CLEA LIVING M N
COVER PHOTO BY TONY POWELL
WOMEN WHO BUILD COMMUNITY
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Designer: Hannah Argall
© Best Version Media
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
ADVERTISING
Contact: Gloria Fonseca
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE
(5 days prior to the Submission Deadline; remember Content Deadline dates of the 20th or later refer to a
This month, we bring you an issue inspired by creativity, community, and the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make McLean a more vibrant place to live.
On our cover, we are proud to feature seven remarkable women whose leadership, dedication, and generosity helped make McLean Project for the Arts' 2026 Spring Benefit the most successful in the organization's history. Through their e orts, MPA continues to expand its mission of educating, inspiring, and connecting our community through contemporary visual arts, exhibitions, and educational programs that serve residents
The opening of the new MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center marks an exciting new chapter for McLean. More than just a beautiful building, it is a gathering place where creativity, learning, and community come together. Whether you are interested in taking an art class, exploring an exhibition, attending an event, or simply enjoying a cup of co ee at Café Monet, I encourage you to visit this incredible new space in the
This issue also gives us the opportunity to honor another artistic mind whose impact will be felt for generations to come. We remember Doug Martin, beloved Langley High School Band Director, whose passion for music, dedication to his students, and commitment to excellence shaped countless lives throughout our community. His legacy serves as a reminder of the profound influence that educators and artists have on future generations.
As you enjoy this issue, I encourage you to continue supporting the organizations, businesses, artists, and community leaders who make McLean such a special place to call home. Every event attended, every local business supported, and every act of community involvement helps strengthen the place we all share.
Thank you for being part of this wonderful community.
Warmly,
October 10
November 10
Loved by Kids, Trusted by Parents
Gentle and Most Effective Laser Dentistry Special Needs Dentistry
In-Office IV Sedations
Tongue-tie/Lip-tie/Buccal-ties Frenectomy Specialists
Dr. Rishita Jaju
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Anh Dang
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
571-350-3663
11790 Sunrise Valley Dr #105 Reston, VA 20191 smilewonders.com
FROM THE SOCIAL DESK
By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator
Every great community needs spaces where creativity can flourish. Here's to new beginnings, bold ideas, and the artists who help us see the world through a di erent lens.��✨
© Best Version Media
DERMATOLOGY & SKIN HEALTH
Dr. Pantea Tamjidi, MD, F.A.A.D. | Tamjidi Skin Institute 703-345-6677 | tamjidiskininstitute.com
LUXURY JEWELRY
Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com
LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
Andre Passos | Residential & Commercial Landscaping 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodonticst 703-790-1320 | islandchildrensdentistry.com
COSMETIC & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Dr. Geith Kallas, Founder & CEO | Smile Makers Dental Center 703-356-0250 | www.smilemakerscenter.com
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 540-314-8745 | vinsonshall.org
LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENT
Crystal Sheehan - Keller Williams Realty | Luxury Real Estate Agent (571) 446-1108 | www.mcleanluxuryhome.com
INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com
HOME COMFORT SOLUTIONS
Dan Bomar – Marketing & Customer Care Manager| Comfenergy 1.800.604.2252 | 45714 Oakbrook Ct., Suite #180 Sterling VA comfenergy.com | 3prosbasementsystems.com
BUSINESS BROKERAGE & COACHING Erika Baez-Grimes | The BPH Group, LLC – Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
LEGAL SERVICES
Amy Griggs | Tysons Trial Law, PLLC 703-643-4021 | www.tysonstriallaw.com
WOMEN’S WELLNESS
Dr. Anna Le—Chief Executive Officer, Anna Health Annandale OBGYN PC (703) 642-7522 | www.annandaleobgyn.com
HOME DESIGN & INTERIORS
Anna Gibson - Founder & Principal Designer
Whether you’re upgrading your home lighting, adding sparkle to your décor, or planning an energy-e cient refresh — DE Design Group has you covered this holiday season.
