What are dental crowns, and when are they recommended?

Dental crowns are custom restorations that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They are commonly recommended when a tooth has been weakened by decay, damaged by trauma, treated with root canal therapy, or requires additional support and protection.

How long do dental crowns last?

The lifespan of a dental crown depends on factors such as oral hygiene habits, chewing forces, and the material used. With proper care and regular dental visits, crowns can often last for a decade or more.

What materials are used for dental crowns?

Dental crowns may be fabricated from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, resin, or a combination of materials. The most appropriate material depends on the location of the tooth, esthetic preferences, and functional requirements. Call us today to book a crowns consultation at (301) 284-3840!

What is the process for getting a dental crown in Rockville, MD?

The process generally includes an examination, tooth preparation, impressions, placement of a temporary crown when needed, and a final visit to place the completed restoration. Some patients may also be candidates for same-day crown treatment depending on their circumstances. Learn more about your candidacy by booking an evaluation at (301) 284-3840!

How much do dental crowns cost in Rockville, MD?

The cost of treatment varies based on the type of crown, the condition of the tooth, insurance coverage, and other factors. Following an examination, we can provide a personalized treatment recommendation and discuss associated costs. For more financing details, visit our New Patients page.

Can a dental crown improve the appearance of a damaged tooth?

Yes. Crowns can restore the shape, size, and appearance of teeth affected by damage, wear, discoloration, or large restorations while also improving function.

How should I care for my dental crown?

Crowns should be cared for just like natural teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups can help maintain the health of both the crown and the surrounding tooth structure.

Looking for teeth whitening in Chicago, IL?

Brighten stained teeth with professional care personalized for your natural smile. Call today!

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What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to lighten stains and discoloration on natural teeth. Whitening agents are developed to penetrate the enamel and break apart stain molecules, helping teeth appear brighter without changing their basic shape. Treatment can address many stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and aging. Professional whitening may be completed in the dental office or with custom take-home trays, depending on the patient’s needs and goals.

4 benefits of teeth whitening

Brightness

Reduces visible tooth stains

Confidence

Refreshes your natural smile

Choice

Offers in-office or take-home options

Guidance

Includes professional dental supervision

Why teeth whitening matters

Tooth discoloration can develop for many reasons. Dark foods and drinks can leave pigments on enamel, while tobacco can cause stubborn surface staining. Teeth may also appear more yellow with age as enamel becomes thinner and the underlying dentin becomes more visible.

Not every color change responds to bleaching in the same way. Trauma, certain medications, decay, and changes inside a tooth can cause deeper stains. Crowns, veneers, and fillings also do not whiten like natural enamel. A dental examination helps identify the likely cause of the color change before cosmetic treatment begins.

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What are the options for professional teeth whitening?

In-office teeth whitening:

In-office whitening is created to be a quick and highly effective procedure performed in our practice. Using a potent bleaching agent and proven technology, this method can provide immediate and noticeable results in just a single visit. We can customize the treatment based on your needs, ensuring optimal comfort. The controlled application of the whitening agent can minimize the risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. In-office whitening is designed to always offer fast and dramatic results.

Take-home whitening kits:

We offer take-home whitening kits for individuals who prefer the convenience of whitening their teeth at home. These kits include teeth trays and professional-grade whitening gel and provide flexibility, allowing you to whiten your teeth at your own pace. This method is recommended for those who prefer a gradual approach to teeth whitening or have sensitive teeth.

Laser teeth whitening:

Laser teeth whitening is a procedure developed to accelerate the whitening process. A specialized laser activates a whitening gel applied to the teeth. The laser energy can enhance the bleaching process, resulting in faster and more dramatic results than other methods. Laser teeth whitening is formulated to be highly efficient and suitable for individuals with stubborn stains or discoloration. The procedure is created to be comfortable and typically completed in a single visit.

Why we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening

Different patients have different whitening goals. In-office treatment is designed to allow whitening to be completed under professional supervision, while custom take-home trays can let patients brighten their teeth more gradually. Montrose Dental Group offers both approaches, allowing our dentist to consider the type of staining, oral health, sensitivity concerns, lifestyle, and desired pace of treatment when recommending an option.

Offering three whitening treatments gives our team more flexibility than relying on a single whitening method. Before recommending one, our dentist examines your teeth and gums, considers the source of the discoloration, and discusses your goals. This allows whitening to be selected around your smile rather than fitting every patient into the same treatment.

What to expect during teeth whitening treatment

1. Examining your smile

2. Understanding the discoloration

3. Choosing your whitening approach

4. Completing your treatment

5. Planning ongoing maintenance

Oral health and overall health

A brighter smile should begin with healthy teeth and gums. Whitening changes the color of natural teeth, but it does not treat cavities, gum disease, damaged enamel, or other oral health concerns. Examining the mouth first allows our dentist to identify issues that may need attention before cosmetic treatment.

