1314 Eagle Ridge Dr, Schererville, IN 46375

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Are you interested in getting you dental care completed before work? To accommodate your busy work schedule we will be starting at 7am on most days

Teeth Whitening

Your smile is, quite often, the very first impression you leave with people. A big part of your smile is the condition of your teeth. When your teeth are anything but bright white, the appearance of your smile is greatly diminished. This can lead to self-consciousness and impact the impression that you leave on others. At Crossroads Family Dental, we can restore the appearance of your smile, giving you back your confidence, with teeth whitening.

Causes of Discoloration

The outer layer of your teeth, the enamel, is a hard, mineralized, bright white substance. Over time, microfractures can begin to form, making it easier for pigments, stains, and other debris to collect, dulling the color of your teeth. There are several factors that can contribute to discoloration:

•	The things you eat and drink. Certain foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, or curries, are heavily pigmented. These pigments can collect in the microfractures, dulling the bright white color of your teeth.
•	Smoking. The tar and nicotine found in cigarettes can lead to deep, set in stains.
•	Medications. Certain medications, such as those for allergies, asthma, and high blood pressure, can stain teeth. Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can stain your permanent teeth from the inside.
•	Age. As you get older, your enamel naturally begins to wear away, exposing the darker dentin below.

Over the Counter Whitening

There are several over-the-counter whitening products available that you can pick up at just about any pharmacy or grocery store. These products consist of toothpaste, strips, gels, and pens. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that scrub away light stains. Whitening strips, gels, and pens all contain low levels of bleaching agents. While widely available, these products are often ineffective at helping you to achieve your desired results promptly.

In-Office Whitening

There are two types of professional whitening services. The first is performed in our office. In-office, or chairside, whitening, is done in a single visit, taking approximately an hour. After a cleaning of your teeth, we place a lip retractor (which keeps your lips away from your teeth) and apply a gel to your gums, which acts as a protective barrier. We then apply the bleaching agent and shine a light over your teeth. We leave the bleaching agent for about an hour, during which time the light breaks it down so that oxygen can get to work eliminating stains. Results are instant. By the end of your procedure, your teeth are several shades whiter.

Take Home Whitening Trays

Your other option for professional whitening is whitening trays. This method allows you to whiten your teeth on your own time. We provide you with custom-made trays (made from molds of your mouth) as well as your bleaching agent. You will begin to see results in about a week.

Maintaining the Beauty of Your Smile

Whitening can give you back your beautiful smile, but it is not a permanent solution. There are, however, things you can do to extend the results:

•	Avoiding, or at least limiting, foods and beverages that lead to stains.
•	Follow meals with a glass of water (and drink plenty throughout the day).
•	Drink through a straw.
•	Quit smoking (or using any other type of tobacco products).
•	Brush and floss regularly.
•	Get regular dental cleanings and exams.

Don't let discolored teeth force you to hide your smile. With professional teeth whitening, we can help to give you back both your beautiful smile and your confidence. For more information, or to schedule your consultation, call Crossroads Family Dental today at (219) 440-2950.

(219) 440-2950
1314 Eagle Ridge Dr, Schererville IN 46375

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