Teeth Whitening Gaithersburg, MD

Are you a lifelong coffee drinker? Do you suffer from yellow, discolored teeth? If so, professional teeth whitening could be the cosmetic dentistry service you need to achieve a whiter and brighter smile. At TotallySmiles, we provide compassionate and comprehensive dental services in our Gaithersburg, MD dentist office.

Our doctors understand that you want to feel confident when showing off your smile. This is why they are happy to provide teeth whitening services at your request. Learn more about teeth whitening below.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Teeth Whitening in Gaithersburg, MD

Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are your experienced cosmetic dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. They can help you achieve your dream smile within one appointment with our teeth whitening services. Tooth discoloration is a common dental concern that many patients will develop over time.

This is because common foods and beverages that we all enjoy contain harmful staining agents which attach to our dental structures. With our teeth whitening services, we can remove years of stains and discoloration from your teeth to leave you with a whiter and brighter smile.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Many patients often ask us if they should use over-the-counter whitening products. While we do not discourage patients from pursuing these products, it’s important to understand that they were designed as a one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic dentistry.

This may leave you with blotchy, inconsistent results. Professional teeth whitening services, on the other hand, can guarantee the results you are looking for within one appointment. The benefits of professional teeth whitening include:

  • Sensitivity management – A common complaint from over-the-counter whitening products is that people with sensitive teeth can find the bleaching formula too strong for their smiles, leaving them with some discomfort during and after the whitening session. With professional teeth whitening, your dentist has complete control over your whitening experience and can customize the whitening product and method to help you have a comfortable and safe experience.
  • Customized whitening trays – Our whitening trays are custom fit for your teeth, meaning they are guaranteed to cover every inch of your smile. Because the whitening trays are shaped to match your smile, this allows the bleaching product to coat all tooth surfaces evenly and guarantee a consistent whitening result.
  • Long-term results –  Instead of buying whitening strips over and over again at the grocery store, our whitening trays can be reused over and over again for many years. This means that whenever you want to redo your whitening treatment, you can pick up a simple refill syringe of gel from our office to keep your smile fresh for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients often have questions about the teeth whitening process. We want to answer some of the most common frequently asked questions.

How old do I have to be for teeth whitening?

There isn’t a universal age requirement for teeth whitening. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) does not recommend whitening for children under 15. Moreover, most dental professionals recommend waiting until at least age 16. This is to ensure all permanent teeth have fully erupted.

How long does teeth whitening take?

The time required for teeth whitening varies depending on the method your dentist uses. In-office whitening performed by a dentist is the quickest option. It usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour per session. Conversely, at-home kits or custom trays from your dentist might require two to four weeks of consistent use for full results. 

How can I maintain my teeth whitening results?

To maintain teeth whitening results, brush twice daily, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Avoid or limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages. Additionally, using whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains. 

Should I have a professional dental cleaning before whitening?

Having a professional dental cleaning before undergoing teeth whitening treatment is benefical. A dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and food debris that can hinder the whitening process. Additionally, your dentist can identify and address cavities, decay, or gum issues before whitening. This will minimize potential side effects. 

Will teeth whitening remove stains?

Yes, teeth whitening can effectively remove extrinsic stains on the outer layer of the tooth. However, it may be less effective on intrinsic stains that occur within the tooth. With intrinsic stains, the whitening agent may not penetrate deep enough to remove the discoloration. Regular dental cleanings can also remove some surface stains and improve tooth brightness. 

How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally?

After teeth whitening, it is best to wait at least 48 hours before consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. During this period, we recommend only consuming a white diet. After this initial period, you can gradually reintroduce other foods into your diet. However, we still advise you to limit your intake of staining foods and drinks to maintain your whitening.

Schedule An Appointment

Interested in learning more about our teeth whitening services? Schedule an appointment with our experienced Gaithersburg, MD cosmetic dentists online. We look forward to seeing you soon.