Do you struggle to keep your smile as bright and white as you want it to be? Most people have this problem, as tooth enamel is incredibly porous. The outer surface of the tooth absorbs pigments from all the dark-colored foods and beverages consumed. This can leave your teeth looking more yellow or grey than pearly white. Virtually any food that can stain your clothing can also stain your teeth, and over time, those stains add up! Store-bought whitening products can help you remove some of these stains, but they do not work as quickly or effectively as the whitening treatments provided by your dentist.

Would you like to learn about safe, effective whitening treatments from Silver Spring Smiles? Contact our office at 301.588.5400 for a cosmetic whitening consultation to learn about the services we provide.

Why Dentist-Provided Whitening Products Work Better

There is really only one ingredient that can safely remove staining pigments from you tooth enamel: hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient pulls oxygen bubbles down into the matrix structure of your enamel to break down the pigment residues that dull your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is available in toothpastes and store-bought whitening strips, but these do not work as effectively as the treatments you can get from a dentist. There are two reasons for this.

The first advantage you get from dentists’ products is a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Prescription strength products ensure you get the most powerful stain-fighting action, so teeth emerge whiter faster. The second advantage to dentist-provided whitening is that it delivers the whitening gel to your teeth in a more efficient manner. If you are using a whitening toothpaste, chances are your teeth are only in contact with the whitening ingredients for the time it takes you to brush your teeth each day (about two minutes). This is not enough time for the peroxide to break down stubborn stains.

Whitening trays and strips may be somewhat better, but they also have their challenges. Most whitening strips and trays you buy at the store come in just one size. All mouths are not the same size or shape, so a poorly fitting whitening system means the gel may become diluted by saliva or spread to the gum tissue. This can cause a burning sensation and make your whitening results slower and less consistent.

Dentist-provided whitening systems are different because they are customized to fit your mouth. When your whitening trays fit your teeth like a glove, this allows the gel to stay in contact with the teeth and fight stains more predictably.

Versatile Whitening Treatments for Every Lifestyle

At Silver Spring Smiles, we provide multiple teeth whitening treatments. If you prefer to whiten your teeth gradually in the comfort of your own home, you may be interested in our take-home whitening system. With this treatment, you apply the gel to your customized whitening trays and wear them for 15-30 minutes per session. Over a period of weeks, your teeth will slowly become whiter and brighter as stains are dissolved.

If you prefer faster, more dramatic results, ask us about our in-office whitening options. These treatments use a special light to make the whitening ingredients more powerful and deliver immediate results. With in-office whitening, patients can lighten their teeth up to eight shades in a single day. Additionally, these treatments can often break down intrinsic stains that usually don’t respond to whitening.

Are You Ready for a Whiter Smile in Record Time?

If you would like to whiten your teeth with high quality products that deliver stunning results, call our office today! We’ll help you uncover the natural brightness of your smile. Contact our office at 301-588-5400 to learn more about teeth whitening, Silver Spring, MD.