Have you noticed that your teeth are more discolored than they used to be?
Teeth discoloration is a natural part of aging and lifestyle choices, but professional teeth whitening can help you turn back the clock.
The dentists at Thornton Dental Associates, P.C., help Washington DC patients safely achieve whiter teeth.
Benefits Of In-Office Teeth Whitening
There are hundreds of whitening products on the market, from toothpaste to whitening strips, that promise to whiten your teeth. However, these products aren't the most effective way to whiten your teeth when compared to the many benefits of our DC in-office whitening:
Accuracy
With at-home products, the accuracy of whitening is not guaranteed. That's because these products aren't customized for each user. With in-office whitening, the doctor can adjust the strength of the whitening gel to meet your desires.
Safety
Your lips and gums are protected with coverings before whitening. Also, the dentist will apply a post-treatment gel to your teeth to prevent tooth sensitivity and enamel damage after bleaching. This is a perk you don't get with at-home whitening.
Speed
The entire process of in-office teeth whitening takes 45 minutes in total, and patients leave with stunning results. This differs from at-home products, like whitening strips, that often take multiple 30-minute or longer sessions to see the same results.
Up-Front Cost
At first, this may seem more expensive than buying whitening toothpaste and strips, but you'll have to use these products for several months to see results that are accomplished immediately with in-office teeth whitening at an up-front cost.
What Causes Discoloration?
Poor dental hygiene isn't the sole cause of discoloration, unlike many other oral health concerns. While plaque buildup can make your teeth appear yellow, other factors are involved in tooth discoloration:
Age
Yellowing teeth are a natural part of aging. As we age, our enamel wears down, exposing the yellow dentin underneath.
Genetics
Some people have thicker enamel layers than others, allowing their teeth to stay whiter for longer.
Beverages
Dark beverages, like wine and coffee, can stain your teeth.
Tobacco
Tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, can stain your teeth.
Medication
Certain medications, like antibiotics, can stain your teeth. If you notice sudden discoloration, see if your medicine is to blame.
Trauma
Broken, cracked, and chipped teeth can cause internal bleeding that makes your teeth appear darker.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains are caused by external factors that you can control, such as what you drink, eat, and if you smoke. The stain is on the external layer of enamel, making whitening an ideal treatment to correct the discoloration. Intrinsic stains are often caused by factors you can't control, such as dental trauma, medical conditions and treatment, and genetics. These stains are located on the inside of the tooth and aren't often responsive to teeth whitening and benefit more from veneers or dental crowns.
Do You Qualify For Teeth Whitening? Request a Consultation
If you have good oral health and want a brighter smile, you likely are a good candidate for in-office teeth whitening at our DC location.
Our dentists are here to customize your teeth whitening treatment to your needs. Using the highest standard of dental technology, our team can help you get the smile you've been dreaming of.
To see if you qualify for teeth whitening, call to request a whitening consultation at our Washington, DC, office:
(202) 293-5805
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"They are careful with my sensitive teeth!" 5-Star Reviews From DC Patients
Samantha Forcum
2022
I absolutely love this dentist and all the hygienists! They are so professional but also fun and friendly. The office is clean, the music is enjoyable to bop along to while you’re in the chair, and they are informative about the process/careful with my sensitive teeth!
Jenn N
2022
I've been a patient here for going on 14 years, and the staff and dentists are phenomenal. I've always been a nervous, on-edge patient at the dentist, but the folks are compassionate, non-judgmental, and gentle, and they've made it possible for me to get regular dental care instead of avoiding it as I used to do.
We Offer Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening About the Product
Using a hydrogen peroxide gel and a whitening lamp, Zoom! allows even patients with sensitive teeth to experience a brighter smile.
Whitening Gel
Zoom! uses a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel to whiten teeth. This percentage of hydrogen peroxide has been proven to whiten teeth by several shades while providing comfort for patients with sensitive teeth.
Whitening Lamp
We use the WhiteSpeed blue LED lamp to activate the whitening gel. This activation breaks down hydrogen peroxide to allow oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin of your teeth, bleaching stains, and discoloration.
Teeth Whitening Timeline With Zoom! In-Office Whitening Treatment
With our whitening treatment, patients can improve the whiteness of their smile in just 45 minutes.
With our whitening treatment, patients can improve the whiteness of their smile in just 45 minutes.
Shade Evaluation
Our dentists will begin the process of whitening your teeth by evaluating your current shade and determining the strength of the gel to get your desired shade results.
Prepping The Mouth
Your dentist will then prep your lips and gums with a protective covering to avoid the gel harming these areas of your mouth during the procedure.
Applying The Gel
Your dentist will then apply a layer of whitening gel along your teeth and use a WhiteSpeed blue LED lamp to activate the whitening gel. The lamp's settings are adjustable, so your dentist can select the right amount to get you to your desired shade without harming your teeth.
Waiting Period
Each session under the lamp is 15 minutes, and three sessions are required to see results, making the treatment a total of 45 minutes.
Revealing Your Smile
Once your time under the lamp is complete and you've reached your desired shade, your dentist will apply a post-whitening gel that protects your enamel and reduces tooth sensitivity.
Request a Consultation
Maintaining Your Results
Watch What You Drink
Dark liquids, such as red wine and coffee, can stain your teeth, making them appear discolored. To keep your smile white for longer, avoid these beverages or drink through a straw and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Quit Smoking
Smoking and tobacco use can cause deep dental stains. Not only is smoking dangerous for you internally, but the effects can show externally. To make the most of your new white teeth, quit smoking to prevent new stains.
Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
The whiteness of your teeth isn't solely dependent on your dental hygiene. That's why you can have a healthy smile but stained teeth. However, brushing and flossing will keep your teeth clear of plaque buildup that can make your teeth appear discolored.
"Truly the best dentist I’ve ever had." 5-Star Reviews From DC Patients
Cecilia Papariello
2022
I switched here after a bad dentist experience. Truly the best dentist I’ve ever had, and the hygienists are so gentle and kind! Everyone is very patient and takes time with you to explain options.
Alissa Swango
2022
I am a new patient and was referred to this office by a friend. Since the very first intake call, I have been unexpectedly over- impressed by this dental office. I have never once had a reason to say that ever in my life.
