Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that enhances the aesthetics of your smile by removing the stains from the teeth' surfaces. The dentist uses a highly potent teeth whitening gel for this purpose, which contains hydrogen peroxide. This mineral is widely used in teeth whitening products and helps to get rid of the staining particles by releasing oxygen molecules.

What are the common causes of teeth staining?

Teeth tend to discolor due to the following causes:

• Excessive consumption of aerated beverages, red wine, colored foods, etc.
• Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco
• Improper oral hygiene
• Oral conditions such as root canal and gum disease

How is teeth whitening carried out?

Teeth whitening is of the following types and can be divided based on how the procedure is carried out:

• Conventional in-house whitening:Teeth whitening is usually performed in dental practices by a highly trained and experienced dental professional. It is carried out using a whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide. The dentist determines your candidacy for whitening by checking the severity of staining, existing restorations on the teeth, gum disease, cavities, etc. The teeth will be cleaned, and the gel will be applied to them. After a few minutes, it will be rinsed off, and the procedure may be repeated multiple times based on the severity of staining.

• Take-home whitening trays:Teeth whitening using customized plastic trays is a highly convenient process. The dentist scans the teeth and uses the data as a reference for fabricating customized plastic trays. The dentist provides a whitening gel along with the whitening trays, which you can use in the comfort of your home and whenever you have the time. We will guide you about the process you should follow to ensure the soft gum tissues are not affected adversely.
• Laser whitening:Laser whitening is a highly advanced and quick procedure performed using photosensitive whitening gel and an activating light. The dentist applies the gel to the teeth, spreads it uniformly, and activates it using a laser. Upon activation, it produces a foam filled with oxygen molecules that penetrate the porous enamel and bleaches the staining particles. It often saves you a lot of time and is preferred by individuals who run on busy schedules.

Please reach out to us to schedule a consultation with our Dentist in Reston VA, and we'll guide you further. Please call us at (703) 595-4405 or reach us through online consultation.