Table of contents
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Are You Confused? Is Teeth Polishing the Same as Teeth Whitening? Let's Break it Down!
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Understanding the Basics of Teeth Polishing
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Understanding the Basics of Teeth Whitening
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Addressing Specifics and Concerns
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Delving Deeper
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Teeth Polishing Before and After: Subtle Yet Effective Results
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Teeth Polishing Kit and Tool: Considerations for Home Use
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Teeth Polishing Price: Affordability and Insurance Coverage
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Moving Forward with Dental Care
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Empowering Your Dental Decisions
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FAQs
When it comes to dental treatments, the terminology can often be confusing. Are you struggling to differentiate between teeth polishing and teeth whitening? Well, you're not alone. Although both are procedures to enhance the beauty of your smile, both are different in their functions and processes. Let's dive into the specifics to clarify these commonly confused treatments.
Understanding the Basics of Teeth Polishing
What is teeth polishing?
Teeth polishing is a procedure commonly associated with professional dental cleaning, aimed at eliminating plaque and stains on tooth surfaces. This process uses a soft rubber cup and a special gritty paste to make the teeth shiny and clean.
What does teeth polishing do?
Teeth polishing enhances the shine and smoothness of the teeth. It helps clean external stains and minimize plaque formation, improving the appearance of your teeth. However, it does not change the innate color of your teeth; it only addresses external factors.
Importantly, a clinical review that analyzed multiple studies concluded that although routine tooth polishing was not the answer to managing gum disease, it had been found to reduce plaque, especially when done in conjunction with scaling. This makes it a useful component of normal oral hygiene practices to ensure that your teeth are clean and white.
Benefits of teeth polishing include:- Removal of Surface Stains: Since it involves the removal of external stains, teeth polishing aids in regaining the natural color of the teeth.
- Smoother Tooth Surface: Polishing removes the rough surface of the enamel and makes it difficult for the plaque and tartar to build up thus improving cleanliness.
- Reduction in Plaque Buildup: Daily polishing, especially when done together with dental scaling, has been proven to have a positive effect on the reduction of the plaques on the teeth and, therefore oral health.
Understanding the Basics of Teeth Whitening
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry process used to lighten the current shade of your teeth while focusing on the color of your natural teeth. Bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, remove stains and achieve whiteness. Professionals can perform this procedure in dental clinics, or you can use various do-it-yourself kits at home.
What does teeth whitening do?
The main goal of teeth whitening is to significantly lighten a person's tooth shade to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. It targets more deeply embedded stains, such as those brought on by coffee, red wine, smoking, and some drugs, that are difficult to remove with tooth polishing. Teeth whitening directly bleaches stain deposits by penetrating the outer layer of the enamel, as opposed to teeth polishing, which concentrates on eliminating plaque and stains from the surface.
Benefits of teeth whitening include:- Enhanced Smile Confidence: A well-proportioned smile with white teeth improves one's attitude and confidence.
- Attacking Deep Stains: Whitening goes beyond the surface to lighten deeper discolorations that standard brushing and polishing can't reach.
- Long-lasting Results: The teeth-whitening procedure's effects last for several months, if not years, when combined with appropriate oral hygiene.
- Convenience of At-Home Treatment: You can achieve the same level of whiteness as in the dentist's office with the help of at-home teeth whitening products.
Addressing Specifics and Concerns
| Features | Teeth Polishing | Teeth Whitening |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Primarily removes surface stains and plaque, and enhances smoothness of teeth. | Aims to significantly lighten the intrinsic color of teeth, targeting deep stains for a brighter smile. |
| Procedure | Performed using a special brush or rubber cup attached to a dental tool, using prophylaxis paste. | Uses bleaching agents and sometimes LED light to lighten teeth color, targeting deeper stains. |
| Cost | Usually included in standard dental cleaning fees | While professional teeth whitening can be expensive, at-home teeth whitening kits provide a more affordable option |
| Expected Resuts | Subtle improvement with smoother and cleaner teeth. | Dramatic whitening results, making teeth several shades lighter for a noticeable transformation. |
| DIY Options | Available, but professional treatment is recommended to avoid damage to enamel or gums. | Widely available, with a range of products designed for safe home use. |
| Side Effects | Teeth polishing side effects are minimal; some may experience temporary sensitivity. | Teeth whitening side effects vary between methods used. |
Delving Deeper
Typically, teeth polishing is done with specific dental tools made to improve the cleanliness and aesthetics of your teeth. According to WebMD, two primary methods are frequently employed in dentistry practices:
- Rubber Cup Polishing: This method involves a dental hygienist using a slow-speed handpiece attached to a soft rubber cup. The cup is then half-filled with a special, gritty prophylaxis paste that resembles toothpaste and placed on the teeth. When the cup rotates, the paste actually dissolves the surface stains and plaque, making the tooth surface smooth and shiny.