© Best Version Media
Seven leaders whose dedication, generosity, and vision continue to strengthen McLean
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by TONY POWELL
Communities thrive because of people who choose to get involved.
The women featured on these pages are leaders, volunteers, advocates, mothers, professionals, and friends who share a common belief in the power of art to bring people together. Through their support of McLean Project for the Arts, they have helped create opportunities for creativity, connection, and community engagement while ensuring that the arts remain accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
As McLean Project for the Arts celebrates another successful Spring Benefit and the exciting opening of the Berlage Arts & Education Center, we are proud to recognize seven women whose dedication, generosity, and leadership continue to shape the future of one of McLean's most cherished cultural organizations.
Shannon Burwe
A clinical psychologist by training and a dedicated community leader by passion, Shannon Burwell has spent her career helping people thrive. Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to Great Falls in 2005 and quickly embraced the strong sense of community that defines the McLean and Great Falls areas. Alongside her husband and daughter, Shannon has become deeply involved in the organizations that enrich local life.
Her connection to McLean Project for the Arts began in 2019 when she attended her first Spring Benefit and was inspired by the organization's mission to make art accessible and meaningful. In 2026, she proudly served as Co-Chair of the Spring Benefit, helping lead what became the most successful fundraiser in MPA's history. Through months of planning, outreach, and collaboration, Shannon played a key role in expanding awareness of MPA and welcoming new supporters into its community.
Beyond MPA, Shannon is an active volunteer and leader, supporting educational, philanthropic, and youth-focused organizations throughout the region. She believes that art has the power to inspire connection, foster empathy, and strengthen communities for generations to come.
Martha Simons
A lifelong Northern Virginia resident, Martha Simons has always believed in the power of community. Raised in Arlington alongside five siblings and her grandmother, she developed a deep appreciation for the connections that bring people together and enrich everyday life. Her love for the arts naturally led her to McLean Project for the Arts, first as an attendee of its outdoor art festivals, then as a supporter of its exhibitions and Spring Benefit events.
This year, Martha was honored to serve as Co-Chair of the 2026 MPA Spring Benefit, helping advance the organization's mission of making the arts accessible and meaningful within the community. Her connection to MPA is also deeply personal. When the organization arranged monthly art classes for her special needs son, it became a source of encouragement and joy for their family.
© Best Version Media
Beyond MPA, Martha serves on the Washington National Opera Women's Committee, the Board of the Capital Speakers Club, participates in a local garden club, and teaches meditation.
Lori Carbonneau
For the past decade, Lori Carbonneau has served as Executive Director of McLean Project for the Arts, helping guide the organization through one of the most transformative periods in its history. A longtime McLean resident, Lori and her husband, Paul, raised their three children in the community, where family life revolved around local schools, community events, sports, theater programs, and the many opportunities that make McLean such a special place to call home.
Lori's journey with MPA began unexpectedly through a conversation at a local event, where she was invited to help strengthen the organization's operations and infrastructure. What started as a practical role soon evolved into a passion-driven mission centered on the arts, education, and community building.
Among her proudest accomplishments is helping bring the MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center to life. After years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration, the center has become a vibrant gathering place where residents can create, learn, connect, and experience the arts in new ways. For Lori, the opening of the center—and the community that rallied behind it—stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together around a shared vision.
She believes that thriving communities are built by individuals who choose to get involved, support one another, and invest in something greater than themselves.
Jennifer Wormser
For Jennifer Wormser, community service and the arts have always gone hand in hand. A McLean resident for the past 15 years, she and her husband, Robert, raised their daughters, Ellie and Katie, in a community they quickly came to love for its welcoming spirit and strong sense of connection. Throughout the years, Jennifer has dedicated countless hours to volunteer leadership through local PTAs, Best Buddies, and a variety of nonprofit organizations.
In 2019, she joined McLean Project for the Arts, where she helps lead the organization's signature events, including Spring Benefit and MPAartfest. Through her role, Jennifer has become a driving force behind initiatives that bring people together while advancing MPA's mission of making the arts accessible to all. She is especially inspired by MPA's ArtReach programs, which create
202.643.1549
Info@mroyphoto.com
www.mroyphoto.com
© Best Version Media
meaningful opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to experience creativity, connection, and self-expression.
