Teeth Whitening In Indianapolis, IN
Teeth whitening in Indianapolis, IN
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile. There are a variety of products and procedures available that can remove stains from your teeth and lighten their color. If you have teeth that are stained or discolored, then you may benefit from teeth whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of your smile, boosting your confidence and increasing your willingness to smile.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening treatments use special gels or whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide to remove teeth stains. These products contain a type of bleach that breaks apart the molecules that stain your teeth.
The whitening gel is applied to the teeth and left on for a specified amount of time. While most patients experience little to no sensitivity, some may experience slight irritation.
Teeth whitening is most effective on surface stains. Deeper stains may require multiple treatments.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening can be done at home or at a dental office.
01.
At-home
At home whitening kits are available at the dentist’s or can be bought over the counter. The kits contain a whitening gel and trays or strips that adhere to the teeth. The whitening trays or strips with whitening gel are worn for a specified period of time, typically 30 minutes to one hour per day for one to two weeks. At home whitening kits contain milder concentrations of peroxide than in-office whitening gels, making them less effective.
02.
In-office
In office whitening is the most effective teeth whitening treatment. The dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth and apply the whitening gel. It will be uniformly spread on the teeth and allowed to stay for a few minutes, during which time the gel breaks up the staining particles and whitens the teeth. The gel will then be rinsed off, and the procedure may be repeated depending on the severity of the staining. We may also use a laser to speed up the whitening process and provide better results.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
While teeth whitening is considered safe, there are risks to using whitening products. If used incorrectly, the dental enamel can be damaged. This is why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s or the dentist’s instructions closely.
For example, take-home whitening kits usually require you to apply the whitening gel to your teeth every day for two weeks but only for 30 to 60 minutes. The gel isn’t meant to be used for more than instructed.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
If you only drink coffee or tea occasionally, you can expect your teeth whitening to last for years. However, if you drink a lot of soda, coffee, and tea, your teeth will turn yellow and stain again sooner. Also, if you smoke, your teeth will turn yellow and stain much faster.
Teeth whitening treatments only affect the color of the outer layer of your teeth. To remove deeper staining, our dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers cover the surface of your teeth, masking deep staining and correcting the shape and length of your teeth.