Teeth whitening in Indianapolis, IN is a cosmetic dentistry procedure where our dentist applies a potent bleaching agent to the surface of your teeth. This gel will penetrate the enamel and move into the dentin, eliminating stains caused by coffee, tobacco, medications or age.
Before your whitening appointment at Hartman Dentistry, Dr. John Hartman, DDS, will examine your mouth to ensure that your gums are healthy and not inflamed. Our dentist will also ensure no tooth decay or other issues need to be addressed before the procedure begins.
What Causes Teeth ToDiscolor?
The foods and drinks we consume and the habits we form are all factors in the color of our teeth. Smoking cigarettes or using chewing tobacco can leave deep staining that is very difficult to remove with brushing alone. Tooth discoloration is often caused by food particles and bacteria left on the enamel by improper oral hygiene, such as not flossing or failing to brush twice a day. Acidic foods and beverages also cause tooth stains as the compounds eat away at the surface of the tooth. These can include drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and other dark-colored juices, as well as foods that include vinegar, soy sauce, berries, and more.
When a tooth has sustained trauma from an injury, it can lose its innate bright white color and become discolored. This can happen even if the teeth have otherwise been taken care of properly because the nerves within the tooth can die or become exposed during the incident. This causes the tooth to become gray in color. Trauma can also cause an uneven appearance of the smile where the teeth are shorter in the front than they are in the back. This occurs because the front tooth is pushed inward into the jaw while the back tooth remains in place.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are the only way to achieve truly white teeth and a brighter smile. Solutions sold over the counter lack the strength of dentist-supervised treatments and do not achieve the same results. A professional whitening solution is applied to the surface of the teeth and activated by a special light for faster, better results. Patients can achieve a whiter smile in as little as one appointment with a trained dental specialist. Following a whitening procedure, patients should follow up with comprehensive oral care to maintain the results for as long as possible. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, along with regular dental visits, can help prevent future staining and ensure that your smile stays healthy and bright for years to come.
Reasons for Choosing Teeth Whitening
A bright and healthy-looking smile can boost your self-confidence and make you look younger. There are many options for whitening teeth, ranging from over-the-counter products to in-office treatments.
In-office treatments are the most efficient way to whiten your smile because they use prescription-strength bleaching gels that are only available through your dentist’s office. Also, in-office treatments are often safer because they are supervised by a professional dentist who will ensure that your teeth and gums are protected during treatment.
The most common reasons for wanting whiter teeth are to brighten your smile before a big event like a wedding or party, restore the appearance of your smile after consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth, and whiten dulled teeth that are the result of aging. Many people want to improve the color of their teeth because it is important to them to have a beautiful smile.
Types of Teeth Whitening
In-Office Professional Treatment
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure used to whiten teeth. Whitening treatments remove stains and lighten the color of the teeth, making them look brighter and cleaner. Our dentist can whiten your teeth using a professional-grade bleaching gel and a special light that activates the whitening ingredients. This method provides the fastest and most dramatic results but is only suitable for some patients due to possible tooth sensitivity.
Take-Home Trays
A take-home tray is a custom-made mouthpiece that fits over the teeth like a mouthguard. The tray is filled with a professional-strength whitening gel or a special mouth rinse and worn for a designated period each day until the desired results are achieved. This is a less expensive option compared to in-office treatments. However, the trays are only effective on certain types of stains, and the results may not be as dramatic as the ones provided by in-office procedures.
Over-the-Counter Products
There are a variety of over-the-counter products that can be used to lighten teeth. These products are either applied to the teeth and left in place for a specific time, or they are brushed onto the teeth and then rinsed off after a while. While these methods can be effective, the results are usually mild, and a long period is required to achieve noticeable whitening. The results are limited with these OTC whiteners; therefore, it is recommended to get them done by a professional dentist who can use a more potent whitening formula to achieve the desired results.
Talk to our dentist about the best treatment plan for you and your goals for your smile. For the best dental care, visit Hartman Dentistry at 3091 East 98th Street, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46280, or call (317) 581-0215.
