Category Archives: Teeth Whitening

Brighten Your Smile at Home | Indianapolis Dentist

July 31, 2022Cosmetic Dentistry, general dentistry, General Health, Oral Care, Oral Health, Smile Makeover, Teeth Whiteningdental care, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental information, dentist in indianapolis, dentist in indianapolis in, DIY, DIY dental care, DIY dental tips, DIY whitening recipes, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. George Kirtley Indianapolis Indiana, Dr. Kirtley, family dentist, family dentistry, general dentist, General Dentistry, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, teeth whitening, white teeth, whiten teethadmin

The more brilliant your teeth, the better your smile looks. The problem with white teeth really lies in the degree you take your oral hygiene. You can brush & floss every day, but your teeth may not keep its natural sheen. Teeth whitening sessions, but that can get pricey. Over-the-counter versions is another route, but what if there was a way to do it without going the chemical route? Here are six easy ways to DIY your smile back to the pearly white scene you’re used to:

First, there is old reliable – hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Just drop a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into a little bit of baking soda makes a paste. Apply it as you would regular toothpaste.

These next couple take natural to a whole new level – fruit. Grab a couple strawberries, add about a teaspoon of baking soda & rub the paste on your teeth for 5-7 minutes. Or peel a ripe banana and rub a piece along the inside of your teeth for two minutes.

If you have some apple cider vinegar in your pantry, dilute it with some water (3 parts water, 1 part vinegar) and mix it with an all-natural toothpaste, you’ve made yourself a pretty efficient tooth whitening solution. If you have coconut oil, swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes.

Lastly, there’s activated charcoal. The porous nature of the charcoal turns out that it can also be fantastic at binding to bacteria before it can leave stains on teeth. Mix with a little bit of water, gently apply it to your teeth, leave to set in your mouth for two minutes, then rinse.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Tips to Drinking Red Wine Without Staining Your Teeth | Indianapolis Dentist

January 31, 2022Dental Health, general dentistry, General Health, Oral Care, Oral Health, Teeth Whiteningat home teeth whitening, cosmetic dentist indianapolis, dental care, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental information, dental issues, dental tips, dentist in indianapolis, dentist in indianapolis in, DIY whitening recipes, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. George Kirtley Indianapolis Indiana, Dr. Kirtley, General Dentistry, Great Lakes Family Dental, Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, stained teeth, teeth stains, teeth whitening, teeth whitening treatment, tooth stains, tooth whitening, tooth whitening indianapolis, white teeth, whitening procedure, whitening toothpaste, wine stains, zoom whiteningadmin

If you’re a red wine drinker, you know that a purple-tinged smile is a real thing. Because of its dark pigments, it is easy to seep into the porous material that makes up our teeth. This is why our teeth begin to tinge after a while if our dental hygiene isn’t very good. Coffee is the same thing – in fact, any dark foods or beverages will eventually begin to dye our smiles. But it doesn’t need to be a permanent situation. There are plenty of whitening treatment options available, both over-the-counter and in-office variations, like ZOOM! whitening.

While no home remedies are as effective as professional whitening, these tips, along with keeping up with your regular dental checkups and cleaning, can help you reduce keep your smile as bright as possible in between professional cleanings.

Before you drink that wine, brush your teeth. If your teeth are free from plaque and tartar, it is more difficult for stains to adhere to your teeth. By using an enamel-strengthening toothpaste and mouthwash, you begin to build up stain resistance.

If you notice that your lips and teeth are beginning to get that red wine hue, wipe your teeth with a cloth napkin. The sooner you wipe, the less time the wine has to set into your teeth. Another trick is a quick rinse with water after each glass. Ultimately, a good brushing with provide the best results.

Something that goes hand in hand with wine is cheese. Thankfully, cheese is a great way to stave off tooth stains. Cheese contains calcium, which strengthens your teeth and closes those tiny micro-pores that makes staining so easy.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Which Cosmetic Dental Procedure Will Improve Your Smile? | Indianapolis Dentist

July 31, 2021Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, Dental Health, dental implants, Dental Implants, general dentistry, General Health, implant dentistry, Oral Care, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Teeth Crowding, Teeth Whitening, VeneersBonding, cosmetic dentist indianapolis, crown lengthening, dental bonding, dental bridges, dental care, dental crowns, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental implants, dental information, dental procedures, dentist in indianapolis, dentist in indianapolis in, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. George Kirtley Indianapolis Indiana, Dr. Kirtley, george kirtley indianapolis, Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Indianpolis Cosmetic Dentist, indianpolis in, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, porcelain veneers indianapolis in, restorative dentistry, Smile makeover, teeth whitening, teeth whitening treatment, tooth whitening indianapolis, Veneers, veneers indianapolisadmin

When the time comes for a new smile, there are loads of procedures available to repair whatever condition your smile is in. All you need to get started is a dental appointment. Once you’re there, you can discuss the various dental procedures available to you depending on your particular case. Here are the common cosmetic procedures and how they can improve your smile.