- Air Powder Polishing: This new method uses water, baking soda, and compressed air to improve the cleaning process. Alcohol is then applied to the teeth, cleaning the surface and preventing stains from forming on the teeth. This method is the most accurate for plaque removal and can be combined with other ultrasonic plaque removers.
Both of these teeth cleaning methods, according to WebMD, are designed to improve oral hygiene by eliminating plaque and reducing stains on teeth, making them essential components of professional orthodontics.
Teeth Polishing Before and After: Subtle Yet Effective Results
While the outcomes of teeth polishing are less dramatic than those of teeth whitening, the advantages are significant. Teeth polishing removes buildup without the use of bleaching treatments. As a result, while the color change is minimal, patients frequently report that their teeth feel wonderfully smooth and appear slightly brighter after a session. This improvement is entirely attributable to the efficient removal of surface stains and plaque.
Teeth Polishing Kit and Tool: Considerations for Home Use
Several at-home kits and tools for polishing teeth are available for those trying to maintain their dental hygiene between visits to the dentist. Baking soda is one common mild abrasive used in products of this type for scrubbing teeth. Although using baking soda as an integral tool in cleaning our teeth at home is usually relatively harmless, trying to polish them yourself is not a good idea. Home polishing can:
- Damage tooth enamel
- The damage can trap bacteria
- The trapped bacteria can lead to irritated gums
Due to these risks, while at-home kits can supplement professional care, they should not replace visits to the dentist.
Teeth Polishing Price: Affordability and Insurance Coverage
The cost of teeth polishing is often included in the charge for a regular dental cleaning, which makes it cheap oral hygiene. Your dental insurance plan will typically cover tooth polishing in addition to your yearly checkup and cleaning, effectively making it another free service. For those who don't have dental insurance, however, this can be expensive. Prices for dental examinations and cleanings when there is no coverage vary by region and with the dentist's rate schedule but run as high as around $150–$300 in most places. This is another good reason to have dental insurance for the day-to-day expenses of taking care of your teeth.
Moving Forward with Dental Care
Maintaining optimal dental health requires a combination of professional care and diligent at-home practices. Here's how you can effectively manage your oral hygiene:
- Regular Dental Visits: These sessions are crucial for preventing dental issues and maintaining overall oral health. During these visits, professional cleaning, which may involve teeth polishing, will be done to effectively dislodge the accumulated plaque and tartar that normal brushing cannot do.
- Daily Oral Hygiene: Set the basis for daily oral hygiene. This should include brushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, flossing the teeth at least once a day, and rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to minimize bacterial accumulation and improve breath.
- Consider At-Home Kits: Between professional cleanings, use at-home dental care tools or kits for the cleaning of your teeth. Although these should not be used as a substitute for professional dental care, they assist in removing plaque and surface stains. Please bear in mind that only those products approved by the dentists should be used to prevent the deterioration of the teeth and gums.
- Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet: Take a diet that is healthy for the teeth, including fruits and vegetables that have a high crunchy factor, calcium-containing foods, and plenty of water. Reduce the consumption of sweets and carbonated drinks that have a higher propensity to cause cavities and decay.
Empowering Your Dental Decisions
By understanding the difference between teeth whitening and whitening, you can make informed decisions about your oral health care. Cosmetic dentistry is ideal for routine maintenance and stain removal of superficial stains, while teeth whitening is ideal for deeper stains and more color improvement
FAQs
1. Can teeth polishing whiten my teeth?
Teeth polishing removes surface stains and makes teeth smoother but does not change the natural color like bleaching does.
2. Is teeth polishing safe?
Yes, when performed by a professional, teeth polishing is a safe way to enhance the cleanliness of your teeth.
3. How often should I get my teeth polished?
It’s typically recommended to get your teeth polished during your biannual dental check-ups.
4. Can I polish my teeth at home?
Yes, there are at-home kits available, but for optimal results and safety, professional polishing is recommended.
