Considering At-Home Teeth Whitening?

If you choose to pursue teeth whitening at our Fairfax, VA, clinic, you will have two options. Dr. Charles D. Kirksey can perform the cosmetic in our office or you can undergo teeth whitening at home. In-home kits are generally lower in cost than treatments in our office and offer concentrations of bleaching solution that are not available via over-the-counter options.

Before you are sent home with your at-home teeth whitening kit, one of our doctors will give clear instructions on how to use the whitening solution and custom trays. Our practice has offered care to patients since 1986 and is dedicated to providing the most thorough and effective care possible.

Custom aligners allow you to apply the whitening gel as evenly as possible across your smile.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Our custom whitening kits offer a number of advantages over store-bought whitening products. The main difference is the concentration of bleach in the whitening gel. Store-bought kits typically have a concentration of only three percent. In contrast, whitening kits used by dentists can have concentrations of anywhere from 20 to 35 percent, resulting in a significantly whiter smile.

In addition to the stronger effect, at-home whitening options offer a measure of comfort, as well. Some of our patients prefer to apply the whitening gel at home in the comfort of their home and at a convenient time. Performing the same procedure at our office can require patients to remain in a dentist chair for one hour or longer so they can be supervised throughout the treatment.

Furthermore, take-home kits are not only much more affordable than the in-office option, but use custom trays. As a result, the gel is applied evenly, in contrast to generic trays which often leak or apply it unevenly.

Are You a Candidate?

Individuals who opt for undergoing the procedure at home often:

• Have a limited budget that is better suited for take-home kits
• Have a difficult time sitting still in a dentist chair
• Prefer the flexibility of placing the whitening trays at a time of their choosing
• Desire cosmetic results that over-the-counter products cannot deliver

However, this option may not be ideal for treating:

• Tetracycline stains
• Stains on crowns or veneers
• Stains caused by decay

Certain types of medications and diets can affect the results of teeth whitening at home. During your consultation at our Fairfax dental clinic, one of our dentists will determine if our take-home kits are the best treatment to address your cosmetic needs.

Many patients notice their smile brightening even after a day or two.

How Teeth Whitening at Home Works

During your initial visit to our Fairfax clinic, one of our doctors or a skilled staff member will take an impression of your teeth. This will be used to manufacture your custom tray, a process which typically takes a week or two. One of our dentists will give detailed instructions on how to apply the bleaching solution into the clear trays before sending you home with them. Depending on your cosmetic needs, you may need to wear the tray for one or more hours a day for one to two weeks. However, many patients notice their smile brightening even after a day or two.

A Brighter Smile in the Comfort of Your Home

If you have concerns about the affordability of this treatment, our office accepts CareCredit® financing. To schedule your first teeth whitening consultation, contact our office online or call (703) 385-0303.