When you have discolored teeth, you may focus too much on trying to hide your smile instead of enjoying the moment. We believe you should have a smile you’re ready to show off. Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh of Congressional Dental Care, a cosmetic dentist in Rockville, MD, highlights the teeth whitening options available at our practice.
Professional Teeth Whitening
This is what probably comes to mind when you think of getting a whiter smile at your dentist. Professional teeth whitening has many benefits compared to over the counter solutions. Drugstore whitening options are often one size fits all and you risk sensitivity where the bleaching agent comes in contact with soft tissue. Their whitening agents aren’t as powerful and may lead to blotchy, uneven results.
At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options. In-office whitening is ideal when you have an event coming up. The Zoom whitening process can give you teeth up to eight shades whiter in an hour. We ensure your soft tissues are protected before painting a whitening gel on your teeth. A special light is then used to activate the bleaching agent in the gel.
Take-home whitening is a more gradual process. First, impressions are taken to make custom bleaching trays for your teeth. Whitening gel is evenly spread throughout them and you wear them for a certain amount of time each day. Dr. Sarkarzadeh will help you determine how long your treatment time will be based on your cosmetic goals.
Porcelain Veneers
Not all staining is able to be taken care of with traditional whitening methods. Porcelain veneers can be an ideal solution for stains caused by things like genetics and medication. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of your teeth. The material they’re made of is designed to be durable and stain-resistant so you have a long-lasting solution.
To get veneers, some of your tooth structure is removed first. We want to make sure that the veneers lay flush and flat with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so that your veneers can be custom-made. When they’re ready, they’ll be fitted to your teeth and any needed adjustments will be made. Once you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for an economical solution and aren’t ready to commit to something permanent, dental bonding might be the solution for you. The bonding material is made of a composite resin that’s made to match the shade of white that you desire. It’s also a malleable material and can fix cosmetic chips and cracks while it’s whitening.
For dental bonding, a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to make sure the bonding material adheres to the tooth. It’s molded to the shape of the tooth so that it looks natural. Once you’re satisfied, the material is cured and hardened with a special light. It’s then polished to match the natural sheen of the rest of your teeth.
Your Cosmetic Dentist in Rockville, Maryland
Get a whiter smile that you’re proud to show off. Call us or schedule an appointment online.