Jennifer believes that strong communities are built when people invest in one another, and she is proud to support an organization that enriches lives through the power of art.
Cindy Smith
Service, leadership, and community involvement have been guiding principles throughout Cindy Smith’s life. After a successful career in senior management within the financial services industry, Cindy devoted herself to raising her two children while becoming deeply engaged in the schools, nonprofits, and organizations that strengthen the McLean and Great Falls communities.
Although she resides in Great Falls, Cindy considers McLean an extension of home. With children who attended McLeanarea schools from kindergarten through high school, she developed lasting friendships and a deep appreciation for the close connections that unite the two communities.
A supporter of McLean Project for the Arts since 2019, Cindy has played an increasingly active role in advancing the organization’s mission. She joined the MPA Board in 2025, serves as Co-Chair of the Events Committee, and is a member of the Finance Committee. Her leadership was instrumental in the record-breaking success of the 2026 Spring Benefit and in expanding awareness of MPA’s programs throughout the region.
For Cindy, the opening of the MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center represents a transformative moment for the community—a vibrant new destination where art, education, and connection come together. She believes that investing in the arts creates opportunities for creativity, belonging, and engagement that enrich lives for generations to come.
Jacquie Henry
A longtime supporter of McLean Project for the Arts, Jacquie Henry believes that thriving communities are built through meaningful connections. Although she spent many years in Great Falls, her ties to McLean run deep, with children who attended local schools and years of involvement in community life before making McLean her permanent home nearly a decade ago.
is the perfect time to make sure your child’s smile is healthy and bright! At Island Children’s Dentistry, our caring team makes every visit fun, comfortable, and stress-free for kids and parents alike.
Jacquie was first drawn to MPA through its renowned Spring Benefit, which she fondly describes as one of Northern Virginia's most anticipated gatherings. After attending several events, she went on to serve as a co-chair in 2019 and has remained a dedicated advocate ever since. For Jacquie, MPA's greatest strength lies in its ability to bring people together through art, conversation, and shared experiences.
© Best Version Media
One of the moments she is most proud of is the opening of the Berlage Arts & Education Center, a transformative addition to the community that provides a welcoming space where residents can create, learn, gather, and connect. She sees the center as a vibrant hub that strengthens community bonds while making the arts more accessible than ever before.
Passionate about initiatives that unite people for a common purpose, Jacquie believes that art adds color, creativity, and connection to everyday life, helping communities flourish in ways both visible and lasting.
Carla S bald
For more than 25 years, Carla Seebald has been a dedicated supporter of McLean Project for the Arts and its mission to enrich the community through creativity, education, and connection. Together with her husband, Craig, Carla has built a life centered on family, service, and giving back. She is the proud mother of three accomplished children, including a son in medical school, a son working on Wall Street, and a daughter who recently graduated summa cum laude from Villanova University.
Throughout her years of involvement with MPA, Carla has been especially passionate about the organization's commitment to community outreach. She believes the arts should be accessible to everyone and values programs that bring creative opportunities to underserved schools, older adults, and individuals who might not otherwise have access to them.
In addition to her support of MPA, Carla is a strong advocate for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and other organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through education, opportunity, and service. She believes that organizations like MPA play an essential role in creating a more vibrant, connected, and compassionate community.
communities are built by people who choose to lead, serve, and invest in something greater than themselves.
Seeing Homes Through a Different Lens
By Crystal Sheehan REALTOR® - Keller Williams Realty McLean
I’m excited to join McLean Living Magazine as the new Expert Contributor for Real Estate, and I look forward to connecting with more members of this wonderful community. To begin, I thought I would share a little about who I am, how I got here, and why I believe real estate is about so much more than buying and selling homes.
