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Teeth Whitening

Stained and yellowed teeth can cause feelings of embarrassment and make you want to hide your smile.

Teeth whitening at Fairfax Family Dental can safely whiten your smile in just one treatment.

Learn how our dentists in Fairfax, VA, can whiten your teeth quickly so you can achieve a dazzling smile in time for an important event. 

Let Us Help You Achieve a Brilliant Smile Contact Our Fairfax Dental Practice Today

We understand that tooth discoloration or a yellowed smile can cause feelings of embarrassment; however, even with flawless oral hygiene, stains and discoloration can develop over time. When you visit our dental practice for teeth whitening, you can rest assured that we will not judge. Healthy and beautiful smiles are important to us, and we want patients to feel comfortable and confident when proceeding with treatment.

Our dentists, Charles D. Kirksey, Milan Simanek, and Touraj Kamali, practice conservative dentistry and will never push treatment on you if they don't think it will help you achieve your goals. Contact us online or call our Fairfax, VA, dental practice so we can determine if professional whitening is right for you. 

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Hear From Satisfied Fairfax Patients

1

Marilyn Vejdani

Fairfax, VA

2023

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Excellent care and all the staff is wonderful and are very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this dental practice.

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1

Andrea Paniagua

Fairfax, VA

2023

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Thank you Cindy you were very caring and sweet and gentle I enjoyed my cleaning and your tips and tricks from you !!

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Financing and Insurance

Because teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance won't cover it; however, we accept CareCredit® financing which helps patients pay for treatment in affordable monthly installments.

Understanding the Different Types of Dental Stains

Extrinsic Stains

This kind of discoloration occurs when the outer layer of the tooth — the enamel — is stained by lifestyle and diet choices, such as smoking cigarettes and consuming staining foods.

Intrinsic Stains

These occur when dentin inside the tooth darkens or yellows as a result of medications, injury to a tooth, decay, and excessive fluoride. This staining is considerably harder to remove.

Age-Related Stains

These types of stains are a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic causes. As you age, your enamel becomes thinner, letting the yellowed dentin underneath become more visible.

Our professional teeth whitening treatments address extrinsic stains; however, we still have cosmetic dentistry solutions that address intrinsic ones. We can conceal deep-set discoloration with veneers, crowns, and bonding.

When you visit us for a consultation, your dentist will assess the nature of your stains and recommend the treatment option that works best for you.

Candidates for Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective for nearly every patient; that’s what helps make this solution so popular. That being said, there are several factors your dentist will consider when you visit us for a consultation. Here’s what distinguishes the ideal candidate for teeth whitening:

Good Oral Health

Patients must be in good oral health and free from gum disease and tooth decay before receiving teeth whitening or other cosmetic treatments.

Type of Stain

Though we can usually lift surface-level stains, deep stains or damaged enamel may not respond to teeth whitening. Your dentist will help you determine if an alternative treatment may be a better option for you.

Good Health

Patients who have UV sensitivity, are taking drugs that make them sensitive to light, or are undergoing photo-chemotherapy should discuss teeth whitening with their dentist and primary care doctor before undergoing whitening treatments.

How Does In-Office Treatment Work?

While the professional bleaching solution is powerful, your dentist will adjust the concentration to meet your unique needs and safely whiten your smile.
While the professional bleaching solution is powerful, your dentist will adjust the concentration to meet your unique needs and safely whiten your smile.

Consultation

During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and ask you questions about your medical and dental histories to determine if you are a good candidate for in-office teeth whitening.

Barrier

Your dentist will begin treatment by covering your gums and lips with a protective barrier to keep them from coming into contact with the whitening solution. This can help prevent irritation and sensitivity.

Whitening Gel

Next, a whitening gel will be applied to your teeth and a special light will be used to activate the whitening solution.

Monitor Teeth

The bleaching solution will be left on your teeth in 15-minute increments. Every 15 minutes, your dentist will remove the solution to check the shade of your enamel and apply more whitening gel if you want even whiter teeth. This may happen several times.

Remove Solution

Once you've reached your desired shade, your dentist will remove the bleaching solution from each tooth and your treatment will be complete.

