Teeth Whitening in McLean

Why Is Professional Dental Whitening Better Than DIY?

 Although many dental whitening DIY kits are sold at major stores and the local pharmacy, they are less effective than professional products and can have a few drawbacks, such as:

1. If you have artificial teeth or caps, they may not whiten to the same color as your natural teeth.
2. The at-home kits and products take longer to achieve a lesser level of whiteness, whether you use gels, trays, strips, or rinses.
3. A professional whitening procedure will produce whiter teeth in less time, and it's monitored by professionals, so it's safer.
4. At-home kits won't work well on teeth that are very stained.
5. A professional whitening procedure is monitored by dental professionals, so you'll get faster, more even results and not risk getting the bleaching gel on your sensitive gums and cheeks.

 Before we provide tooth whitening to our McLean patients, we thoroughly examine your teeth to determine the cause and extent of your discoloration, and we'll recommend the best solution to achieve the desired results. Sometimes, teeth can be discolored due to causes other than stains, medications, and lifestyle. There may be an underlying infection that's causing your teeth to be discolored, and your dentist will inform you if that's the case. Although DIY kits sound easy, we recommend that you have an in-office procedure so we can provide you with the best tooth whitening procedure possible.

We want you to be completely happy with your new gleaming smile, so we'll work with you to find the best solution. If teeth whitening isn't your best option, we'll provide an alternative.

Do You Offer Products for Teeth Whitening at Home?

If your dentist determines that you're a good candidate for at-home whitening, then we have an at-home kit that's available. It uses the same professional-grade products we use in the office and can lighten your teeth by as much as six shades when used as directed. Most patients need to wear their custom trays for an hour each day for two weeks. Ask your McLean dentist if you qualify for DIY teeth whitening.

What's the Cost of Teeth Whitening?

 The cost of your teeth whitening procedure will be unique to you and will depend on the following:

• Whether you opt for an in-office or an at-home procedure
• The type of teeth whitening products we use
• The number of treatments you'll need
• Any repairs you'll need
• Any follow-up treatments or at-home treatments you'll need
• Any insurance coverage you have

 During your first office visit, we'll examine your teeth and determine the best type of whitening for your needs and if you need any other procedures beforehand. We'll then provide you with an estimate of your teeth bleaching cost based on your unique needs. If you have any questions, call our McLean office, and we'll be glad to answer them.

What's the Professional Teeth Whitening Procedure?

 Although each teeth whitening product has a unique procedure, generally, the teeth whitening procedure is as follows:

1. Your teeth bleaching dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and then clean your teeth.
2. We'll take photos to help determine your tooth shade and monitor your progress during the whitening procedure.
3. Your dentist will install a temporary cheek retractor that will expose your teeth and shield your cheeks and lips.
4. We'll apply a protective liquid to your gums.
5. We'll apply the first of several layers of bleaching gel to your teeth.
6. We may use a special light to enhance and speed up your results.
7. Your teeth bleaching dentist will then examine your teeth to evaluate the progress and determine the number, if any, of follow-up or at-home treatments that may be required.

Need to Schedule an Appointment for Teeth Whitening in McLean?

 If you want to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening in McLean, then call Dental Care of Alexandria & McLean in McLean at (703) 532-2022, and we'll add you to our schedule. Our teeth bleaching dentists are among the best in the area for teeth whitening procedures, and we know you'll be happy with your new gleaming smile.

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