When it comes to ensuring that your smile is healthy, regular professional cleanings are among the most effective things that you can do. From a purely aesthetic perspective, however, while professional cleanings certainly contribute to the brightness and beauty of a smile, teeth whitening can be more effective. Which to choose?
Today, we’re looking at professional teeth cleanings and teeth whitening to help you make an informed decision about which is right for you!
What Is a Teeth Cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning is a common dental procedure in which a dentist or dental hygienist uses a variety of special tools to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth.
This process typically begins with an examination of the teeth and mouth. Once this is complete, the cleaning begins. Using special tools, the dentist proceeds to:
- Remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, above and below the gumline.
- Polish the surfaces of the teeth using a gritty toothpaste.
- Floss between the teeth to remove any remaining plaque or debris.
- Apply a fluoride gel to strengthen enamel and ward off cavities.
What Does Professional Teeth Whitening Entail?
Whitening, meanwhile, is a cosmetic procedure whose aim is to improve the appearance of a person’s smile by brightening tooth color and removing discoloration. Teeth whitening can be performed in a dental office or with at-home kits. The process for professional, in-office whitening typically goes thusly:
- The patient’s teeth and gums are examined to ensure that they’re suitable for whitening.
- The teeth are thoroughly cleaned, as described above.
- Barriers or guards are placed inside the mouth to protect gums from the whitening agent, which is typically either a bleaching gel or a solution containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
- The whitening agent is applied to the surfaces of the teeth and then “activated” using either a laser, a special light, or a heat source.
It’s worth noting that, while the results of professional whitening can be immediate, multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired level of whitening.
