Teeth whitening is a procedure related to restoring and maintaining the color of the teeth. Clean and white teeth are usually associated with healthy oral hygiene. For many people, it is an asset that gives them confidence to face people and interact with them. With teeth whitening techniques performed by Los Angeles cosmetic dentists, this is possible. While dentists consider it a common dental procedure, those who desire its guaranteed effects must still understand how it works and why it is important.

Everyone who has experienced degradation of their teeth might need whitening. The oral cavity has saliva that provides natural buffering against cavity-causing bacteria but it does not secrete any other substance that would prevent teeth from staining. After years of eating and drinking pigmented foods and beverages, one can expect his teeth to lose its deciduous whiteness. This is due to the continuous accumulation of stain on the micro-cracks on the tooth enamel, formed by years of chewing and clenching. Fortunately, this stain can be removed to recover the whiteness the teeth once had.

Teeth whitening is often mistaken with dental bleaching, which is a slightly different procedure. Many dentists and patients alike often interchange them because of their similar effects. The slight difference lies in the products used for each procedure and how they work on the teeth. Dental bleaching uses oxidizing agents that react with the saliva to form a film that improves the whiteness of the teeth, while teeth whitening uses calcium carbonate or silica to lift the stain away from the teeth.

Both techniques can be done in a dental office or at home. However, the work of a Los Angeles dentist is guaranteed safer and faster. Some procedures last in under an hour and do not involve extensive manipulation of the oral cavity. Using over-the-counter teeth whitening or bleaching products may also whiten the teeth but the effect usually takes longer to appear and last shorter than that of teeth whitening. In-office teeth whitening can last up to four months with proper maintenance.

Instead of being used as a primary method for teeth whitening, over-the-counter teeth whitening and bleaching products are best used for maintaining the whiteness of the teeth after in-office teeth whitening. This will prolong the whiteness of the teeth and a significant amount of time will pass before another visit to the dentist is due. Brushing and flossing regularly also help prevent food and other material from staining the teeth over time.

While using teeth whitening products, one has to avoid food that may stain the teeth. Constant drinking of coffee or chocolate is a major cause of teeth discoloration. Also, Los Angeles dentists recommend that patients avoid constant smoking as the tobacco in cigarettes produce stain that is very difficult to remove.