Pamper Yourself With Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening beats store kits for three reasons: a dentist checks your teeth first, the treatment is customized to you, and the whitening agent is activated in the office so it works faster and more effectively. At the Timonium office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS, it also comes with something a box of strips can’t offer: a couple of hours in a spa-like office, with paraffin wax hand treatments, aromatherapy and a Nespresso station. A whitening appointment can be a genuine treat, not another chore.

This article explains what store kits can and can’t do, why professional whitening gets better results, and how to make the most of your whitening visit.

What store whitening kits can and can’t do

To be fair to the drugstore aisle, over-the-counter whitening kits are not useless. Strips, pens and whitening toothpastes can lift some surface stains from coffee, tea or red wine, and they are cheap and convenient. Their limits show up quickly, though:

• They are one size for everyone. Strips and generic trays aren’t shaped to your teeth, so gel can miss the edges or sit on your gums.
• Nobody checks your teeth first. A kit can’t tell whether a stain is on the surface, inside the tooth or actually an old filling.
• Results are hard to predict. The commercial whiteners that seem so promising often fail to deliver lasting results.
• They take time. At-home whitening usually means committing two or three weeks.

If you have already been through a few boxes without the result you wanted, that is usually the sign to try a different approach.

Why professional teeth whitening gets better results

It starts with your teeth, not a package

At your consultation, Dr. Haywood looks at the shade of your teeth, the kind of staining you have and what you hope to achieve. Every tooth whitening plan is customized to your specific needs. If your teeth are very dark, you will be counseled on your options before you start, so you are not paying for a result whitening can’t give.

The whitening agent gets help

In-office laser power whitening begins with a thirty-minute professional whitening treatment. A laser is then applied for 1 to 2 hours. The laser activates the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening agent and significantly increases the rate and efficacy of the treatment, helping dissolve stains, including the ones that like to hide. Learn how laser whitening works.

It happens in one visit, under supervision

Instead of weeks of trays at home, your whitening results come from a single in-office treatment, done under Dr. Haywood’s care. If you notice sensitivity or have questions, the person who planned your treatment is right there. Read more about tooth whitening safety.

Turn your whitening appointment into time for yourself

Because the laser stage runs for 1 to 2 hours, professional whitening means sitting back for a while. The office was designed for exactly that. It is a warm, spa-inspired space designed around your comfort, from the moment you are welcomed to the moment you leave smiling.

Spa services and comforting amenities at the office include:

• Paraffin wax hand treatments, soothing while you relax in the chair.
• Aromatherapy, to ease tension throughout your visit.
• A Nespresso station, for a fresh espresso or coffee. If you are whitening, ask the team about timing, since coffee is one of the most common causes of stains.
• Soft seating in a calm waiting area, so the visit feels relaxed from the start.

Friendly team members welcome you and will help with any appointment paperwork, and every treatment room is cleaned and sterilized after each patient. See the rooms and amenities on the office tour.

Patients notice the difference. One published review from a patient named Kelli puts it simply: “the office feels more like someone’s home than a sterile office.”

If dental visits make you nervous

For many people, even a cosmetic appointment brings back memories of stressful dental visits. The team takes an extra-gentle approach and offers a range of sedation choices. Laughing gas is a relaxing sedative offered as a complimentary service; just let the team know you would like it. Oral sedation, taken as a pill beforehand, is also available, and you can ask about the practice’s “sedation for life” program. Learn more about sedation dentistry.

How to plan your whitening visit

• Book a consultation first. It confirms whitening suits your teeth and lets Dr. Haywood customize your plan.
• Block out enough time. Allow for the thirty-minute treatment and 1 to 2 hours of laser activation.
• Mention dental work and sensitivity. Fillings, crowns and veneers don’t whiten, and sensitive teeth may change the plan.
• Think about what comes after. Staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and cola will restain teeth over time, so the practice advises minimizing them and whitening routinely.
• Keep up your oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing and regular cleanings help your whitening results last.

For a step-by-step look at the appointment, read the Timonium teeth whitening guide.

Whitening as a treat, or the start of a smile makeover

For many people, whitening is all their smile needs. For others, a brighter shade makes chips, gaps or uneven edges more noticeable. If that is you, whitening can be the first step of a bigger plan. Teeth whitening is one of several cosmetic dentistry treatments at the practice, alongside porcelain veneers, dental bonding, gum lifts and cosmetic imaging, which shows the potential results of treatment on screen before you commit. Veneer treatment even includes a trial “test drive” set, so you can see the look before the final set is made.

Paying for professional whitening

Your whitening fee depends on your plan and is discussed at your consultation. The practice is out of network with all dental insurance providers: you pay at the time of your visit, and the office files the claim so your plan can reimburse you for whatever it covers. Many plans treat whitening as cosmetic, so check your benefits. HSA and flex plans are welcome for eligible care, and financing is available through CareCredit, with no-interest options up to 12 months, and Cherry, with plans from 3 to 24 months. See financing options.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth getting your teeth professionally whitened?

If store products haven’t given you the result you want, usually yes. Professional whitening starts with an exam and a customized plan, and in-office laser activation helps the whitening agent work faster and more effectively than a kit used on your own.

How long will I be at the office?

Plan for the thirty-minute whitening treatment plus 1 to 2 hours with the laser, along with a little time to settle in.

Can I have laughing gas during my visit?

Laughing gas is offered as a complimentary service. Let the team know if you would like it, and they can talk through whether it suits your appointment.

Will whitening change my veneers or crowns?

No. Dental work keeps its color, so mention any crowns, veneers or bonding at your consultation. If whitening alone won’t give an even result, read when whitening won’t work.

Treat yourself to a brighter smile in Timonium

You deserve a dental visit that feels relaxing. Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399 to book a whitening consultation. The office is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093. See more on the teeth whitening page.