Is teeth cleaning the same as teeth whitening? While they may seem similar, they have a world of difference between them. Dentists often suggest that patients take both treatments if they want to achieve a perfect, radiant smile and the best oral hygiene.
Knowing the distinction between teeth whitening and teeth cleaning can help you decide which one is the right treatment for you. Read this blog till the end to learn about the similarities and differences between teeth whitening and teeth cleaning.
Is Teeth Cleaning The Same As Professional Teeth Whitening?
Unfortunately no! While both may make your teeth look cleaner and brighter, they are entirely different in purpose, technique, and outcome. While dental cleaning is a preventive care treatment, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic dental procedure.
Here is a comparison for a clear understanding:
Professional Teeth Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) involves removing plaque and tartar using ultrasonic and manual instruments. The steps include:
- Scaling: Removing the complete plaque and hard tartar along the gum line.
- Polishing: This includes smoothening the tooth surfaces and also lightening surface stains. Note that it helps remove surface stains, not necessarily lighten intrinsic stains.
- Fluoride application: Fluoride application after cleaning prevents tooth decay and protects the enamel. It is not done in every dental cleaning procedure, and is more common in children or high-cavity-risk adults.
Prime Benefits
- Prevents the chances of gum disease
- Removes plaque that can progress to cavities
- Freshens your breath and removes halitosis
- Eradicates the surface stains and removes tartar and surface stains, giving teeth a cleaner and slightly brighter appearance.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a procedure done in the cosmetic dentistry department. It aims to improve the discoloration and surface of the teeth. It does not have any effect on improving the oral hygiene of the patient.
The procedure includes:
- The dentist uses a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the enamel and brighten the teeth.
- Some systems use light or laser activation to enhance the effect, though results may vary.
- At-home teeth whitening dental kits are available that may also whiten your teeth, but they do not remove plaque and tartar, nor do they have the same results as in-house teeth whitening. Note that dentist-supervised take-home trays are more effective and safer than OTC kits.
The Key Benefits:
- Strongly work on the intrinsic staining or pigments that discolor your teeth
- Improves your smile’s appearance but does not affect your oral health
- You will notice 8-10 times whiter teeth unlike professional dental cleaning.
The Last Message
Dental cleaning and whitening are not the same procedures because one is a hygienic treatment while the other is a cosmetic treatment. Taking both treatments collectively offers great benefits.
If you are looking for a place where you can get both preventive care and cosmetic dentistry treatment, then visit DentaLand Dentistry. We offer result-based treatments with 100% patient satisfaction. Call us at (832) 674-8377 to get your appointment.