The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes daily oral hygiene and regular dental care as important parts of maintaining oral health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recognizes oral health as an important part of overall health and well-being. Regular examinations remain important even when a patient's main concern is cosmetic.

At-home care after teeth whitening

01

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

02

Floss every day to remove plaque between your teeth.

03

Follow our dentist’s instructions when using custom whitening trays.

04

Limit coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and other common sources of staining.

05

Rinse your mouth with water after consuming dark-colored foods or beverages.

06

Avoid using whitening products more often than recommended.

07

Tell our dentist if sensitivity becomes uncomfortable or does not improve.

08

Continue regular dental examinations and professional cleanings.

Why choose Montrose Dental Group for teeth whitening

Cosmetic dentistry often involves looking at more than tooth color. At Montrose Dental Group, whitening is offered within a practice that also provides cosmetic, restorative, preventive, and orthodontic care. This allows our team to consider how whitening fits into the appearance and health of the entire smile.

Dr. Szekely has a particular focus on cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, while Dr. Hermann’s areas of interest include cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. Having experience across different types of cosmetic care can be helpful when a patient’s concerns extend beyond staining or when whitening is one part of a larger smile plan. Dr. Woodson always stays updated with the latest developments in general dentistry to apply a detailed approach to evaluating oral health and discussing treatment with patients.

Just as importantly, care does not stop when whitening is finished. Patients can continue seeing our team for preventive visits, professional cleanings, restorative needs, and other cosmetic concerns, creating continuity between maintaining a healthy smile and improving its appearance.

About the Montrose Dental Group team

Our team provides thoughtful dental care with a focus on education, comfort, and treatment personalized to each patient's needs.

Interested in learning more? Visit this page now!

Real patient reviews

Barbara D.

I had a fantastic experience during my recent teeth whitening appointment—Dr. Hermann and the staff at Montrose Dental Group were warm, professional, and made me feel completely at ease from start to finish. The procedure was comfortable, and I saw the amazing results right away. I’m thrilled with my brighter smile and highly recommend this office for anyone considering dental care!

Juliana B.

I have been going to Montrose Dental for a few years now. Love how my smile is looking, can’t wait to see results. Joana always greets me with a warm welcome.

William B.

Dr. Woodson took care of me this time. Every precaution was taken to create a safe experience, and it felt amazing to leave with my teeth feeling like new. So lucky to have them nearby.

Ready to get started?

If stains or discoloration have changed how you feel about your smile, understanding your professional whitening choices can make deciding what to do next easier.

For patients considering teeth whitening in Chicago, IL, our team can assess your smile and explain which of our professional whitening approaches may best fit your teeth, preferences, and cosmetic goals.

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FAQs about teeth whitening

Who is a good candidate for professional teeth whitening?

What types of tooth stains can professional whitening treat?

Tooth stains generally fall into two groups: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains collect on the outer enamel and are often caused by coffee, tea, red wine, dark foods, tobacco, or other strongly pigmented substances. These surface stains may respond to professional cleaning or whitening, depending on their type and severity.

Intrinsic discoloration develops within the enamel or underlying dentin. Aging can make the yellow dentin beneath enamel more visible, while fluorosis, certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, tooth decay, or changes inside an injured tooth can also affect color. Some intrinsic stains can improve with bleaching, but the amount of change and treatment time may vary considerably.

How is professional teeth whitening different from store-bought products?

How is laser teeth whitening different?

Laser whitening is an in-office treatment that combines a whitening gel with specific laser energy. The laser interacts with the whitening gel to increase its activity during treatment. Research shows that the effects can vary depending on the laser wavelength, whitening gel, and treatment protocol, and that laser activation does not necessarily yield longer-lasting results than other professional whitening methods. Our dentist would be happy to explain how laser whitening compares with in-office and custom take-home options based on your teeth and goals.

Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Why do my teeth need to be checked before whitening?

Whitening may not be appropriate when teeth have active decay or areas of demineralization, and extra care may be needed for sensitive teeth. Discoloration can also come from aging, food and drink stains, smoking, fluorosis, trauma, medications, or changes within the tooth. Because these causes do not all respond to bleaching in the same way, our dentist will examine your teeth first and determine whether whitening or another approach should be considered.

How can I keep my teeth looking whiter after treatment?

How long do teeth whitening results last?

Can I choose between in-office and take-home whitening?

Illinois State Dental Society

Chicago Dental Society

American Dental Association

International Association of Orthodontics

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