Does Teeth Scaling And Polishing Make Teeth Whiter?

Has it ever struck you that when you brushed your teeth, you can’t help but notice there are some stains around the teeth that are persistent and hard to remove even though you have repeatedly brushed them?

Well, you should stop brushing your teeth so hard to remove them, because these stains can’t be removed just by brushing. Also, when you just brush your teeth as usual, do your gums easily bleed?

These might be some indications that you need to book an appointment with your dentist for teeth scaling and polishing session!

Teeth Scaling and Polishing are commonly practised procedures to thoroughly clean up your teeth, removing surface stains, plaques, and calculus (it doesn’t involve math, we promise).

At this point you might wonder, does it whiten my teeth? Well, let’s look into what scaling and polishing are first, then it will be easier to understand.

What Is Teeth Scaling And Polishing? And What Does It Involve?

Teeth polishing and scaling are important dental procedures that help to remove plaque and tartar (also known as calculus) from the teeth.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, while tartar is a hardened form of plaque that forms when calcium that is naturally produced in saliva meets with the sugar we consume.

Plaque, which contains the bacteria will facilitate the reaction, forming the solid structure of the calculus. Both plaque and tartar are acidic and can cause tooth decay and gum disease, so it is important to remove them on a regular basis.

Even though you have a solid teeth hygiene routine, plaque and tartar are often hard to remove on your own, because they are located in hard-to-reach places and often stick strongly to the teeth surface.

To effectively remove them, teeth scaling and polishing are required. In White Perfect, these procedures are performed using cutting-edge technologies operated by our experienced dentist.

In Scaling, an ultrasonic device will vibrate off plaques and tartar from your teeth, followed by hand instruments to scale off deeper areas beneath the gum unreachable by the machine.

After scaling has been done, our dentists will proceed to polish the surface of the teeth, restoring the original colour of the teeth before they were stained.

Polishing involves the use of a rotating brush to remove any surface stains and smooth the teeth’s surface, giving it a clean, glossy look

Does Scaling and Polishing Whiten Your teeth?

No. Scaling and polishing do not whiten your teeth, they only restore the teeth’s original colour.

Plaques, tartar, and other stains are often visible with bare eyes on your teeth and they give an unpleasant appearance.

By cleaning them off via scaling and polishing, however, your teeth will look cleaner, brighter, and smoother.

These procedures can also help to maintain healthy teeth and gum, as well as remove bad breaths, as they often result from a build-up of tartar. Win back the confidence in your smile!

Do Your Teeth Need Scaling and Polishing?

When you have no complaints, regular visits at least twice a year to the dentist can help to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.

During your appointment, our professional dentists will do a thorough examination of your overall oral condition and consult you on necessary treatments.

Since scaling and polishing are quick and safe procedures, it is advisable to undergo the procedure as a part of your regular visits.

However, depending on the degree of calculus formation and complexity of the condition, we may recommend multiple visits.

This is often the case for people who are at risk for gum disease or who have existing dental problems.

However, when you feel discomfort around your gum and teeth, as well as bad breath and discolouration in the teeth from staining and plaques, you may request scaling and polishing.

Do not wait too long, because these might be signs of calculus build-up. If you are still not sure, book an appointment anyway!

We will be happy to advise and consult you on what’s necessary.

What is The Difference Between Teeth Whitening and Teeth Scaling and Polishing?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that is used to whiten the colour of teeth. The most common type of teeth whitening uses bleaching agents, which are applied to the teeth and then activated with a special light.

Scaling and polishing, on the other hand, are preventive dental procedures that are used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.

Scaling involves using a special tool to scrape away plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gum.

In contrast, polishing uses a rotating brush to buff away any remaining debris and smoothen the teeth’s surface.

Both scaling and polishing can help to restore the original colour of the teeth, but it won’t be as white as teeth whitening, since its main purpose is to clean the teeth.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Teeth Scaling and Polishing Procedures?

Since these procedures have been around for quite some time, they are practised and supported by numerous research on their safety.

There are very few risks associated with teeth polishing and scaling procedures, and these risks are treatable.

Since the scaling cleans the area around the teeth, including regions beneath the gum, your patients may experience slight discomfort, irritation, and minor bleeding.

However, these conditions are fleeting and most of the time do not require treatment. if it is unbearable, patients may also request local anaesthesia to numb out the area being worked on.

Conclusion

Teeth polishing and scaling are necessary procedures for keeping your teeth healthy and looking good.

These procedures may not be able to fully whiten your teeth, but they can give the clean appearance you can rely on!

Don’t wait to get your teeth cleaned. When you have doubts, you can always contact us for an appointment! Your smile is our pride.