Brighten Your Smile with Our Teeth Whitening Treatments

A teeth whitening treatment at our Fairfax, VA, practice can eliminate deep, extrinsic stains and brighten your smile by several shades. At Fairfax Family Dental Care, our doctors offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options, depending on your personal preference for treatment. This conservative cosmetic solution is an effective way to brightening dull, lackluster teeth, so you can feel confident in your appearance. In cases where dental discoloration does not respond well to treatment, we offer other effective cosmetic treatments to meet your needs and aesthetic goals.

Who Does Teeth Whitening Benefit?

Professional teeth whitening systems used in dental offices incorporate stronger, yet safer whitening agents as compared to over-the-counter kits and mouthwashes. This treatment is beneficial for those with minor to moderate stains or discoloration on the surface of the teeth, causing teeth to have a yellow-gray tint.

Professional teeth whitening systems used in dental offices incorporate stronger, yet safer whitening agents as compared to over-the-counter kits and mouthwashes.

Although effective at treating stains on the outer surfaces of teeth, teeth whitening cannot successfully address internal or intrinsic stains. If you have internal dental stains as a result of fluoride overuse, medications, or damage to the inner tooth, you may benefit more from dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Common Causes of Dental Stains

As one of the strongest materials in the body, enamel is designed to withstand significant pressure, which is required for biting and chewing food. However, because enamel is porous, the foods and beverages we consume can have a lasting effect on teeth. Certain items, including red wine, coffee, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, dark sodas, and candy can cause dental staining. In addition, smoking and tobacco can severely discolor and weaken your teeth.

We offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening solutions to meet our patients' diverse needs.

Teeth Whitening Options

To make treatment as convenient as possible for our patients, we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments. As an added benefit, these two treatments can be used together to enhance your smile even further.

In-Office Treatment

Our doctors offer two in-office brands of whitening, including:

• BriteSmile®: This treatment uses a professional strength hydrogen peroxide and glycerin solution to whiten teeth. After applying the gel to your teeth, we can shine a special blue light onto the tooth surface to activate the whitening agent. Every 20 minutes for one hour, we can remove and reapply the solution for the best results. BriteSmile can deliver dramatic results without dehydrating your teeth.
• REMBRANDT®: This treatment combines a special light and a professional strength gel containing whitening crystals and a desensitizing agent to whiten teeth in about one hour. Gels come in a variety of flavors, including mint and tropical fruit to make treatment more enjoyable. Results vary, but this treatment has been known to lighten smiles by several shades.

During your consultation, we can review your unique needs to determine which option is best for you.

At-Home Treatment

For patients who prefer at-home treatment, we can take impressions of your teeth to fabricate custom-made trays. Once the trays are prepared, we can provide you with a whitening agent to use in combination with your trays. This gel is less concentrated than that used in-office, but stronger than over-the-counter methods. Patients who struggle with dental sensitivity find this treatment more comfortable. For the best results, you should wear your trays for 30 minutes each day or nightly for at least two weeks.

Choosing the Best Solution for You

In-office whitening treatment at Fairfax Family Dental Care is beneficial for patients who have a special event coming up, such as a wedding, class reunion, or speaking engagement. This procedure can be completed in just one office visit, and in less than one hour. Results are immediate, helping you to achieve a smile up to several shades brighter.

Patients who do not have time constraints and are looking for a more affordable and convenient option often find at-home whitening just as effective, especially if stains are not as severe. At-home teeth whitening allows you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home whenever you desire.

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening provides a variety of benefits, including:

• Healthier-looking teeth
• Faster, less invasive treatment than other cosmetic options, such as porcelain veneers or bonding
• Immediate results (for those that choose in-office)
• Reduced dental sensitivity as compared to over-the-counter methods
• More youthful appearance
• More attractive smile

We can tailor your treatment plan to meet your cosmetic goals and preferences.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are interested in achieving a dazzling smile through teeth whitening, contact Fairfax Family Dental Care online or call at (703) 385-0303. Our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve bright, beautiful smiles and looks forward to serving you.