Teeth Whitening

Why are my teeth yellow?

The inner layer of your teeth — dentin — is naturally yellow. When the outer layer of your teeth — called the enamel — starts to thin, your teeth begin to look more yellow than white.

Dr. Rogers explains that age and teeth use wears your enamel thinner, causing your teeth to look yellow. Thinner enamel stains more easily from certain foods, drinks, and smoking. Some illnesses also cause your teeth to yellow, such as high fevers or jaundice.

How is teeth whitening done?

Teeth whitening is done at Tenth Street Family Dental with a bleaching gel applied to your teeth or using at-home gel with trays. Dr. Rogers cleans your teeth and applies a highly concentrated peroxide gel to your teeth. He activates the gel with a high-powered laser light. The treatment generally lasts from 30-90 minutes depending on how yellow your teeth are.

Dr. Rogers may also suggest an at-home whitening treatment. You add the whitening gel to your mouth tray and wear it for several hours or overnight.

How white can I get my teeth?

Your teeth can become several shades whiter while using the whitening gel. Dr. Rogers discusses how dramatic the difference is for you before the whitening process. Having the teeth whitening procedure done by Dr. Rogers in his office provides you with faster results than the at-home whitening kits.

If your teeth are severely stained from age, poor oral hygiene, or from eating and drinking, your results could be different from other patients. Before and after photos of your teeth help track your progress for restoring your smile with whitening treatments.

How long will teeth whitening last?

After completing your teeth whitening process, you can expect results to last from six months to two years. With continued routine teeth whitening, you’ll maintain the same level of tooth color. After treatment, avoid drinking coffee, tea, and soda for less staining. Smoking and poor brushing can also cause your teeth to yellow again. Dr. Rogers explains the best ways to care for your whitened teeth and recommends routine exams for monitoring your oral health.

If you’re ready for a more radiant smile, don’t wait any longer. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Rogers at Tenth Street Family Dental in Indianapolis, Indiana, by calling the office or booking online now.