Teeth whitening. Everyone’s teeth get discolored or stained from time to time. Teeth whitening, or bleaching, can be done in a dentist’s office or at home with a system dispensed by the dentist.

Bonding. Life is full of accidental mishaps, sometimes those mishaps mess up our teeth. Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or gapped by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface, making them nearly impossible to distinguish.

Veneers. Another variation of the bonding technique are veneers. These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth to disguise discoloration or imperfections.

Tooth reshaping. This procedure changes the actual look of your teeth by modifying or removing enamel, completely changing the look of your tooth. Tooth reshaping (also known as dental contouring) is often combined with bonding.

Crown lengthening. Sometimes it isn’t the teeth that are the issue, it’s the gums. This “gummy” smile or an uneven gum line can be fixed by removing excess gum tissue, exposing more of the tooth’s crown to give the appearance of longer teeth.

Smile makeovers. Deciding your smile needs an entire makeover involves a comprehensive assessment of the overall appearance of the teeth and smile. Typically, several cosmetic dentistry procedures are required to overhaul the look of a patient’s smile, but the results will be staggering.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Smile Makeovers Will Change Your Life | Indianapolis Dentist

April 30, 2021Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, Dental Implants, dental implants, general dentistry, General Health, implant dentistry, Oral Care, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Teeth, Teeth Whitening, Veneersbeautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentist, cosmetic dentist indianapolis, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental care, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental information, dental procedures, dentist in indianapolis, dentist in indianapolis in, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. George Kirtley Indianapolis Indiana, Dr. Kirtley, General Dentistry, Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Indianpolis Cosmetic Dentist, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, smile design, Smile makeover, Smiles by Georgeadmin

They say that first impressions last, and few, if any, makes more of an impression than your smile. This is why it’s important that your smile make as good of an impression as it can. If you are, however, like most people, you’ve likely dreamt of having a better-looking smile, one that’s straighter, and preferably, whiter. To get that smile, a process known as a smile makeover may just be what you need.

A smile makeover is a process whose main goal is to improve the appearance of the smile through a combination of various cosmetic dentistry treatments or procedures. The list of treatments includes, but are not limited to, dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants and teeth whitening. It is similar to a full mouth reconstruction where multiple procedures are involved. However, the two differ in that a smile makeover is elective, while a full mouth reconstruction is necessary.

More than being a cosmetic procedure, though, a smile makeover carries a lot of functional and health benefits as well. Cosmetic dental treatments alone are expensive enough, which makes it safe to say that a series of such treatments is bound to cost a lot.

But it is worth it? If you’re perfectly content with what you have, then good for you. However, if you’re like many others whose personal and professional life is and has been suffering because of how much trouble they have smiling, then you may want to really consider getting a smile makeover treatment.

Yes, a smile makeover is expensive, but as long as you see your smile as something that you’ll own and wear for the rest of your life, it is a worthy investment for a lifetime of smiles.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Ways to Brighten Your Smile | Indianapolis Dentist

December 31, 2020Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, general dentistry, General Health, Oral Care, Oral Health, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Teeth Whiteningat home teeth whitening, Cosmetic Dentist, cosmetic dentist indianapolis, Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dentists, dental care, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental information, dental issues, dentist in indianapolis, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. Kirtley, family dentistry, General Dentistry, george kirtley indianapolis, Great Lakes Family Dental, Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Indianpolis Cosmetic Dentist, teeth bleaching, teeth whitening, teeth whitening treatment, tooth whitening, tooth whitening indianapolis, white teeth, whitening toothpasteadmin

As we prepare to embark on another year, it is important to try to start it off on the right foot. For some of us, it is a brighter smile. And while we do our best to keep up with our dental hygiene, over time our teeth will begin to develop a yellowish tinge. It’s time for a teeth whitening treatment. But which to choose? Here is a quick breakdown to help you as you decide which option to choose.

Zoom! Plus teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can help you achieve a beautifully white smile by bleaching your teeth and removing any deep stains that cannot be removed by brushing or hygiene appointments. Here at our Indianapolis teeth whitening office, we use the latest Zoom! Plus, in-office laser tooth whitening system as seen on hit TV shows such as Extreme Makeover. The Zoom! system delivers great results and in about 1 hour we can brighten your teeth by several shades.

