Teeth Whitening
Towson, MD

before and after whitening smile at Keith A. Boenning, DDS

Many of our patients often voice concerns about the brightness of their smile. Tooth discoloration can be caused by some factors and is usually broken into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration occurs when the enamel, or outer layer of the tooth, is stained with coffee, soda, wine, or other drinks or foods. Tobacco use can also cause significant stains. Intrinsic discoloration occurs when the dentin, or inner structure of the tooth, becomes dark or yellow over time. Many times, a patient will experience age-related discoloration as a result of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. At Keith A. Boenning, DDS, we offer teeth whitening solutions to help combat these discolorations.

In-Office Whitening Procedure

Before we move forward with treatment, Dr. Keith A. Boenning will ensure you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic whitening treatment. Patients with tooth and gum hypersensitivity, deep and intractable stains, and teeth that have become transport with age may not qualify for whitening treatment.

Most whitening methods are designed to target extrinsic stains. During the procedure, we will apply a light-activated bleaching gel to the surfaces of your teeth. Next, the bleaching gel will be left on for roughly 15 to 30 minutes. In some cases, we may use a lighting system to expedite the process. We will then remove the gel and apply a fresh coat for another 15 to 30 minutes. This process may be repeated several times until we achieve the desired results.

Once the procedure is complete, you will be asked to rinse out the remaining debris. Depending on how you respond, your teeth may be as many as eight shades brighter. We will take photographs before the procedure to track your progress. If you are not satisfied with the results, we may recommend a follow-up appointment or an at-home bleaching kit. For sustained results, you typically need on-going treatment.

At-Home Whitening Kit

A professional grade at-home whitening kit can whiten your teeth within three days. When compared to store-bought alternatives, our kit can help you achieve greater results in a shorter amount of time. The bleaching gel we give you is a higher concentration than other products, and the tray will be custom-fit to ensure an even and effective application of the gel. To make your tray, we will take an impression of your teeth and gums. These impressions will be used to create a 3D model of your upper and lower arches using our advanced dental technology. The tray will then be fabricated using a specialized plastic that is more durable and comfortable than other options.

Store-Bought Alternatives

Store-bought alternatives include whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and kits. Unfortunately, most of these products do not produce the same results as professional whitening treatment. Many of the kits come with pre-fabricated mouth guards that can be uncomfortable and ineffective. Most whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that only remove minor surface stains. If you want strong, long-lasting results, professional treatment is the way to go.