Learn How Whitening Works from Your Cosmetic Dentist in Oklahoma City

Having healthy teeth is a wonderful thing but sometimes we just need a little boost in our smile’s appearance. Stains can appear throughout our day and simple brushing, even with a whitening toothpaste, just isn’t enough to remove intrinsic stains. When you get in-office whitening from your cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City, you can expect a smile multiple shades whiter in a single visit!

You don’t have to worry about your enamel though. This process whitens teeth safely and effectively. Keep reading to learn how it works.

A Brief Breakdown of your Tooth’s Anatomy

The tooth consists of three main parts: enamel, dentin, and pulp. When we talk about whitening, you only need to be concerned about the enamel and dentin in particular. These areas are essential to understand when learning about the teeth whitening process.

Enamel consists of tiny tubules and is the hardest tissue in the human body. Dentin sits directly behind it. When enamel becomes worn down, it’s actually the dentin that becomes more exposed, causing discoloration to occur. While surface stains can easily be removed at home with whitening products, some stains are intrinsic, meaning they exist deeper inside the tooth. These stains require more professional ingredients and techniques to remove and typically multiple treatments.

How Zoom! Whitening Works

When you receive whitening from your cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City, you don’t have to worry about your enamel being damaged. Unlike some abrasive agents found in alternative whitening methods, in-office whitening uses hydrogen peroxide whitening gel in tandem with light to penetrate teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration in the process. It travels through enamel and treats the dentin layer directly, removing those stubborn intrinsic stains.

Beforehand, you’ll brush your teeth as normal to remove any food particles that could disrupt treatment. First, your dentist covers your lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. Then he’ll apply the gel and switch the light on, pointing it at your smile. The gel remains in place for 15 minutes, but the treatment can be done multiple times to achieve a brighter smile. Depending on how bright you want your smile, the appointment can take up to two hours to complete.

How to Care for Your New Smile

After your treatment, you’ll also be given custom-made touchup kits to keep your smile looking white. Your dentist may also advise that you avoid staining foods, such as wine, coffee, cola, and tea. You’ll also want to avoid using tobacco products since they cause significant staining. Take note of any instructions your dentist tells you after treatment as well.

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you’re maintaining an effective at-home oral care routine. This means brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily. Consider using a whitening toothpaste two times a week to remove surface stains.

Looking for a way to remove intrinsic stains? Schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City to get a whiter smile that lasts for months!

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Today, he uses the latest technology and techniques to make your smile looking its best. To learn more about his practice, contact him at (405) 751-5515 or visit his website.