Teeth Whitening in Reston, VA

The human tooth is composed of a layer of enamel over a layer of dentin. Enamel is semi-transparent and whiter than the darker, less-transparent dentin.

As a person ages, the enamel can become thinner due to wear. Because the enamel is semi-transparent, as it thins, more of the darker colored dentin becomes visible. It is also possible for the enamel to lose its porosity or for the tooth’s mineral structure to alter, both of which can make the tooth darker in color.

Among younger patients, whitening procedures are usually needed due to staining. Many different foods and beverages can stain your teeth, including red wine, coffee, some sports drinks, most dark-colored sodas and tea. Smokers and users of smokeless tobacco products are at special risk of stains, especially near the gums.

Stains can also be the result of skipping appointments with your dental hygienist. If plaque is not removed, it will eventually form a hard, calcified deposit on the teeth. This is called calculus or tartar, and it may be brown, gray, yellow or black.

Although there are non-prescription whitening products that can be used at home, they are not nearly as effective as professional whitening methods. Any benefits will be short-term, and many products can actually do more harm than good. Long-term use of many whitening toothpastes, for example, can wear down the enamel and allow the darker color of the dentin to be more noticeable.

A professional whitening procedure typically starts with a thorough examination. We will want to know about any sensitivities or allergies you might have, examine the soft and hard tissues in your mouth and make note of any fillings. X-rays are sometimes taken to provide more information about any irregularities in the teeth.

Whitening procedures normally lighten the teeth from two to seven shades. The degree of whitening achieved varies from patient to patient.

After a whitening procedure, there are several things you can do to protect your dazzling new smile.

Rinse your mouth or brush immediately after drinking or eating.
Use a straw when drinking beverages that could stain your teeth. Anything that can stain your clothes will stain your teeth as well.
Fight plaque through effective brushing and flossing.

First impressions matter. And one of the first things people notice about us is our smile. An attractive smile can attract positivity, boost confidence, and significantly improve overall appearance. Reston Serenity Smile, a professional dental office in Reston, VA, offers professional teeth whitening Reston services to improve your smile and boost confidence.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes tooth discoloration and stains in the tooth enamel to bring out whiter teeth. Whether it’s stubborn stains or brown stains, whitening can effectively lighten the color of your teeth by a few shades whiter.

There are two types of professional teeth whitening procedures: in-office and at-home treatments. A dental professional performs in-office teeth whitening, while at-home treatments involve using custom trays and whitening gel provided by your dentist in Reston, VA, and over-the-counter products that don’t need prescriptions.

Some of the in-home teeth whitening options include:

• Over-the-counter whitening trays
• Whitening strips
• Whitening toothpaste
• Whitening pens
• Whitening mouth rinses

In-office or professional teeth whitening process goes beyond what over-the-counter whitening options offer. We use high-grade whitening gel, often hydrogen peroxide-based, applied on your teeth and teased with a special light to accelerate the whitening process. The process is safe, effective, and relatively quick, delivering a whiter smile in a single visit.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

• Faster and More Effective Results. Professional teeth whitening is performed using a stronger whitening agent than in over-the-counter kits, resulting in faster, more noticeable results. Also, the products dentists use don’t only remove extrinsic stains (outer surface discolorations) but also intrinsic stains.
• Personalized Treatments. Dentists can customize the treatment based on your specific needs and desired results, which isn’t possible with one-size-fits-all home kits.
• Safer Treatment. Under professional supervision, the risks of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are minimized. Dentists use protective measures like gum shields during the procedure.
• Thorough Whitening. Unlike at-home kits that may not reach all your teeth evenly, professionals ensure that all visible teeth are treated for a uniform look.
• Long-lasting Results. Because of the strength and thoroughness of professional treatments, the whitening effects tend to last longer than those achieved with home kits.
• Professional Advice and Care. Dentists can provide advice on maintaining your results and on oral care post-whitening. They can also identify any underlying oral health issues before starting the treatment.

What Is the Teeth Whitening Procedure at Reston Serenity Smiles?

Step 1: Consultation

Upon arrival at our dental practice, our dentist will ask your specific requirements and goals for your smile. We’ll discuss your options and clearly explain the Reston teeth whitening process to you.

Step 2: Application of Whitening Gel

After the consultation, we’ll apply a special whitening gel to your teeth. This gel often contains hydrogen peroxide, which whitens tooth enamel and reduces discoloration and stubborn stains.

Step 3: Use of Special Light

The next step involves the use of special light. This isn’t your ordinary light—it’s designed to speed up the whitening process by activating the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel. This is a unique part of the in-office whitening procedure at our dental office, which sets us apart from home whitening methods.

Step 4: Results

We aim to make your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit. We gauge the success of the professional whitening treatment not just on whiteness but on the overall appearance of the teeth, considering the natural shade of your tooth enamel.

Step 5: Aftercare

After the procedure, our dentist will provide you with instructions on how to maintain your newly whitened smile. This may include avoiding certain foods and drinks that can stain teeth, such as coffee or red wine, and implementing good oral hygiene practices.

At this point, you may experience sensitive teeth and gums, but this should subside within a few days. If it persists or becomes too uncomfortable, our Reston dentist can recommend products to alleviate the discomfort.

Achieve White Teeth at Reston Serenity Smiles

At Reston Serenity Smiles, we understand the importance of a beautiful smile in boosting confidence and overall appearance, especially during special occasions. That’s why we offer professional teeth whitening services to help make stained teeth and discoloration a thing of the past.

Contact us today to book an appointment, and let us help you achieve a whiter and brighter smile!