Some people find their way into real estate later in life. For me, the journey began when I was a child growing up in Florida. My father and grandfather built what became the largest replacement window company in northeast Florida, and my grandfather had also built homes throughout the 1950s. From an early age, I was surrounded by conversations about construction, craftsmanship, and the details that make a home special.
I spent weekends riding through neighborhoods with my father, helping identify homes that could benefit from improvements and learning to notice things most people overlooked. Whether it was matching paint colors, understanding materials, or appreciating quality workmanship, I was developing an eye for homes long before I realized it would become my profession.
When I was 15, my family returned to our Virginia roots. We settled on a farm in Orlean, where my parents still raise Angus cattle today. Life on the farm taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and responsibility—lessons that continue to guide me both personally and professionally.
My path to real estate, however, included an important detour. I graduated from Virginia Tech with dual degrees in Business Finance and Applied Economics and spent several years working at high-net-worth, fee-only financial planning firms. That experience shaped the way I approach real estate today. While I help clients buy and sell homes, I also help them evaluate one of the most significant financial decisions they will ever make.
For more than a decade, I have had the privilege of helping buyers and sellers navigate the Northern Virginia market. Today, I am proud to be among the top-producing agents at Keller Williams
Realty McLean and have been recognized by several respected regional and national publications for my work in luxury real estate. Yet the numbers and accolades are never what motivate me most.
What I value most are the relationships.
One of the transactions that has stayed with me involved helping a gentleman in his nineties sell the family home he had lived in for more than fifty years. The process took months, not because of market conditions, but because it was a deeply emotional transition. We moved at his pace, carefully discussing every option along the way. When his daughter later thanked me for helping her father feel supported throughout the process, I was reminded that real estate is ultimately about people, families, and life transitions.
My connection to McLean extends far beyond my career. My family and I have called McLean home for the past fourteen years. Like many parents, I have spent countless hours at local schools, playgrounds, sports fields, and community events. Most recently, I had the privilege of serving as President of MOMS of McLean, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the friendships, generosity, and sense of connection that define this community. McLean o ers a unique combination of convenience, opportunity, and neighborhood spirit. While many people are initially drawn here because of its proximity to Washington, D.C., they often stay because of the people. It is a place where families put down roots, friendships flourish, and community involvement truly matters.
As I begin this new role with McLean Living, I look forward to sharing market insights, practical advice, and local perspectives that help readers make informed real estate decisions. Whether you are considering your first home, preparing to sell, searching for your forever home, or simply curious about market trends, I hope these columns become a valuable resource.
Most importantly, I look forward to continuing the conversations that make McLean such an extraordinary place to call home.
© Best Version Media
The High-Performance Wellness Kitchen Design for Longevity starts
from within.
By ANNA GIBSON - AKG Design Studio
In the elegant estates of McLean, luxury is no longer defined merely by polished marble countertops or bespoke cabinetry. Today, true opulence centers on longevity, vitality, and creating a home environment that actively supports your biology. The modern kitchen has evolved into the ultimate health and wellness suite.
When designing high-end culinary spaces, the priority is integrating advanced technology that elevates how we nourish our bodies. It begins with precision cooking. Traditional ovens rely on dry heat, which can deplete essential vitamins and alter food texture. The modern standard relies on combination steam ovens and integrated sous-vide stations. By utilizing controlled vapor and precise, low-temperature water baths, these appliances preserve up to 25% more essential nutrients and minerals in your proteins and vegetables. It is e ectively bio-hacking your dinner, yielding five-star restaurant quality without requiring heavy oils or fats.
Simultaneously, wellness architecture demands pristine indoor air quality. Gas cooktops emit combustion by-products that compromise respiratory health. The shift toward highperformance induction cooktops—which heats only the cookware—eliminates indoor ambient pollution entirely. Paired with intelligent ventilation systems featuring perimeter aspiration that automatically sense and scrub volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, the kitchen remains as fresh as a luxury spa.
Finally, optimal health requires superior preservation. Specialized refrigeration units equipped with ethylene gas scrubbers—technology adapted from space stations—actively prevent organic produce from premature wilting.
