Teeth Whitening - Chevy Chase, MD
Stop Stains in Their Tracks
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry options available today, and for that reason, there’s a wide variety of products and techniques that are available to patients who are looking to achieve a brighter sheen to their smile. How do you know which is right for you? At Dr. Ronan Freyne’s office, we believe that receiving professional-grade care from a well-trained dentist is the safest and most effective way to achieve the results you’re looking for. Please contact our Chevy Chase, MD location today if you’d like to schedule an initial consultation, or if you have any questions for our team.
Why Choose Ronan Freyne for Teeth Whitening?
- Highly Trained and Experienced Dentist
- In-Office and Take-Home Treatment Options
- In-House Financing Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Has your morning coffee or evening glass of wine begun to take a toll on the appearance of your teeth? Good news: you may be a candidate for teeth whitening! At your consultation, Dr. Freyne will learn all about your concerns and conduct an oral exam to determine if your oral health is in good shape. Don’t worry – if tooth decay, gum disease, or another problem initially stands in your way, he can personalize your treatment plan to include the necessary restorative care.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
We’re proud to offer our patients in Chevy Chase two treatment options: in-office and take-home. To learn more about them, simply read on!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you would prefer a more gradual and flexible approach to your whitening improvements, a custom take-home kit might be the better choice. These services consist of custom bleach trays that have been personalized for your unique mouth, as well as professional strength whitening gel. The patient’s job is to wear both components together for a certain amount of time each day. Within a few weeks of consistent use, patients should see noticeably brighter results. Our team offers both KoR take-home whitening kits and Philips Day White, which only has to be used for a span of 15 minutes two times a day.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Do you have a big event coming up, like a wedding or a graduation ceremony? Is speed your biggest priority for your cosmetic improvements? Then in-office teeth whitening with KoR could be the best choice for you. This procedure is performed over the course of one to three appointments, depending on the severity of tooth discoloration, here in Chevy Chase, with Dr. Freyne applying high-grade whitening gel to the surface of the teeth. Patients should see immediate results, with their smile being lightened multiple shades by the time they leave our practice.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Sadly, the results of your teeth whitening treatment won’t last forever. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to keep your teeth nice and bright for as long as possible, such as:
- Brushing your teeth after each meal
- Visiting us for a dental cleaning every six months
- Getting touch-up treatments as needed
- Using a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages, like coffee
- Eating plenty of light-colored foods, like oatmeal and scrambled eggs
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help lift stubborn stains, get in touch with our team to schedule a consultation!
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
A stunning smile doesn’t have to cost you an arm or a leg. Teeth whitening is an effective solution to reveal a bright smile without breaking the bank. There’s no flat rate because every mouth and situation differs. Many factors affect the cost of teeth whitening, but Dr. Ronan Freyne has the solutions you need to revamp your pearly whites while staying within your budget.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to reverse tooth stains and discoloration. Various things will influence your estimate, like:
- Consultation: You’ll require an initial consultation to ensure you’re a candidate for teeth whitening. Dr. Freyne will examine your mouth and review X-rays to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. He will also determine the type of discoloration you’re experiencing to ensure a whitening system can provide the improvement you want.
- Preliminary Treatments: Depending on the results of your consultation, you may need a little prep work, like a dental cleaning or filling.
- Type of Whitening System: You have multiple options to treat discoloration.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Dr. Freyne will discuss which whitening system is right for you:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter in a single appointment. Dr. Freyne will place a barrier over your gums and lips to protect your soft tissues. A powerful whitening gel is applied to your teeth and a dental light is used to activate the ingredients. The light is used for three 15-minute intervals.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening: You can achieve in-office results using the comfort of an OTC kit. Dr. Freyne will give you trays and a professional-grade whitening gel to use at home every day for 2 weeks. Your teeth will get whiter as each day passes.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
OTC whitening products are available in many forms, but none contain professional-strength whitening agents. As a result, any improvement they offer is minimal and won’t last. Not to mention, teeth whitening isn’t safe for everyone.
You take the risk out of the process by choosing a cosmetic dentist. Dr. Freyne will create a safe, effective treatment plan to get your teeth noticeably whiter. Your results can last for many months or years with the correct maintenance, like brushing and flossing.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
A member of our office will review your estimate and discuss your payment options, which include:
- Traditional Payments: Freyne accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards for your convenience.
- Dental Insurance: It’s rare for dental insurance to pay for elective dental work, like teeth whitening. However, your benefits may cover some of the expenses for preliminary procedures or diagnostic services.
- Financing: Pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan with CareCredit.so
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
Whitening systems are specially formulated to prevent tooth sensitivity. However, sensitivity can occur if you have any untreated dental problems, like decay or gum disease. As a result, you must have healthy teeth and gums before using any whitening products, including those available over-the-counter. Overusing whitening products can also increase your risk of sensitivity. It's important to space out your treatments to prevent discomfort, including the products you use at home. If you're prone to sensitivity, Dr. Freyne can cater your treatment to your comfort level. He may also recommend using a sensitivity toothpaste and limiting hot or cold foods and drinks.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Enamel?
Contrary to what you might have heard, whitening treatments won't damage your enamel when used correctly. However, using them too often or at home remedies can ruin your enamel. Once it's gone, it won't grow back. It's best to visit a cosmetic dentist in Chevy Chase to whiten your teeth safely. They’ll examine your mouth to ensure you're a candidate for teeth whitening and create the personalized plan you need to reach your goals without harming your smile.
Does Teeth Whitening Work On Dental Crowns?
Although teeth whitening is very effective on age-related and surface stains, it will not have any effect on the color of restorations, including dental crowns. Restorations are not porous, unlike your enamel, so the whitening agent will not penetrate their surface. If you're unhappy with the color of your crown, it can be reshaded to match your smile. You can also have your teeth whitened before replacing your restoration to ensure consistent results. It's best not to use whitening products, including those available at home, because the ingredients can weaken the bonding material holding your restoration to your tooth over time.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening can last for many months or years, depending on how well you care for your smile. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once daily. Limit your consumption of any stain-causing foods or drinks. If you can't resist a cup of coffee or a bowl of blueberries, rinse your mouth with water after you've finished. Don't smoke or use tobacco to prevent tar and nicotine stains. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Dr. Freyne can also provide you with a take-home kit to touch up your results.