Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a safe, controlled way to brighten enamel and eliminate deep stains.

Southern Maryland Orthodontic Studio offers both at-home and in-office whitening treatments that deliver fast, safe, and predictable results.

Join our mailing list to receive important updates and information. Opening Summer 2026.

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Teeth Whitening Services

We offer two teeth whitening options: custom trays at home, or in-office whitening. Dr. Hagan will guide patients through the process, and recommend the best approach for their goals and preferences.

For patients with preexisting dental conditions – including gum inflammation, untreated cavities, or heavy enamel wear – Dr. Hagan may recommend addressing those issues first. Learn why orthodontic treatment matters.

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At-Home Flexibility

Custom Molded Trays

Custom molded trays are a proven method. They work, and they’re flexible.

The process:

  1. Custom molded trays are created using digital scans
  2. Patients apply whitening gel to the trays
  3. Trays are worn on a prescribed schedule

Patients enjoy custom trays because they provide even whitening, better gum comfort, and make touch-ups later on easier.

Fast and Efficient

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office whitening is for patients who want a noticeable change fast, without weeks of wearing a tray daily.

First, Dr. Hagan will check teeth and gums to ensure the patient is eligible. Then whitening gel is applied in controlled cycles under a whitening light, and shade change is monitored. Most patients leave the same day with a brighter smile.

After in-office whitening, teeth can become temporarily sensitive, though this typically fades quickly. We’ll recommend desensitizing strategies if a patient tends to react.

southern maryland orthodontic studio professional teeth whitening zoom whitening teeth whitening trays in office whitening
After Before
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Superior Results

The Advantage of Professional Whitening

Strength and Control

Professional products use a higher concentration of whitening agents that can be applied with much more control and precision.

Fit and Contact

Custom trays provide a much more even application of whitening agents, when compared to store-bought products. In-office whitening is administered directly by our experienced staff.

Faster Results

Both in-office treatment and custom molded trays delivers results more quickly. Even one visit can produce significant improvement.

Lower Irritation

Gum irritation is common with generic trays and strips. Professional systems are built to reduce that, and we can adjust if a patient is prone to sensitivity.

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

Whitening isn’t permanent.

Enamel will pick up new stains over time from food, drinks, and normal use, but there are guidelines you can follow to make your whitening results last.

Patients who use custom trays can do occasional touch-ups at home.

If additional gel is needed, please contact our office.

What helps most:

  • Brush and floss consistently. Plaque holds stain.
  • Rinse with water after staining foods/drinks if brushing isn’t possible.
  • Minimize smoking or vaping. Nicotine and tar stains are difficult to remove.
  • Use a straw for darker drinks when it makes sense (coffee/iced tea). Small habit, big payoff.

Teeth Whitening FAQ

This heavily depends on lifestyle habits. Most patients see results that last anywhere from several months to several years.

The range is wide because habits matter: patients who smoke, vape, consume lots of coffee or tea, or have poor oral hygiene will see stains return more quickly.

Trays can make touch-ups easy, which is why many patients like that option even if they do in-office whitening first.

Yes, when it’s done correctly and on healthy teeth. The main side effect is temporary sensitivity. We reduce risk by checking teeth and gums first, using proper isolation in-office, and giving patients clear instructions for tray use at home.

No. Teeth whitening changes natural enamel color. Dental materials do not lighten the same way. If a patient has visible restorations, Dr. Hagan will talk through what will happen visually and how to plan around it.

It can. Some patients feel nothing. Some feel sensitivity, especially with cold air or cold drinks, usually in the first 24-48 hours. We can adjust wear time, gel strength, and add desensitizing support if sensitivity occurs.

No. Administered by our highly experienced team, the active ingredients in open the pores of the enamel to lift out stains, but they do not strip, thin, or erode the tooth structure.

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Join our mailing list to receive important updates and information.

Opening Summer 2026.

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Communities we Serve

We treat patients from across Washington, D.C., Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, and Calvert counties, and more. Some communities we serve include:

  • Bowie, MD
  • Clinton, MD
  • Crofton, MD
  • Fort Washington, MD
  • Largo, MD
  • Mitchellville, MD
  • Upper Marlboro, MD
  • Waldorf, MD