Start Your Journey to a Whiter Smile Today With Our Treatment Options

Off-the-shelf products and DIY hydrogen peroxide mixtures pale in comparison to what our dentists can do for you. Whether you prefer to have our dentists whiten your teeth at our office or an at-home kit better suits your busy schedule, we can help you achieve results you won’t stop smiling about. For more information about what you can expect from in-office treatment or at-home kits, get in touch with our friendly dental staff in Fairfax, VA, today.

 (703) 385-0303

Why Patients Love Our Practice

1

Dana Burnette

Fairfax, VA

2023

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The dentist office I been going to them for a long time and they do a good job on my teeth

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1

Rod Sterling

2023

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The hygienist and doctor at Fairfax Family Dental Care were knowledgeable, professional, courteous and friendly.  They consistently provide excellent care.

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How to Extend the Dazzling Results of Professional Teeth Whitening

Minimize Foods and Drink That Stain

Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your teeth. Certain foods can as well, including tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and berries. In general, it’s best to limit acidic and dark foods. Consider drinking staining beverages through a straw whenever possible.

Quit All Forms of Tobacco

Both chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes can diminish the incredible results of professional teeth whitening as a result of their staining properties. Tobacco can also damage enamel and increase your risk of cavities.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Proper oral care maintains not only your teeth but contributes to your overall health. Brush your twice for at least two minutes twice a day with whitening toothpaste and make sure to floss at least once daily. You should also use antibacterial mouthwash once per day.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams

Visit your dentist twice a year to help maintain a healthy, radiant smile. They will clean your teeth thoroughly and be on the lookout for cavities, signs of gingivitis, and plaque buildup.

Alternatives to Teeth Whitening

Deep dental stains and discoloration may not respond to professional teeth whitening, let alone store-bought kits or hydrogen peroxide. Fortunately, our Fairfax dental practice offers alternatives to teeth whitening so you can achieve whiter teeth and enhance the appearance of your smile.
Woman with porcelain veneer shade

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers conceal deep stains and other dental flaws to give your smile a whiter, more symmetrical appearance.

Man in need of dental bonding

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can quickly cover stained teeth and address minor chips, cracks, and gaps for a brighter, healthier-looking smile.

Teeth Whitening Questions and Answers

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes. Your dentist will adjust your bleaching solution to safely whiten your teeth and minimize sensitivity. While our professional bleaching solution is powerful, your dentist will ensure your enamel and gums don't come into contact with it.

I have sensitive teeth. Can I still undergo whitening at your dental practice?

Yes. Even patients with tooth sensitivity can achieve whiter teeth. Your dentist will customize your whitening treatment and monitor you throughout your procedure to minimize tooth sensitivity and discomfort. 

Can teeth whitening be used with other cosmetic treatments?

Yes. Patients who undergo cosmetic or even restorative dentistry treatments often receive professional teeth whitening to further enhance the appearance of their teeth.

How long will the results from teeth whitening last?

With proper care, you can maintain a brightened smile for about six months. Practice good oral hygiene and minimize your intake of foods and drinks that may stain your teeth to prolong your results for up to three years.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth whitening?

Hydrogen peroxide in the brown bottle may kill off some periodontal bacteria, but it won't effectively whiten your teeth and can damage your gums, tooth enamel, and your overall health if used incorrectly. It's best to skip the hydrogen peroxide altogether and rely on your dentist to whiten your teeth and recommend safe products, such as whitening toothpaste, to maintain results.

More Reviews From Satisfied Patients

1

Gayle Jacques

2023

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My husband’s family has been going here for 35+ years and our kids have only known Fairfax Family Dental Care.  They take really good care of their patients and very knowledgeable.

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1

Deborah C

2023

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Always pleasant. Great staff! Elaine is such a pro! My teeth always feel great and we always share a laugh or two. Dr Kamali is so kind and patient  (and he has great recipes to share).

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The Fairfax Family Dental Care office building.

Fairfax Family Dental Care

Our team of compassionate dental professionals uses state-of-the-art technology for every procedure we offer. As the premier emergency dentists in Fairfax, we are here to offer relief at any time of day or night, seven days a week. Our dentists are affiliated with professional associations including:

  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
  • The American Orthodontic Society
  • Virginia Dental Association

To schedule an appointment or receive immediate dental care, call: (703) 385-0303 or contact us online.

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