Tooth Whitening - FAQ's

Serving the Arlington, Virginia area.

Why should I get my teeth whitened?

For many people who are unhappy with the color of their teeth, tooth whitening provides them with a boost of confidence. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and you should not have to worry about what other think about it. Dr. Kim will give you the flawless white smile that you have always wanted. Knowing your smile is bright and beautiful can make you smile more and be more self-confident.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Yes, tooth whitening is safe and effective. Using FDA approved tooth whitening gels, you can brighten your smile six to ten shades in a short amount of time. The most common side effect from tooth whitening is having sensitive or irritated gums for a short amount of time. This can be corrected by having a fluoride treatment. Dr. Kim can address any concerns you may have about tooth whitening during your initial consultation.

How does tooth whitening work?

Depending on the results that you want, Dr. Kim can prescribe any number of different treatments to give you a beautifully white smile. Porcelain veneers, dental bonding, take-home kits, and BriteSmile are all different treatments Dr. Kim uses to give you the teeth whitening results you want.

Unlike over the counter treatments that can take months to give you results, Dr. Kim will prescribe you a tooth whitening treatment that will dramatically whiten your teeth in as little as one hour. Special tooth whitening gel that contains higher amounts of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide is applied to your teeth. If you are using an at-home kit, you wear trays filled with gel to sleep. If you are having an in-office tooth whitening treatment like BriteSmile, the gel is applied to your teeth while a special light activates it.

The gel is designed to penetrate the enamel of your teeth and bleach stains that have been caused by age, smoking, foods, or drinks. BriteSmile works by using the special light to activate the gel, and remove stains faster.

How should I choose a dentist to perform a tooth whitening procedure?

Some of the biggest factors to look for in a cosmetic dentist are experience, honesty, and ability. A good cosmetic dentist will have plenty of experience in the field of cosmetic dentistry. For instance, Dr. Kim has been practicing cosmetic dentistry for nearly 20 years, and has received the prestigious Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry.

Another factor that should contribute to your decision is the cosmetic dentist's ability. By examining their before and after photos and talking to other patients, you can get an idea of the type of work that they do. Your cosmetic dentist should also be honest with you about the procedure they can perform and the results they think they can provide you.

Dr. Kim in Arlington, Virginia will work with you to determine the best treatment that will provide you with the results you want.

What are the disadvantages of tooth whitening?

Not all tooth whitening treatments will work for everyone, however, there is a treatment that will work for you. Whether it is dental bonding, porcelain veneers, at-home kits, or an in-office BriteSmile treatment, you can have the bright white smile you've dreamed of.

Also, for some people the whitening treatments can irritate their gums and teeth and cause them to be more sensitive. This feeling will pass and can even be stopped with fluoride if you wish. Contact Dr. Kim to schedule an initial consultation where you can discuss any concerns you have about tooth whitening.

How much does tooth whitening cost?

Tooth Whitening can be priced differently, the area of the country as well as the cosmetic dentist may change the price of the tooth whitening procedure you want. Although some tooth whitening treatments can be expensive, Dr. Kim provides patients with affordable financing options. This way money does not stand between you having a dazzling white smile.

Duke H. Kim, DDS, MAGD
(703) 931-5555
Contact us

Cosmetic and Comprehensive General Dentistry
Serving Arlington, Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area