Home bleaching

In addition to in-office power whitening, we also offer professional home bleaching kits. We custom fabricate whitening trays to fit over your teeth and then supply you with a professional-grade tooth whitening solution to carry out the whitening procedure in the comfort of your own home. The home bleaching delivers results over a longer time period. Many of our patients choose combination treatment with in-office whitening followed by the home bleaching. This enables you to maintain your beautiful white smile and top it up whenever you want.

There is no reason we have to start the year with a less than perfect smile. It’s time to schedule an appointment to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? | Indianapolis Dentist

November 30, 2020Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, Dental Health, dental implants, Dental Implants, general dentistry, General Health, implant dentistry, Oral Care, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Teeth, Teeth Whitening, Veneersaesthetic dentistry, braces, Bridges, composite fillings, Composite Veneers, computer digital imaging, Cosmetic Dentist, cosmetic dentist indianapolis, Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic digital imaging, crowns, damaged teeth, dental bonding, dental care, dental crowns, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental information, dentist in indianapolis in, digital imaging, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. Kirtley, gold fillings, Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Indianpolis Cosmetic Dentist, invisalign, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, orthodontics, orthodontist, porcelain fillings, porcelain veneers, Porcelain Veneers Bloomington In, porcelain veneers indianapolis in, restorative dentistry, Smile makeover, stained teeth, teeth stains, teeth whitening, Veneers, veneers indianapolisadmin

We know that the dentist will keep our smiles healthy, but they are also here to improve your smile through the use of cosmetic dentistry. But what exactly is cosmetic dentistry and how does it benefit you and your smile? Let’s take a second to break down the various procedures and how they can improve your smile. Common cosmetic procedures include the following:

Composite white fillings repair cavities without having silver filling in the mouth. Existing metal fillings can be replaced with modern white resin
Bonding uses composite resin to help change the size, shape, or color of teeth. Because it attaches to teeth in the same way that composite fillings attach, bonding can be used to fix chips on visible front teeth.
Teeth that are discolored or stained can be whitened – either in the office or using take-home trays
Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain on top of the tooth that can be used to change tooth shape, size, or color.
Crowns can be used as a cap on top of teeth damaged by cracks or decay
Orthodontics – either traditional or Invisalign – can be used to permanently straighten teeth.
Gum tissue can be surgically altered – either added via grafts to help with recession, or removed to create a more appealing tooth length
For missing, broken, or severely damaged teeth, full implants can be used to provide a replacement tooth

Because modern dentists have implants as a final catchall, virtually any problem can be solved given enough time and room in the patient’s budget. However, your dentist will be able to guide you through the process, creating a treatment plan that maps the various procedures and prioritizes them for maximum effectiveness.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Keeping ‘Em White: Refrigerator Edition | Indianapolis Dentist

July 31, 2019Dental Health, general dentistry, General Health, Oral Care, Oral Health, Teeth Whiteningcosmetic dentist indianapolis, dental care, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental tips, DIY dental tips, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. George Kirtley Indianapolis Indiana, Dr. Kirtley, family dentistry, General Dentistry, george kirtley indianapolis, Great Lakes Family Dental, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, saliva production, Smile makeover, teeth whitening, tooth enamel, tooth whitening, whitening toothpasteadmin

We all try everything to have the whitest smile we can. Brushing, over-the-counter products and professional teeth whitening procedures are all options, but have you ever thought you could brighten your grin in your kitchen? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.

The following 10 foods were recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile.

Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps break up plaque.
Ginger can protect against periodontal disease, an inflammatory process that causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.
Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.
Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which help reduce acid in your mouth.
Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Chewing nuts can also provide this coarse, scrubbing action. Sesame seeds also contain bone and teeth-strengthening calcium.
Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.
Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating them raw is a must as cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.
Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.
Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Just the Facts: Porcelain Veneers Edition | Indianapolis Dentist

April 30, 2019Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, general dentistry, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Teeth, Teeth Whitening, VeneersCEREC, cosmetic dentist indianapolis, Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dentists, dentist in indianapolis in, Dr. George Kirtley, family dentistry, General Dentistry, Great Lakes Family Dental, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, patient care, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers indianapolis in, restorative dentistry, teeth whitening, tooth enamel, tooth whitening, Veneersadmin

Dental work has been known to be rather dicey in the past, but today’s technology has given the option to have it done without anyone noticing with natural-looking materials. Porcelain veneers are considered among the most beautiful and natural-looking means of improving one’s smile. Many people know how aesthetically beneficial these veneers are, but there’s more than meets the eye. Below are a few must know facts about porcelain veneers:

Most cosmetic dentists recommend only 8 to 10 veneers on top since the upper teeth are the ones that show the most when a person smiles, but the decision will be based on a number of factors, including the patient’s smile goals, a patient’s smile, how they speak and their budget.