Investing in a wellness-focused kitchen suite ensures your home remains a sanctuary for long-term vitality. By prioritizing clean air, nutrient-dense cooking, and superior ingredient preservation, luxury design moves beyond aesthetics, directly investing in your family’s well-being.
Anna Gibson, CKBD Founder/Cheif Designer
© Best Version Media
Remembering Doug Martin March 29, 1975 – May 18, 2026
By Alan P. Johnson and Matthew Baker
For generations of students, parents, and fellow educators, Doug Martin was far more than a band director. He was a mentor, musician, teacher, and friend whose passion for music shaped countless lives. As Director of Bands at Langley High School, Doug built a program known not only for musical excellence but for its sense of community, creativity, and heart. His influence reached far beyond the rehearsal room, touching students, families, colleagues, and musicians throughout Virginia.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Doug Martin on May 18, 2026, following a courageous battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer. His impact on music education—not only in Fairfax County but across the Commonwealth of Virginia—was profound and lasting.
A 1993 graduate of James Madison High School, Doug distinguished himself early as an exceptional musician, performing as a featured soloist during the school's appearance at the Midwest Clinic under the direction of Je Bianchi. After attending Florida State University, he returned home to Fairfax County Public Schools, where he would spend his entire career inspiring students and colleagues alike.
Doug began his teaching career at Mount Vernon High School before continuing at J.E.B. Stuart High School (now Justice High School) and Annandale High School while earning his Master's degree in Conducting from George Mason University. In 2012, he became Director of Bands at Langley High School, where the program flourished under his leadership and vision. His contributions extended well beyond the classroom. Doug served as head of the Virginia Music Educators
Association Logistics Committee, Treasurer and Grading Committee Chair of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, conductor of the American Youth Philharmonic Youth Concert Orchestra, and guest conductor for numerous All-District Bands throughout Virginia.
Yet those who knew Doug best will remember far more than his impressive résumé. They will remember his sharp wit, his deep knowledge of music literature, his appreciation for everything from Renaissance lute music to hip-hop lyrics, and his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. He challenged students to think di erently, listen more carefully, and approach music with curiosity and purpose.
The connection Doug created with his students was nothing short of extraordinary. His humor, belief in their potential, and insistence on expressive music-making inspired remarkable performances while teaching lessons that extended far beyond the band room.
Upon learning of Doug's passing, renowned composer John Mackey reflected:
"Doug was a lovely person. I hope he knew what a tremendous impact he made. If not for Doug, I wouldn't have written Aurora Awakes, which literally changed my life."
Doug loved band deeply, but he loved music even more. Above all else, he loved his family. The pride he carried for his wife, Deborah, and their children, Jay and Anna, was evident in every conversation. Few moments brought him more joy than celebrating their accomplishments, particularly the day he learned that Jay had earned a place in All-District Band.
Doug's legacy lives on through the thousands of students he inspired, the educators he mentored, the programs he strengthened, and the music that continues because of his influence. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students, and the entire Langley community.
MARTINISMS
The Band Commandments, as given to us by Doug Martin
ʞ Never louder than lovely, never softer than solid (NLL NSS)
ʞ IYBOAB — If You Breathe On A Barline
ʞ All notes have direction
ʞ Short = Dope
ʞ Nothing Really Repeats
ʞ Emphasize Dissonance
ʞ Emphasize Rhythmic Dissonance
ʞ ...are we listening...?
ʞ Weak becomes Strong
ʞ In fast music, dots and ties don't exist
© Best Version Media
Vinson Hall Brings Generations Together
By STEPHANIE LAWRENCE
Some of the most meaningful connections at Vinson Hall happen across generations. A resident shares a story from decades ago. And a high schooler leans forward to listen, really listen, to something that happened long ago, before they were born.
For years, Vinson Hall has partnered with The Potomac School, a K-12 college prep school just down the street. What started as an occasional visit has grown into something more intentional. A genuine, ongoing relationship between two communities that have a lot to o er each other.
