Teeth Whitening
Tulsa, OK
When you smile, your teeth are the first thing that people notice. The appearance of your teeth can significantly impact the quality of your smile, and the impressions that you leave on those around you. When your teeth are discolored, it can dull the shine of your smile, dragging down the impact of your smile. Discoloration can also impact your confidence. At Smiles of Tulsa, we can restore the brilliant white shine to your smile with teeth whitening.
Causes of Discoloration
Your teeth are naturally bright white in color. However, there are many factors that can contribute to the dulling of their color and shine. These factors include:
| • |
The foods and beverages you consume. Certain types of foods and drinks contain dark pigments that stick to the enamel of your teeth.
|
| • |
Smoking and other tobacco products.
|
| • |
Certain medications.
|
| • |
Age. |
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a form of professional whitening that is performed right here in our office. It only requires about an hour of your time. It uses only two things, the whitening gel and light, to whiten both your enamel and the dentin below. The active ingredient in the teeth whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide. Where most other professional whitening products contain 35% to 50% hydrogen peroxide, the teeth whitening gel contains only 15%. The gel is almost completely neutral in pH, and compatible with your tooth enamel. It is specifically designed to respond to the specialized light system that is used for this particular whitening treatment. The light emits blue light, which activates the active ingredient, causing the peroxide to break down into oxygen bubbles that work to eliminate stains. The light also accelerates the whitening process and helps to achieve amazing results in about 60 minutes. In most cases, your teeth can be whitened 6 to 10 shades.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The process for teeth whitening is fairly simple. A lip retractor is placed in your mouth to keep your lips clear of the treatment area. We apply the whitening gel to the surfaces of your teeth. Next, we shine the light directly on your teeth. This light is completely safe and emits almost no heat or UV rays. The light stays over your teeth for 20 minutes while you sit back and relax. This process of gel application and light is repeated twice more, and you leave the office with a whiter, brighter, more beautiful smile.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
We are highly trained and experienced with teeth whitening. Whitening is one of the safest cosmetic procedures that we can perform. While it is ideal for most people to achieve a more beautiful smile, whitening is not recommended for children under 13 or women who are pregnant or nursing.
How Do I Maintain the Results?
While effective, whitening is not a permanent solution. The same factors that contributed to your discoloration in the first place can cause new stains to occur. There are ways that you can make the results last, however. Limit foods and beverages that cause stains. Quit smoking. Brush and floss your teeth every day. By actively working to maintain the results, you can ensure a bright, white smile for many years to come.
With brighter, whiter teeth, you can smile confidently once again, and finally, make the lasting impressions that you want to leave. For more information, and to find out if teeth whitening is right for you, call Smiles of Tulsa today at (918) 891-3059. |
Waze
