Professional teeth whitening is a dafe and effective way to brighten your smile. It’s also perhaps the most economical cosmetic dental procedure. Depending on the whitening method you choose, results can be dramatic. Professional in-office teeth whitening in our Columbia, MD dental office can lighten teeth three to eight shades in a single hour.
Teeth Whitening Options
Our dental office offers Sensational Smile® and Zoom® WhiteSpeed teeth whitening. Professional whitening offers results far superior to over-the-counter options. Our products help patients quickly and comfortably make over their smile. Whitening can remove years of lifestyle habits and the natural darkening of teeth that occurs with age. You can choose an in-office or take-home treatment option to meet your needs.
We recommend a thorough dental exam to see if a teeth whitening treatment will address tooth staining and discoloration. For patients with specific types of stains that do not respond to bleaching products, we offer alternative cosmetic dentistry treatment options, including:
With CEREC Technology, we can give you porcelain veneers or dental crowns in just one visit to our Howard County dentist office.
Sinsational Smiles® Teeth Whitening
Our dental office now offers Sinsational Smiles® Teeth Whitening to meet the diverse needs and cosmetic goals of our patients.
Sinsational Smiles is an in-office treatment that is completed in about 20 minutes. Treatment uses comfortable silicone trays to deliver the professional whitening gels. The whitening trays stay in place without the need for jaw clenching for a relaxed and easy treatment.
Many patients only need one 20-minute session. But we will recommend the appropriate number of sessions so you can meet your cosmetic goals based on the severity of your tooth discoloration or staining.
We also recommend for best results Sinsational Smiles can be done along with your hygiene appointment. You don’t need a separate appointment.
Sinsational Smiles® treatment also includes a take-home gel pen for touch-ups and to extend the longevity of your results. As with any teeth whitening treatment we recommend that you limit dark beverages and tobacco use to keep your smile bright.
What is Zoom! Teeth Whitening?
The Zoom! Teeth Whitening procedure is simple and painless. The special gel was developed by Discus Dental, leaders in professional teeth whitening. The active ingredient in Zoom is pH balanced hydrogen peroxide that, when activated by a special light, gently penetrate teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration.
For in-office whitening, we recommend patients start with a cleaning. Next, we prepare the mouth for the whitening procedure by isolating the lips and gums. The proprietary Zoom Whitening gel is applied to the teeth, which is activated by a specially designed light.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening Results
Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter – sometimes more! A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You will be amazed by the results. In most cases, your teeth will continue to whiten in the first few days following the procedure. A minor touch-up every so often, either at home or at the dental office, can keep your smile bright and beautiful for years.
Zoom! At-Home Teeth Whitening
Want whiter teeth but prefer to do it at home? Our Zoom! DayWhite professional take-home whitening system lets you safely brighten your smile on your own schedule.
First, we make custom-fit trays that match your teeth perfectly. You wear the trays with whitening gel for short periods each day. You can begin to see whitening results after about 2 weeks.
Zoom take-home whitening is safe and convenient. The custom trays protect your gums from irritation and you can get whitening without office visits.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read answers to common questions about teeth whitening in Columbia, MD:
Does teeth whitening have painful side effects?
There is always a concern about pain from dental treatments. You might feel temporary tooth sensitivity, but no severe pain will come from your treatment. You can treat temporary pain with an aspirin or similar over-the-counter medicine. Temporary tooth sensitivity will go away within a couple of days.
Should I get a dental cleaning before teeth whitening?
Yes, we recommend getting your teeth cleaned by our hygienist before getting your teeth whitened. This will make sure that issues with plaque and tartar don’t affect the results of your teeth whitening treatment.
Who will benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. We can determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure through a comprehensive oral exam. Patients with deep dark stains that go beyond the enamel may not be good candidates, but we do have other cosmetic treatments that can address this issue.
How long do teeth stay white after teeth whitening?
The benefits of tooth whitening might last anywhere from 6 months to up to 2 years. How long whitening lasts depends from person to person.
When you whiten your teeth, the results aren’t permanent. Some people might see their teeth stay whiter longer, while others may notice their teeth darkening again sooner.
Certain habits can quickly undo your whitening results and stain your teeth again. The biggest culprits are:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or dark sodas
- Eating staining foods
How long after teeth whitening can I drink coffee?
Patients should avoid coffee for at least 48 hours after treatment. In the first few days after treatment, teeth are often more porous and prone to discoloration. Stay away from coffee to maintain the benefits of teeth whitening. You can also drink coffee or other staining drinks through a straw.
Can old yellow teeth be whitened?
Yes! Even if your teeth have been yellow for years, they can still be whitened. As long as you’re an adult and your teeth have stopped developing, whitening treatments can help remove stains and brighten your smile.
Whitening products use special formulas that break down stains deep in your tooth enamel.
Can too much whitening damage teeth?
Yes, over-whitening your teeth can harm them. Bleaching products use strong chemicals to remove stains, but if you use them too often, they can wear down your tooth enamel—the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth.
Once enamel is damaged, it doesn’t grow back. This can lead to problems like:
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Higher risk of cavities
- Cracks or breaks
What diseases may cause yellow teeth?
Some health conditions change how enamel forms or wears down. Here are some diseases that may cause yellow teeth:
- Liver Disease
- Eating Disorders
- Celiac Disease
- Rickets
- Metabolic Diseases
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation
Are you looking for a dentist near you that offers teeth whitening in the Columbia, MD area? We offer our patients many cosmetic dentistry treatments like teeth whitening to brighten teeth. Call us today at (410) 415-9013 or feel free schedule an appointment with us online.
We also provide dental care in Ellicott City, MD, and the surrounding communities.