Potomac students have come to campus to interview residents for a Witnessing History project, connecting firsthand accounts of the Civil Rights Movement, wartime, and women's careers to what they'd only
read in books. They've dug garden beds and planted trees alongside resident volunteers on Earth Day. They've sat across card tables for a hand of Uno, while laughter carries through the room. Every visit leaves something behind. Students walk away with a perspective that no classroom could replicate. While residents walk away reminded that their stories still matter and they’re still very much a part of the world.
That's life at Vinson Hall. Full, connected, and always worth showing up for.
© Best Version Media
McLean, Va. — The McLean Community Center (MCC) o ers a variety of activities in July 2026, categorized as Theatre/Performances/ Movies and Community Events. Please check the center’s website, mcleancenter.org, for the most current information. Residents of the center’s tax district, Small District 1A-Dranesville, are eligible for discounts on fees. All activities are held at the center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101, unless otherwise noted.
OPEN GAME NIGHTS AT OFC
Wednesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101
Enjoy table tennis, bridge, mah-jongg, arcade games, a sensory lab, and more at the Old Firehouse. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult..
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Thursdays, June 18-July 30, 7 p.m.
McLean Central Park Amphitheatre
The MCC's famous, free concerts are back at the McLean Central Park amphitheater! Grab your family and friends and enjoy live music every Thursday evening from June 18 to July 30 at 7 p.m.
HAPPY 250TH, AMERICA!
Still Surfin’—A Tribute to the Beach Boys Thursday, July 2, 7 p.m.
OH, I LOVE THAT SONG!
One Hit Wonderers Thursday, July 9, 7 p.m
GO-GO LEGEND!
EU (Experience Unlimited) Thursday, July 16, 7 p.m..
“STYLIN’, WILIN’, LIVING IT UP IN THE CITY!” Uptown Thursday, July 23, 7 p.m
"BEASTIE BOYS MEET SESAME STREET,” Koo Koo
Thursday, July 30, 7 p.m.
MCLEAN COMMUNITY PLAYERS AT ALDEN THEATRE
Fri-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Matinees Sun., 2 p.m.
$25/$20 Seniors/$18 McLean district residents
All Ages
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with McLean Community Players’ Tony Award-winning musical “1776,” a witty, inspiring and surprisingly human portrait of the passionate debates, rivalries and courage behind the founding of a nation..
© Best Version Media
The Truth About Teeth Whitening What Every Patient Should Know Before Brightening Their Smile
By DR GEITH J KALLAS DR. J. KALLAS, Founder and CEO, Smile Makers Dental Center Founder and Dental Center
A brighter smile has long been associated with health, confidence, and vitality. Not surprisingly, teeth whitening remains one of the most requested cosmetic dental treatments among adults. Yet despite its popularity, few dental procedures are surrounded by more misconceptions.
Today, patients are exposed to an endless stream of whitening products, social media influencers, and viral "hacks" promising dramatic results. Unfortunately, not all whitening methods are created equal, and some can cause more harm than good.
As a dentist with decades of experience serving Northern Virginia families, I believe patients deserve facts, not trends.
NOT ALL TOOTH DISCOLORATION IS THE SAME
One of the biggest misconceptions about whitening is that every stain can be treated the same way.
In reality, teeth can become discolored for many reasons. Co ee, tea, red wine, and tobacco often create surface stains. Aging naturally darkens teeth over time as enamel becomes thinner. Certain medications, trauma, and even genetics can also a ect tooth color.
Understanding the cause of discoloration is important because it determines which treatment option is most likely to produce predictable results.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA PROBLEM
Every few months, a new whitening trend appears online. Charcoal powders, lemon juice treatments, abrasive scrubs, and homemade whitening mixtures often gain popularity because they promise quick and inexpensive results.
What many people don't realize is that some of these methods can permanently damage enamel.
Enamel is the protective outer layer of the tooth. Once it is lost, it cannot regenerate. While certain trends may temporarily remove surface stains, they can also increase sensitivity and accelerate wear.
