Our Services - Whitening

While we believe that the way you feel starts from within, we understand how a bright smile can improve a day. The quest for the gleaming “Hollywood” smile has Americans spending nearly 2 billion dollars a year on teeth whitening solutions. It's the most common cosmetic service provided by dentists. While there are plenty of good products on the market, the dentists and hygienists at the Washington Center for Image Dentistry can provide the safest, fastest and most effective results.

But first, let's talk about what causes stains. There are chemicals in food and drink called tannins. You often hear about them in wine, tea, soda and darker foods. Years of good food and drink can leave stains from tannins on your teeth. They get into the porous enamel layer of your teeth and simple brushing with traditional toothpaste won't wash them away. The stains aren't going to hurt you, but whitening offers the most effective solution.

(There are other causes. A once-popular antibiotic called tetracycline led to streaks. Multiple high fevers at an early age or trauma such as falling or getting hit lead to dark teeth. In many of these cases, we suggest veneers, inlays and onlays.)

With whitening, the tannins or stains are safely removed by bleaching. The process can take an hour—or up to two weeks—depending on the type of stain and tooth structure you have. We can provide a thorough evaluation to come up with the best approach. Let's review some of your options.

In-Office Bleaching

This process offers the fastest and most effective way to whiten teeth. With in-office power bleaching, the whitening product (carbamide peroxide) is applied directly to the teeth. It can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser to accelerate the process. Dramatic results can be seen after one treatment, which lasts anywhere from a half-hour to 60 minutes. Sometimes it takes several appointments to achieve even more effective results.

We offer the latest, most advanced whitening systems that safely and quickly whiten your smile. The at-home products we recommend can be used either during the day or at night while you sleep. Patients fill trays with professional grade whitening solutions—and keep them in their mouth for a period of time—often for as little as 30-to-60 minutes apiece. It may take 10 or more treatments to achieve the exceptional results you seek.

Each case is different—defined by its own unique solution. We can treat your teeth with the most safe and effective professional level bleaching strips, rinses, gels and whitening toothpaste available. We also offer specialty bleaches for problems areas—for people with gray, brown and white spots.

How Long Does Whitening Last?

You'll see the results of our whitening treatments for a long time, but not forever. Just like before, you'll continue to enjoy foods and beverages that cause staining (although we ask that you limit their use the first few days after a whitening procedure). Eventually, your new bright smile will fade. Fortunately, there are touch-up products available and new developments in safe and effective whitening solutions. You can implement touch-ups every few months. Obviously, results vary from person to person, depending on your teeth, the stains and the products used.

What about Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitivity is a common side effect to tooth whitening. The professionals at the Washington Center for Image Dentistry make every effort to help patients avoid the problems of tooth and gum sensitivity associated with whitening products. Please inform us if you have a concern.