Professional Whitening Personalized to Your Smile
Brighten stained or discolored teeth with professional whitening designed around your goals, schedule and comfort. Dr. Brenda E. Howard and our team offer in-office and customized take-home teeth whitening in Lanham, Maryland, for adults who want a noticeably brighter smile.
Call 301-552-2662 to schedule a whitening consultation and find out which option is right for you.
Why Teeth Become Stained or Discolored
Even healthy teeth can become darker over time. Professional teeth whitening can reduce many common stains caused by:
- Coffee, tea, red wine and other dark-colored beverages
- Tobacco use
- Natural changes that occur with age
- Certain foods and medications
- Everyday staining that builds up over time
Before recommending treatment, our dentist evaluates your teeth and discusses the type of discoloration you have. This helps determine whether whitening is likely to produce the result you want.
Choose the Whitening Option That Fits Your Lifestyle
We provide two professional whitening options. Your recommended treatment will depend on how quickly you want results, your daily routine, tooth sensitivity and the condition of your smile.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is designed for patients who want to brighten their smiles quickly. During a single office visit, our team protects the surrounding soft tissues before applying a professional-strength whitening gel. A special light or laser is used to activate the gel and help break down stains.
Many patients notice a meaningful improvement after one session. Results vary based on the original shade of the teeth and the type of staining present.
Customized Take-Home Whitening
Take-home whitening allows you to brighten your smile gradually and conveniently. We provide custom-fitted trays, professional-grade whitening gel and instructions based on your needs.
You will wear the trays at home according to the schedule provided by our dentist. Most patients use their trays over several weeks, allowing them to control the pace of treatment while working toward an even, natural-looking result.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional whitening provides advantages that store-bought products cannot consistently offer:
- Personalized treatment: The strength and application schedule can be selected for your smile.
- More even whitening: Custom trays and professional application help reduce uneven results.
- Dental supervision: Our team evaluates your oral health before treatment and monitors your response.
- Stronger whitening options: Professional products can address staining more effectively than many over-the-counter products.
- Sensitivity guidance: We can adjust treatment and recommend ways to manage temporary sensitivity.
Dr. Brenda E. Howard has been in private practice since 1985 and has decades of experience providing cosmetic and comprehensive adult dental care. She considers the condition of your teeth, existing dental work and desired outcome before recommending a whitening option.
What to Expect Before Whitening
Your consultation begins with an evaluation of your teeth and gums. Cavities, gum inflammation or other oral health concerns may need attention before whitening begins.
It is also important to identify crowns, veneers, fillings or dental bonding in visible areas. These materials do not whiten like natural tooth enamel. If existing dental work affects the appearance of your smile, Dr. Brenda E. Howard can discuss whether dental bonding, porcelain veneers or another cosmetic dentistry option may be more appropriate.
Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Whitening results are not permanent, but good habits can help them last longer. Brush and floss consistently, keep up with professional cleanings and limit substances that commonly stain teeth. Rinsing with water after coffee, tea or red wine may also help reduce new staining.
Periodic take-home touch-ups may be recommended based on your habits and whitening goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
When provided under dental supervision, professional whitening is considered a safe option for appropriate candidates. We evaluate your oral health before recommending treatment and provide instructions to help protect your teeth and gums.
Will teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. The intensity varies. Our team can adjust your treatment schedule and recommend ways to make the process more comfortable.
How quickly will I see results?
In-office whitening can produce a noticeable change after one appointment. Take-home whitening works more gradually, typically over several weeks. Individual results depend on the starting shade and cause of discoloration.
Will whitening change the color of crowns, veneers or fillings?
No. Whitening products brighten natural tooth enamel but do not change the color of porcelain, ceramic or composite restorations. We will consider visible dental work when planning your treatment.
How long do whitening results last?
The length of your results depends on your diet, oral hygiene and habits such as tobacco use. Regular dental cleanings and occasional touch-ups can help maintain your brighter smile.
Should I choose in-office or take-home whitening?
In-office treatment may be preferable if you want faster results. Take-home whitening may be a better fit if you prefer a gradual process completed on your schedule. We will help you compare both options during your consultation.
Brighten Your Smile in Lanham, Maryland
Professional whitening can refresh your appearance while preserving a natural-looking smile. Call 301-552-2662 or contact Blissful Dental to schedule a consultation for teeth whitening in Lanham, Maryland.