Tysons Corner · McLean
Dr. Nahlah Implants and Prosthodontics Specialists7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 220
McLean, VA 22102
New patients(571) 702-9900
Current patients(703) 448-3312
DirectionsBook now
Bleaching agents that soak into the enamel and lift internal stains, not just surface ones. About an hour.
Most methods will lift a stained tooth slightly. Some are abrasive, and enamel does not grow back: a thinner tooth reads more yellow, not less, because the dentine underneath starts to show through.




| Over-the-counter strips | Home remedies | In-office, here | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to a visible result | Weeks | Weeks to months, if at all | One session, about an hour |
| Reaches internal stains | Surface, mostly | Surface only | Yes, the agent soaks into the enamel |
| Effect on enamel | Wears it down with frequent use | Often abrasive; erosion is common | No abrasive step |
| Sensitivity | Common, in teeth and gums | Common | Most patients report none |
| Shade control | Whatever you get | Unpredictable | Chosen with you, then monitored |

BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
Keep the routine, keep the professional cleanings, and go easy on what stains: coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco.
One sequencing note: if veneers or crowns are anywhere in your plan, whiten first. Porcelain is matched to the shade your natural teeth finish at, and it will not bleach later.
About an hour, and you choose the shade before anything starts.