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Teeth Whitening Specialist

John S.K. Hsu D.D.S. and Virginia J. Chin D.D.S., P.C.

General Dentists located in Fairfax, VA

Few things are more appealing than a healthy, bright smile. When your teeth are a healthy shade of white, you know that you look your best, and that confidence shines through in everything that you do. At John S.K. Hsu D.D.S. and Virginia J. Chin D.D.S., P.C., Dr. Hsu and the team help men and women achieve their ideal smiles. Online scheduling makes it easy to book an appointment at the Fairfax, Virginia office to begin a path toward a whiter, brighter tomorrow.

Teeth Whitening Q & A

What causes tooth discoloration?

People can have many different shades of natural tooth coloration. Some people have teeth that are naturally white, while others have teeth with a yellow shade.

As you age, your tooth enamel thins through normal wear. That leaves more of the underlying dentin layer visible, which is naturally yellow.

Here are some other common causes of tooth discoloration:

  • Decay
  • Tobacco use
  • Beverages such as coffee, red wine, soda, or tea
  • Certain medications

How is professional tooth whitening accomplished?

Before he begins a tooth whitening procedure, Dr. Hsu first checks to ensure that you don't have any decay. If your teeth are healthy, a professional cleaning is your next step.

He whitens your teeth through the use of customized plastic trays and a high-powered bleaching gel. These products are only available through a dental office and can achieve a significant boost in the color of your natural teeth.

Dr. Hsu makes an impression of your bite, which is used to create your customized bleaching trays. The clear plastic trays fit directly over your teeth and are comfortable to wear.

You receive a tube of whitening gel and deposit a small portion into your bleaching trays. The trays are put into place over your teeth for a short period. After a few days, you can expect a smile that is between four to eight shades whiter.  

What about over-the-counter tooth whitening products?

There's a multitude of over-the-counter tooth whitening products available at grocery stores or drugstores, all of which promise to provide impressive results. You can choose from whitening strips, toothpaste, dental rinses, or tray-based systems.

While some of these products are great for removing stains from the surface of your teeth, none can match the power of an in-office tooth whitening system.

If you are interested in keeping your teeth white and bright in between dental visits, using a whitening toothpaste or dental rinse can help extend the effects of your professional whitening. That is especially true if you regularly drink beverages known to stain your teeth.

To get started on a newly bright smile, visit the John S.K. Hsu D.D.S. and Virginia J. Chin D.D.S., P.C. team today!