Cosmetic dentists will have to remove around 0.5 mm of the tooth’s original enamel, making them an irreversible form of treatment.

The typical fabrication time for porcelain laminate veneers is one week, though this may be cut down considerably with CEREC.

While porcelain is a very strong and durable material, but you’ll be making a few necessary changes to one’s lifestyle and diet to prevent damaging the veneer. The use of mouth guards when playing contact sports is also highly recommended.

Porcelain veneers can last for as long as twenty years, but gum line shrinkage may require for the veneer to be removed or replaced.

Porcelain veneers can withstand stains, but the surrounding teeth cannot, so periodic teeth whitening treatments and good oral hygiene at home make sure that the veneers stay natural-looking.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to find out what kind of treatment your teeth needs to be healthier and to look better. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Why Are My Teeth Turning Yellow? | Indianapolis Dentist

January 30, 2019Cosmetic Dentistry, general dentistry, Oral Care, Teeth, Teeth Whiteningaesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentist, cosmetic dentist indianapolis, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental care, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dentin, discolored teeth, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. George Kirtley Indianapolis Indiana, Dr. Kirtley, family dentistry, fluoride, General Dentistry, Great Lakes Family Dental, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, restorative dentistry, Smile makeover, stained teeth, teeth whitening, teeth whitening treatment, tooth whitening, white teeth, yellow teethadmin

teeth whitening You have all the tools you need to keep your smile bright and shiny, but for some reason the brilliant white in your teeth has begun to fade. How is this happening? Isn’t brushing the main reason our teeth stay white? The answer is yes…and no. Yes, daily dental hygiene is the way you need to keep your dental health intact. But your teeth can also begin to change because of other factors, like your diet. When you keep a certain diet regularly, the outer layers of your teeth get stained over the years. When these outside sources of staining are left to sit on the teeth until your next brushing, the dentin on your teeth becomes yellowish or darkened. Contributing factors to yellowing, stained teeth:

Tetracycline based antibiotics used before the age of 8 years old
Excessive exposure to fluoride as a child
Internal bleeding due to trauma
Discoloration due to a health condition
Natural aging- as time goes by enamel gets thinner and thinner and will get a yellowish hue
Soda
Wine
Smoking
Caffeine

So, now that we know what causes our teeth to become dingy looking, how do we prevent this from happening? The best way to help your stained discolored teeth is professional tooth whitening. But in between these treatments, keeping your daily dental hygiene up by brushing with a toothpaste with whitening agents at least twice a day. If a toothbrush isn’t available at the time, rinse your mouth with water several times a day with water. Sound too easy? It really is.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to find out what kind of treatment your teeth needs to be healthier and to look better. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Bazooka Joe Is Saving Your Smile | Indianapolis Dentist

September 5, 2018Bad Breath, Dental Health, general dentistry, General Health, Gingivitis, Gum Chewing, Oral Care, Oral Health, Teeth Whiteningbad breath, cavities, chewing gum, dental care, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental informaiton, dental tips, DIY dental tips, Dr. George Kirtley, Dr. George Kirtley Indianapolis Indiana, Dr. Kirtley, family dentistry, General Dentistry, Great Lakes Family Dental, gum, Gum disease, Indianapolis Dentist, Indianapolis IN, Oral care, oral health, oral hygiene, periodontal, preventative dentistry, saliva, saliva production, teeth whitening, Tooth Decay, tooth whitening, xylitoladmin

Okay so, maybe that isn’t exactly true. But it is safe to say, millions of Americans chew gum. Some use it for the fresh breath, some us it to curb food cravings, some just like to chew gum for the bubbles, but chewing gum is really good for your teeth. But all chewing gum isn’t the same.

First, the science. The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. In fact, clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. It’s always best to brush and floss, but if a toothbrush isn’t handy, sugar free gum is a great second option.

It’s important to note that it’s important to chew sugarless gum, and if possible, choose gum sweetened with Xylitol. Tooth decay starts when bacteria in your mouth consumes sugar – whether that sugar comes from a sugary drink such as cola or ice cream from dessert, it stays within your mouth and attaches to the surface of your teeth. When that sugar is allowed to stay in contact with your teeth, it provides an opportunity for decay to set in as bacteria has food to grow and multiply within your mouth. When you chew gum, the additional saliva neutralizes oral acids and flushes sugar away from the teeth, starving bacteria and protecting your teeth from cavities.

Visit Great Lakes Family Dental today and schedule an appointment to find out what kind of treatment your teeth needs to be healthier and to look better. Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Great Lakes Family Dental proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.