Teeth Whitening: An Overview
Looking for a Fast and Effective Way to Whiten Your Smile?
Teeth whitening can be a quick and affordable way to refresh your smile. It can make you look younger and give your smile a brighter look. Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh in Rockville will check your dental health and talk with you about your goals before starting your whitening treatment.
Different things can cause tooth stains, and the right treatment will depend on what’s causing the discoloration. At our Montgomery County dental office, we offer both take-home and in-office whitening options.
For deeper stains caused by medications, health issues, or genetics, other cosmetic treatments might be needed to improve your smile. Whitening may not work on these types of stains, but Dr. Sarkarzadeh offers other options like tooth bonding, dental veneers, or crowns to help improve your smile.
Teeth Whitening in Rockville
Dr. Sarkarzadeh provides both in-office and at-home whitening treatments for different budgets. Your treatment will be personalized to fit your needs and goals. You might experience mild sensitivity in your teeth and gums, but we also offer longer-lasting options if you want results that stick around for a while.
In-Office Zoom Whitening
Zoom whitening is a quick and painless way to brighten your teeth, making them up to 8 shades whiter in about an hour. We use a special whitening gel that goes deep into your teeth, activated by a special light. Zoom treatments also reduce sensitivity, which is common with over-the-counter products.
Dr. Sarkarzadeh applies a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth and activates it with the Zoom™ light for 15 minutes. This process is repeated three times to get the best results. After the treatment, you might notice some mild sensitivity, but it should go away within three days. We also take steps during the procedure to reduce any discomfort.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Our take-home whitening kits let you whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. These kits come with a gel that you apply to your teeth using custom trays. Some kits even have an LED light to help speed up the process.
Dr. Sarkarzadeh will create trays that fit your teeth perfectly, helping the gel cover your teeth evenly. You’ll wear the trays for a set amount of time each night, and over a few weeks, your teeth will gradually become whiter.
Other Whitening Options
Dr. Sarkarzadeh will check your teeth to see if whitening is the right option for you. Sometimes, professional whitening won’t get the results you want. In these cases, we offer other cosmetic treatments, like porcelain veneers or dental crowns, to brighten your smile.
Teeth Bonding
Tooth bonding is another way to whiten your teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to your teeth. Before applying the resin, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will roughen up the surface of your tooth to help the bonding stick. The resin covers the whole tooth and makes it look whiter.
While bonding isn’t a permanent fix like veneers, it’s more affordable and can brighten your smile quickly. To learn more about bonding and see if it’s the right choice for you, visit our page on Teeth Bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a popular way to improve the look of your teeth. They are thin shells made from porcelain that Dr. Sarkarzadeh bonds to the front of your teeth. Each veneer is custom-made to fit your teeth, giving you a natural and attractive smile.
Veneers can make your teeth look whiter and also add strength. You can choose the shade of porcelain to get the level of whitening you want. While veneers cost more than bonding, they last much longer and are a permanent fix for stained teeth. To learn more, visit our page on Porcelain Veneers.
Dental Crowns
Another way to whiten your teeth is with dental crowns, which are great for discolored teeth that are also damaged. A crown covers the whole tooth, down to the gum line.
Dr. Sarkarzadeh will reduce the size of your tooth and place a crown on it. The color of the crown can be customized to make your tooth look whiter. Crowns provide a long-lasting solution for stained teeth. To learn more, visit our page on Dental Crowns.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Here are some common questions about professional teeth whitening. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to our office. We can also help you pick the right whitening treatment for you.
Is professional teeth whitening at the dentist permanent?
No, teeth whitening doesn’t give permanent results. Be careful if someone promises permanent whitening. Other treatments like veneers or bonding can give you a long-lasting white smile, but whitening alone won’t.
Will my teeth be sensitive after whitening?
Yes, some people experience temporary sensitivity after whitening, but it usually goes away in a few days. Sensitivity could mean you have weak enamel. If it lasts more than a week, check with your dentist.
How many whitening treatments do I need?
Most people need one or two treatments to get their desired results. Whitening can make your teeth up to 8 shades lighter. To keep your teeth white longer, you’ll need follow-up treatments. Keeping a good oral care routine, avoiding smoking, and cutting down on sugary drinks can help.
How long do teeth stay white after whitening?
After whitening, teeth usually stay white for 6 months to 3 years. It depends on how well you take care of your teeth and what you eat. Smoking can make the whitening fade faster.
Does whitening damage tooth enamel?
No, whitening doesn’t harm your enamel. The part of the tooth that affects color is the dentin. Professional whitening doesn’t damage enamel.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation in Rockville, MD.
Looking for a cosmetic dentist in Rockville, MD, for teeth whitening? Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh offers several whitening options. Call (301) 276-4694 or book an appointment online.