When evaluating any whitening advice found online, I encourage patients to ask a simple question: Is this recommendation supported by science, or is it simply designed to attract views?
PROFESSIONAL WHITENING IS SAFE WHEN PROPERLY MANAGED
Professional whitening remains one of the safest and most e ective cosmetic dental procedures available.
Modern whitening systems use carefully formulated ingredients that penetrate stains while preserving healthy tooth structure. While temporary sensitivity can occur, it is generally short-lived and manageable.
More importantly, professional supervision allows us to evaluate the health of the teeth and gums before treatment begins. Cavities, gum recession, cracked teeth, and existing dental restorations may require attention before whitening is recommended.
WHY OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS PRODUCE MIXED RESULTS
Many over-the-counter products can help reduce mild staining, particularly when used consistently. However, they often produce less dramatic results than patients expect.
Additionally, whitening strips, toothpastes, and generic trays are not customized to the individual. This can lead to uneven whitening, gum irritation, or disappointment when expectations are unrealistic.
For patients seeking a significant improvement in smile brightness, professional treatment typically delivers more predictable outcomes.
THE GOAL SHOULD BE NATURAL, NOT ARTIFICIAL
One trend I have noticed in recent years is the pursuit of excessively white teeth.
The healthiest and most attractive smiles rarely resemble a sheet of white paper. Natural teeth contain subtle variations in shade and translucency that create a youthful, authentic appearance.
The goal of cosmetic dentistry should never be to create an unnatural smile. It should be to enhance what already exists while maintaining harmony with the patient's facial features, age, and overall appearance.
A HEALTHY SMILE COMES FIRST
Before discussing whitening, I often remind patients that the foundation of an attractive smile is health.
Healthy gums, properly aligned teeth, routine preventive care, and excellent oral hygiene contribute far more to a beautiful smile than whitening alone. In many cases, a professional cleaning and comprehensive examination reveal opportunities to improve a smile that go well beyond color.
Teeth whitening can be an excellent option for the right patient. However, the best results occur when whitening is part of a larger commitment to oral health and wellness.
In an age of social media trends and instant solutions, the most e ective approach remains surprisingly simple: seek professional guidance, prioritize oral health, and choose treatments supported by science rather than popularity.
Your smile deserves nothing less.
One Practice. Every Chapter.
BY DR. ANNA LE, MD, FACOG, OWNER & CEO, ANNA HEALTH — FORMERLY ANNANDALE OB/GYN
Anna Health, formerly Annandale OB/GYN, serves patients across 8 Northern Virginia locations, including a new Woodbridge o ce opening June 15. AnnaHealthMD.com
Women are remarkable navigators.
They manage careers, families, and their own health across systems that were never designed to talk to each other. They keep track of which provider ordered which test, carry their own history from appointment to appointment, and learn — usually through experience — that if they don't connect the dots themselves, nobody will.
They're remarkable at it because, in many cases, no better option exists. When care is designed around the system's convenience rather than the patient's needs, women are disproportionately left to navigate the journey on their own.
Anna Health is designed to put the patient at the center of care.
Here, navigating is our job, not yours. We track which provider ordered which test. We carry your history forward from appointment to appointment. We connect the dots, between your hormones and your heart health, your fertility history and your long-term care, your pregnancy and the decades that follow, so you don't have to.
At Anna Health, we know your health isn't a series of disconnected appointments; it’s a journey through seasons of life that build on one another. And a journey is easier when someone who knows the whole path is walking it with you. Our approach o ers what traditional, fragmented systems cannot o er: a clinical relationship that grows with you for a lifetime. The result? Care becomes preventive, concerns are caught early, and your healthcare journey is guided by a team that knows where you want to go and how to get you there.
Women shouldn't have to be remarkable navigators to get good care. At Anna Health, you have a team that knows the way and walks it with you every step of the way. That's the Anna Health di erence and the standard of care every woman deserves.
Anna Health, formerly Annandale OB/GYN, is accepting new patients across Northern Virginia.
Book same day appointments at AnnaHealthMD.com
