can expect their teeth to be up to eight shades whiter after a round of treatment.
Teeth whitening treatments work wonders on stains caused by the things you eat, habits like smoking, and the aging process. Whitening treatments can be used to restore teeth to their original white color or to make them whiter than they have ever been.
Consulting with a dentist about your teeth whitening options typically starts with an examination of your mouth. A visual exam is conducted to detect signs of tooth decay and gum disease. X-rays and other diagnostic tools can be used to evaluate what is going on inside the patient’s teeth and underneath the gums.
Existing issues like damaged teeth increase the risk of complications developing after whitening treatments. Whitening already compromised teeth puts them at risk of being damaged by the treatments. It also increases the risk of the patient dealing with discomfort and pain after their treatment.
People with a healthy mouth rarely deal with any complications after whitening their teeth. The main side effect associated with teeth whitening is temporary increased teeth sensitivity that goes on for about two days.
Depending on what the dentist notices during the patient’s evaluation, a plan will be crafted to prepare the patient’s mouth for whitening. Issues like tooth decay are treated with procedures like fillings, composite bonding, or restorations like crowns.
If the patient’s teeth are covered with tartar, teeth cleaning might be performed to increase the effectiveness of the patient’s whitening treatments. Tartar is calcified plaque and brushing cannot get it off teeth surfaces. It is removed during teeth cleanings using a tool called a scaler.
Removing tartar from teeth surfaces improves the appearance of teeth since tartar makes them appear yellow. It also makes it easier for the whitening product to remove stains from teeth surfaces.
The dentist will likely also make an impression of the patient’s teeth during their appointment. The impression is forwarded to a lab where it is made. The process takes around two weeks for the customized mouth tray to get back to the dentist. It helps to keep the patient’s teeth evenly coated with the whitening product during their treatment and prevents it from making contact and irritating soft tissues like the gums.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in McLean, VA
Whitening treatments are an effective way to get rid of most types of stains and there are other ways to go about eliminating the few types of stains that do not respond to bleaching agents like those caused by using tetracycline antibiotics. Call or visit our McLean clinic to learn more about how we can whiten your teeth regardless of how stained or discolored they are.
Request an appointment or call Oak Tree Dental at 703-763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Though it is possible to find teeth whitening products at major retailers and pharmacies, whitening will be more successful when done by a professional dentist. There are a number of things on the market, such as strips, trays, pens, and more, and though these are affordable at-home services, the results are drastically different from professional…
Teeth whitening treatments get you whiter teeth in as little as 60 minutes. These treatments are performed under the supervision of a dentist, and the American Academy for Cosmetic Dentistry states a treatment session can improve the color of a person’s teeth by up to eight shades.Over-the-counter teeth whitening alternatives typically provide a cheaper alternative,…
Teeth whitening treatments can get you the pearly set of white teeth you have always wanted. It is an effective way to get rid of most types of stains and discoloration like those caused by the coloring agents in the things you eat and drink, habits like smoking, and the yellowing effect of aging on…
Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment option for missing teeth. However, it can…
Having tooth-colored fillings is always better than amalgam fillings. Switching to these natural-looking fillings will…
As a patient considering dental implants, there are some important things that you need to…
Getting dental implants as a replacement for removable dentures can be a rewarding move. These…
Dental implants replace missing teeth and help with chewing, speaking, and smiling. They can consist…
Most people want to have dental implants right after dental extraction. Replacing the lost tooth…
