Teeth whitening in Indianapolis, IN, is one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments. It lightens the shade of your teeth and helps to get rid of discoloration.

What Causes Teeth Stains?

Tobacco: Smoking or using tobacco products like chewing, snuff, or cigarettes will stain your teeth over time.

Coffee and Tea: Both coffee and tea contain tannins and other pigments that cling to the teeth and cause staining.

Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don’t brush your teeth regularly or properly, food particles may stick around and lead to yellowing or darkening of the enamel. Bacteria can also thrive on plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Aging: As people age, the outer layer of enamel wears away, revealing the darker dentin underneath. This can make your teeth appear darker and yellowed.

Medications: Some medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. For example, tetracycline can darken the tooth’s color.

Genetics: Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. If your family has discolored teeth, you may have the same issues as you get older.

Diet: Foods such as berries, soy sauce, curry, and tomato sauce can be highly pigmented and may stick to your teeth.

Trauma: A blow to the face can lead to a tooth being chipped or cracked. This can expose the pulp to bacteria, which can eat away at it and cause the tooth to turn brown or black.

What is Professional Teeth Whitening in Indianapolis, IN?

A professional teeth whitening treatment uses a higher concentration of whitening agents to achieve dramatic results in a short period of time. During in-office treatments, patients meet with their dentist to discuss their options for whitening. Then the dentist applies the whitening solution to the teeth and protects the surrounding gum tissue with a barrier. In-office whitening may be recommended if stains have accumulated on the teeth over time and don’t respond well to at-home whitening products. In most cases, though, you will need to undergo more than one session to get your desired results. 

Patients are given a list of foods to avoid while undergoing a professional whitening treatment. The teeth should be cleaned thoroughly after every meal to prevent staining and discoloration while the whitening gel is at work. With proper care and maintenance, the results achieved with professional teeth whitening in Indianapolis, IN, can last for years. 

To learn more about teeth whitening in Indianapolis, IN, contact Carmel Smiles at (317) 581-0215 or visit us at 3091 East 98th Street, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46280.