Teeth Whitening – Indianapolis, IN
Brighter Smiles At Your Convenience
Achieving a brighter smile requires time and effort. Years of drinking coffee, soda, and other dark-colored beverages, as well as smoking, can cause stains and discoloration to form. Fortunately, with the help of professional teeth whitening in Indianapolis at Indy Dental Group, we can eliminate these imperfections and produce whiter, brighter smiles. Instead of spending money on store-bought kits that lack the power and effectiveness needed to generate optimal results, allow us to turn your desire for a more beautiful smile into a worthwhile investment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
The best candidates for teeth whitening are those who show no signs of tooth decay or gum disease. If these are evident during an initial consultation, appropriate treatment will be recommended to minimize the potential for worsening symptoms later on.
If intrinsic or extrinsic stains are visible to our team at Indy Dental Group, and you possess good oral health, we’ll prepare you for teeth whitening treatment by discussing your available options: in-office or take-home kits.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
At Indy Dental Group, we offer our patients two types of whitening, each designed to meet the needs of the individual. In-office whitening can offer results in less than one hour, while take-home whitening kits can produce results in as little as two weeks.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
For a brighter, whiter smile without the wait, choose Opalescence Boost, an in-office, chemically activated whitening treatment that offers dazzling results in less than an hour. Opalescence Boost is ideal for people who want instant whitening gratification or those who have a special event coming up that requires a bright, white smile. Because Opalescence Boost is chemically activated, no hot, uncomfortable lights are needed. Enjoy dramatic results in less than an hour with this simple, dentist-applied treatment.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Dispensed only by a licensed dental professional like our team at Indy Dental Group, Opalescence Go comes in prefilled, disposable trays, so it's easy to take with you anywhere you go. Opalescence Go offers a whiter smile in just 5-10 days when you wear your trays for 15-60 minutes daily. Opalescence Go is the professional alternative to over-the-counter whitening options. It's a simple, fast, and great-tasting way to start a whitening treatment or touch up an already whitened smile. With no impressions or custom trays necessary, Opalescence Go is ready to use right out of the package.
Patients can also opt for Opalescence take-home whitening gel that offers professional results in a customized whitening treatment you can do in the comfort of your own home. Opalescence take-home whitening gel is delivered via custom-made trays, further tailoring the treatment to your smile.
It is perfect for people who want a lot of options. With four different concentrations, you can wear Opalescence for as little as 30 minutes per day, or even overnight. Dispensed only by a licensed dental professional, Opalescence take-home whitening gel allows you to get professional whitening results at your convenience in a safe, effective, and customized way, day or night.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
To ensure that your results last as long as possible, your cosmetic dentist in Indianapolis will recommend you follow these tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits at home that include brushing, flossing, and rinsing
- Keep regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleaning appointments with our team
- Eat healthier foods and limit or avoid those that contain tannins
- Minimize consumption of dark-colored beverages and foods
- Stop smoking and using tobacco products
- Inquire about touch-ups when necessary
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Uncertain about the cost of teeth whitening in Indianapolis at Indy Dental Group? This is a common concern among patients who are preparing for cosmetic treatment. This is also why our dental team is here to address the issues that come up during regular consultation and provide insight regarding the various factors that must be considered before establishing a cost estimate. Not only will our team explain the types of affordable payments that are accepted, but we’ll identify ways to help you save on out-of-pocket costs.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
During a scheduled consultation with a member of our team, we will go over the factors that are required in order to generate a treatment plan and estimated cost, such as:
- The severity of your stains
- The causes behind tooth discoloration
- Where the stains exist inside your mouth
- If there are any preliminary treatments you require before undergoing teeth whitening treatment (i.e., periodontal therapy, tooth decay elimination)
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
It is easy to consider the many different store-bought options at the local grocery or drug store; however, when comparing the results and money spent on over-the-counter kits versus professional teeth whitening, you’ll find the latter offers longer-lasting, safe, and more effective results. But to provide you with a bit more clarity on the various types of whitening and their costs, we’ve provided a brief breakdown below:
- In-Office: You may spend between $400-$500 on average, but some cases can go as high as $1,000.
- At-Home: The average runs between $200-$300 if you prefer to have customized trays created to go along with a professional-grade bleaching gel.
- Store-Bought Trays: There is the option to purchase store-bought trays that are typically less than $100, but they’re unlikely to fit your teeth properly, resulting in uneven whitening.
- Whitening Kit: Only $20-$30, these kits are tempting for many patients looking to eliminate stains; however, results are often lackluster because of the watered-down bleaching gel provided.
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
Store-bought teeth whitening in Indianapolis is inexpensive, but it’s also less effective than professional teeth whitening. When opting for a do-it-yourself (DIY) solution, you may see some surface stains begin to fade, but you’ll likely spend more money over time attempting to reach your desired results. In the process, you can damage your tooth enamel, resulting in sensitivity.
