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Teeth Cleaning vs Whitening: Differences You Should Know

teeth-cleaning-vs-whitening

Having white teeth is super important for several reasons! Firstly, it gives you an attractive smile that could boost your self-esteem and leave a lasting impression on others. A healthy smile is frequently linked to good oral hygiene and general well-being. Furthermore, since tooth stains are frequently associated with aging, having whiter teeth might help you appear younger. 

Additionally, having white teeth may tremendously brighten your face and improve your entire look. Last but not least, maintaining excellent oral habits like frequent brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, which are essential for a healthy mouth, could motivate you to keep your teeth white. 

Cleaning your teeth and bleaching them serve very different functions. For the best course of action for your needs, see a dentist near you.

Comparing Cleanings and Whitening

To maintain dental hygiene, teeth cleaning eliminates plaque, tartar, and stains; teeth whitening, on the other hand, lightens the color of teeth for aesthetic purposes. While bleaching compounds are used for whitening, scraping and polishing are used for cleaning.

While whitening boosts look, cleaning promotes hygiene. Both treatments are carried out by dental specialists, however, over-the-counter whitening products are also available. Teeth may be made more white by routine cleaning.

Teeth Cleaning Methods

  • Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is a common method used by dental professionals to clean teeth. It entails cleaning the surfaces of your teeth of plaque, tartar, and discolouration. A dental hygienist or dentist will gently remove the accumulation during the process using specialized equipment. 

Additionally, they could polish your teeth to give them a polished appearance. Maintaining good dental hygiene, avoiding gum disease, and preserving fresh breath all depend on prophylaxis.

  • Planing and Root Scaling

Planing and root scaling, sometimes referred to as deep cleaning or periodontal scaling, is a time-consuming method for treating gum disease and removing hard-to-remove plaque and tartar below the gumline. When there is a lot of tartar buildup and signs of gum irritation including bleeding, swelling, or recession, it is advised. 

Scaling the tooth roots helps to remove plaque and tartar, encourages gum reattachment, and stops germs from growing deeper. For comprehensive cleaning and a little discomfort, planing and root scaling are often done in areas of the mouth over several sessions.

Teeth Whitening Methods

  • In-Office Whitening

An expert teeth-whitening technique used by dentists near you is in-office whitening. This approach yields the most rapid and striking effects. A potent bleaching substance is applied to your teeth during an in-office whitening treatment, and the whitening process may be triggered by a special light or laser. 

To guarantee safety and efficacy, the dentist closely supervises the procedure. Your teeth can become much lighter in tone with in-office whitening in only one session, giving you obvious benefits right away.

  • Home Whitening Kits

An efficient choice for teeth whitening at home is using whitening kits. These kits often include whitening gel and custom-fitted trays. The trays are filled with gel, which is worn for a certain period of time, usually several hours each day or overnight. 

Compared to in-office treatments, the whitening gel in these kits has a gentler concentration of bleaching chemicals. Home whitening kits offer a progressive whitening service; to see the desired effects, numerous treatments over a number of weeks are necessary.

Come into Alpen Dental

In the end, there are indeed several distinctions between the functions of teeth cleaning and teeth whitening near you

Are you looking to receive either of these services? If so, our dentist in Red Deer can advise you on the finest strategy for getting the smile you’ve always desired. Always prioritize your dental health, and seek out specialized guidance from a dentist if you’re unsure of which path to pursue. 

FAQs

1. Can you get your teeth cleaned and whitened at the same time?

Depending on the dentist’s practice and your unique needs, you can have your teeth cleaned and whitened in the same dental appointment.

2. How much does  whitening and a cleaning cost?

The price of teeth cleaning and whitening varies depending on the patient’s location, the dentist’s practice, and the type of procedure. Professional teeth cleaning may cost between $75 and $200, while in-office teeth whitening in Red Deer can cost between $300 and $1,000+, and at-home whitening products can cost between $20 and $200.

3. Why is teeth cleaning so painful?

Because plaque and tartar are removed during tooth cleaning, there may be some slight discomfort or sensitivity. However, if you feel a lot of discomfort while having the treatment done, it can be an indication of underlying oral problems that need to be treated by your dentist.