Professional Teeth Whitening in Alexandria, VA

Your Smile Dreams Can Come True With Teeth Whitening

Do you struggle with the appearance of yellow teeth? Are you looking to get rid of noticeable tooth stains? A beautiful smile can make a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem. However, tooth discoloration can cause embarrassment and affect how others perceive your smile. Luckily, professional teeth whitening is a proven cosmetic dentistry solution that can restore brightness, improve oral health, and give you a whiter smile you’ll love.

If you’re ready to brighten teeth safely and effectively, contact Dr. Janice Isabella E. Dionisio at Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Alexandria, VA by calling our dentist’s office near you at (703) 672-0664 today.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that lightens tooth colour by breaking down stains and discoloration. It uses powerful bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide bleaching gel to whiten teeth more effectively than over the counter products.

Unlike store-bought teeth whitening products, professional tooth whitening procedures are performed under the supervision of trained dental professionals. This ensures safety, consistent whitening results, and minimal risks such as gingival irritation, temporary tooth sensitivity, or damage to the enamel surface.

There are two main types of professional whitening available:

• In office tooth whitening: A concentrated treatment performed at the dental office.
• Nightguard vital bleaching (at-home trays): Custom trays created at the dentist’s office, filled with whitening gel for use at home.

Over the counter whitening products like whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, or whitening rinses can help with stain removal, but they can’t match the bleaching efficacy of professional whitening systems.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening at Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry provides several benefits:

• Noticeably whiter teeth in a short time
• Safe procedure supervised by a dentist
• Quick results with in office bleaching
• Minimally invasive cosmetic option
• Affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments
• Customizable options for your needs and tooth shade
• Effective for both surface stains and some intrinsic staining
• Boosted confidence and self-esteem

The Teeth Whitening Treatment Process

When you visit our Alexandria dentist’s office for whitening, here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Consultation: Dr. Dionisio will review your health and dental history to determine if whitening is safe and right for you.
2. Teeth Cleaning: A professional dental cleaning helps prepare the teeth by removing plaque and buildup.
3. Protection: A protective barrier or gel shields the gums to reduce the risk of gum irritation.
4. Whitening Gel Application: A high-concentration peroxide gel is applied to the anterior tooth surfaces. This bleaching compound works faster and stronger than strips and gels from stores.
5. Activation: Some whitening systems may use light or laser to enhance the whitening process.
6. Rinse & Results: After the whitening treatment, the gel is removed, revealing teeth several shades brighter.

This evidence based dental practice approach ensures teeth whitening safe results that follow guidelines from the American Dental Association.

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

After your whitening procedure, you can extend your results by following these tips:

• Avoid acidic foods, coffee, red wine, and dark-colored drinks.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Rinse with water after meals.
• Avoid poor oral hygiene habits and smoking.
• Use a straw for dark beverages.
• Schedule regular dental visits for cleanings and exams.
• Consider touch-ups with nightguard vital bleaching or custom trays if needed.

Who Isn’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for whitening. Dr. Dionisio will evaluate your smile to determine the safest treatment option. Professional whitening may not be recommended if you have:

• Sensitive teeth or severe bleaching and tooth sensitivity
• Untreated tooth decay or gum disease
• Tooth-colored restorations such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or large teeth fillings (which don’t respond to whitening agents)
• Allergies to whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide
• Significant intrinsic staining that may require internal bleaching or alternative treatments

Types of Teeth Whitening

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The first professional option is commonly referred to as in office tooth whitening. This procedure is performed right here in our Alexandria dental office. During your appointment, Dr. Janice Isabella E. Dionisio will apply a professional-strength whitening gel directly to the tooth surface. The entire visit usually takes about 90 minutes, and you’ll see results immediately—often several shades brighter after just one session of in office vital bleaching.

At-Home Tray Whitening

Tray bleaching is a professional at-home option that uses custom-made trays and a dentist-dispensed carbamide peroxide bleaching gel. The trays are designed to fit perfectly over your natural teeth, ensuring even whitening and reducing risks like gingival irritation. As the peroxide breaks down, hydroxyradicals target tooth stains, whitening all of your vital teeth. At-home tray whitening generally takes 10 to 14 days, though many patients notice results in as little as three to five days.

Paint-On Teeth Whiteners

Paint-on whitening products are available as over the counter products. They consist of a gel applied with a small brush that hardens into a film over your teeth before dissolving. While inexpensive, they are typically less effective than whitening strips or professional tooth whitening procedures. For patients considering paint-on whiteners, it’s always best to consult a dentist first to ensure they won’t irritate tooth enamel or cause unnecessary tooth sensitivity.

Teeth-Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are flexible plastic strips coated with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide. Kits usually include strips for both upper and lower teeth. They’re worn for about 30 minutes twice a day, and treatment duration varies. While they can help with surface stains, whitening strips are not as powerful as professional whitening treatments and may only lighten teeth a few shades.

Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

The most affordable tooth whitening products are whitening toothpastes and rinses. These use mild abrasives for stain removal on the enamel surface. While they can help with surface roughness and discoloration, they do not change the intrinsic tooth color or lighten the shade of tooth enamel the way professional whitening systems can.

Teeth Whitening Costs

On average, professional teeth whitening cost ranges from $500 to $1,000. The price depends on:

• Geographic location (Alexandria and Northern Virginia areas)
• Type of whitening procedure chosen
• Dentist’s expertise
• Number of sessions required
• Whether additional procedures (like addressing tooth development issues or dental restorations) are necessary

Most dental insurance plans will not cover teeth whitening, since it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. However, investing in professional whitening ensures safer, longer-lasting results than over the counter products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Teeth Can Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

Are you ready for a whiter smile that boosts your confidence? At Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Alexandria, VA, Dr. Janice Isabella E. Dionisio provides safe, effective tooth whitening procedures that deliver results. Patients across Alexandria, Arlington, and Annandale trust us for high-quality cosmetic dentistry near you backed by dental research and proven whitening systems.

Call us today at (703) 672-0664 to schedule your professional whitening consultation and enjoy a brighter, more radiant smile.