With a professional, however, teeth whitening may cost more, but the results will be exactly what you prefer. Not only will your teeth look brighter, but you’ll enjoy a more comfortable approach that doesn’t put your teeth and/or gums at risk of irritation.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
At Indy Dental Group, we understand there is often hesitancy about teeth whitening because it’s not covered by dental insurance. Fortunately, there are other payment options available, including flexible financing through CareCredit. Instead of being forced to pay the full amount upfront, you can split up your bill into manageable monthly payments, making it easier than ever to maintain a whiter, brighter smile and stay within your budget.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
When preparing to undergo teeth whitening in Indianapolis at Indy Dental Group, it’s natural to have many questions. Cosmetic dentistry of any kind should be approached with careful consideration, and our team is here to address any concerns as well as answer any questions you might have about the process. Below, you will find some of the most common inquiries from our patients as well as our clear and concise answers that are designed to impart clarification as you determine how you would like to proceed.
What’s the difference between professional and store-bought teeth whitening?
Store-bought teeth whitening products promise great results but are lackluster in producing the kind of smile most people desire. The reason is that they are typically a one-size-fits-all solution and cannot adequately whiten all teeth. Also, the bleaching gel used is a low-concentrated substance that may only slightly remove surface stains. If your discoloration exists deep within your teeth, store-bought products will not work.
By choosing a cosmetic dentist in Indianapolis at Indy Dental Group, our team can ensure you receive a thorough dental exam beforehand as well as deliver safe, effective treatment that produces dramatic results in less time.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Fortunately, no, teeth whitening will not damage your tooth enamel; however, if you are suffering from tooth decay or gum disease, the chemical used in these bleaching gels can be problematic. This is why it’s essential for patients to undergo a complete consultation before moving forward with treatment. It is also recommended that patients avoid using at-home DIY solutions such as activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide to eliminate stains.
If you overuse whitening products, there is a chance you could damage your tooth enamel.
Does teeth whitening work on dental crowns?
No, it is not possible to whiten dental crowns. The reason is that they are not porous like regular tooth enamel, which means they cannot absorb anything that would normally penetrate the outermost layer. It is actually discouraged by our dentists for patients with restorations to pursue teeth whitening because it can weaken the bonding agent used to hold the crown in place. If you want to minimize your risk of damaging your crowns or causing staining, make sure you practice optimal oral hygiene, avoid using tobacco products or smoking, and stay away from dark-colored beverages and foods.
Is teeth whitening safe?
It is always safest to allow a trusted professional to administer teeth whitening services, as you minimize your risk for excessive whitening, tooth sensitivity, and possible damage. Store-bought products may not be approved by the FDA or ADA and cause serious harm to your teeth. By seeing a licensed professional for the job, they ensure your smile remains healthy while working toward beautiful results.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Professional teeth whitening is generally not painful, but some people may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort during or after the procedure. However, one benefit of professional teeth whitening is that our solutions will be tailored to you, ensuring that any sensitivity will be minimal.
However, most modern whitening treatments include desensitizing agents to minimize discomfort. If you have sensitive teeth, it's a good idea to discuss this with us beforehand so that we can tailor the treatment to your needs. The sensitivity typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
To make your teeth whitening results last, follow these tips:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with whitening toothpaste and floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent stains.
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries, which can cause staining. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward.
- Use a Straw: Drinking staining beverages through a straw reduces contact with your teeth, helping to prevent discoloration.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco is a major cause of teeth staining, so quitting can help maintain your whitening results.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and touch-ups to keep your teeth looking bright.
- Touch-Up Kits: Consider using a professional touch-up kit from your dentist to maintain the whiteness over time.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
The duration of professional teeth whitening depends on the method:
- In-Office Whitening: This is the quickest option, typically taking about 1 to 2 hours in a single session. The dentist applies a high-concentration whitening gel, sometimes activated by a special light or laser. Results are usually visible immediately after the treatment.
- Take-Home Whitening Kits: These are custom-fitted trays provided by your dentist, along with a lower-concentration whitening gel. You'll wear the trays for a specified period, usually 30 minutes to a few hours daily, over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. While the process is slower than in-office treatments, it can still deliver significant results.
Both methods are effective, but in-office treatments are faster, while take-home kits allow more gradual whitening.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Teeth whitening does not work on dental crowns, veneers, or fillings. These dental restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, which do not respond to the bleaching agents used in whitening treatments. Whitening treatments are designed to lighten natural tooth enamel, but they won't change the color of these artificial materials.
If you have crowns or other restorations, it's important to consider this before whitening your teeth, as the natural teeth around the restorations will lighten, potentially creating a noticeable color difference. If you're concerned about matching your dental work to the color of your natural teeth, you may need to replace the crowns or veneers after whitening to achieve a uniform appearance.