Teeth Whitening in Alexandria

Is Professional Tooth Whitening Better Than the DIY Kits?

 Also called power bleaching or chair-side teeth whitening, professional tooth whitening is safe and painless, and you can have gleaming white teeth when you leave our office. You may be skeptical because you've tried the at-home gels, strips, rinses, and other over-the-counter remedies and found that they don't work well. They may also provide uneven results.

However, our professional in-office teeth whitening products are significantly more powerful than those you buy over the counter. Since we monitor your progress, you'll achieve more even results than those you receive at home. We should point out that some types of discoloration may not respond as well to the whitening procedures as your natural teeth. If you have a significant number of dental restorations, such as crowns, fillings, and veneers, you may need an alternative to teeth whitening. We can help you with that problem, too. Our professional teeth whitening works best on teeth that have been stained by smoking or dietary habits.

Be aware, also, that discolored teeth can be caused by an infection inside the teeth, and no amount of whitening can rectify that. If an infection is the underlying cause of your dingy teeth, then your teeth bleaching dentist will inform you of that fact and recommend a solution. An infection shouldn't be ignored, or you can lose all your teeth or have another significant problem.

When you come to our Alexandria office for your initial consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine the cause of the discoloration and recommend the best solution that will fit your unique needs. If teeth whitening isn't the answer for you, we'll recommend a solution that will restore your beautiful white smile and boost your self-confidence.

Who Offers Teeth Whitening at Home?

While we promote our in-office service as the best option, there are occasions when we provide at-home tooth whitening. After your in-office procedure, we'll examine your teeth to determine our progress, and we may recommend additional treatments at home. When that's the case, we may provide you with customized trays and the same professional-grade products that we use in the office so that you can finish your treatment.

Occasionally, we provide at-home treatments to patients who have been seen in our office and whose dentist recommends at-home treatments, but this is decided on an individual basis. Because of the increased quality of care, we recommend that all our patients receive an in-office treatment before they begin at-home treatments.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

 Your teeth bleaching cost will be unique to you. It will depend on several factors including:

• Your overall health
• The cause of your tooth discoloration
• Any additional procedures you need
• The whitening procedure you select
• The number of treatments you'll need
• The number of follow-up appointments you'll need
• Any insurance coverage you have

When you come to our Alexandria office, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine the above, and then we'll provide you with a cost estimate that details everything you'll need and the price. Since teeth bleaching is usually considered an elective cosmetic procedure, insurance doesn't usually cover it, but policies are available for cosmetic procedures, so let us know if you have one.

How Does DIY Teeth Whitening Compare to Professional Whitening?

A professional procedure is more reliable, faster, and provides more even results than an at-home procedure. When we apply the whitening products to your teeth, we monitor your progress so that we achieve even results. We also are diligent in protecting your lips and gums from the bleaching gel, which can irritate your gums.

When you come to our Alexandria office for your teeth whitening procedure, you'll experience the following:

1. Your dentist will clean and examine your teeth.
2. We'll take photos to help monitor your progress and determine your tooth shade.
3. Your dentist will place a cheek retractor to expose your teeth and protect your lips.
4. We'll apply a protective liquid to your gums.
5. We'll apply the first of several layers of bleaching gel.
6. We may use a special light to speed the whitening process.
7. Your dentist will evaluate your progress and determine the number, if any, of follow-up treatments that you need.

Need to Schedule a Teeth Whitening in Alexandria?

 If you're interested in whiter teeth and a more beautiful smile, then call Dental Care of Alexandria & McLean in Alexandria at (703) 765-6400, and we'll be happy to schedule your first teeth whitening appointment. We're among the best in the area for beautiful smiles, and we know you'll be happy with the new you.

Call us today. You'll be glad you did.