Teeth whitening and teeth cleaning are both methods by which you can get your teeth to look brighter and more aesthetically pleasing. They are easily confused by people, but they are different procedures with different results, and benefits. We have put this guide together to help you understand the differences between teeth whitening and teeth cleaning. By the time you are done reading, you will no longer be confused about them. You’ll also be able to figure out which one of the procedures is best for you, so keep reading!
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure where the teeth are bleached in order to make them appear whiter and brighter. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce discomfort and stains on the teeth from smoking, drinking, and eating. It is best done by a dental professional and can last for many months.
What is teeth cleaning?
Teeth cleaning is a dental procedure that seeks to prevent impending tooth decay rather than beautifying the teeth. It involves removing tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth and polishing them to achieve a smooth surface. It also involves flossing and assessing the teeth for any possible indicators of underlying issues such as gum disease and infections.
Teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning
Here’s more on what differentiates them:
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Procedure of teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning
Teeth cleaning usually begins with an examination by your dentist. They will usually check for tartar and plaque buildup before proceeding. If they find out that you have a buildup, they will scrape it away with a special tool. Next, they will remove discoloration and stains with a polishing tool. Then, they will use a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth and make the enamel stronger. This will prevent any decay that may happen in the future.
Like the teeth cleaning procedure, the teeth whitening procedure also starts with a consultation. Here, the dentist will talk to you about what to expect during the procedure. Next, they will use a special solution or gel to coat your teeth and use an LED light or a laser to activate it. It usually doesn’t take more than an hour.
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Goals of teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning
The aim of the teeth cleaning procedure is to remove tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth to make them healthier and cleaner. It also seeks to protect your teeth against gum disease and cavities. It doesn’t make your teeth as white as teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure, so its goal is to make your teeth look more aesthetically pleasing by removing discoloration and stains. It is done with harsher chemicals to achieve this goal. It doesn’t make your teeth as healthy as teeth cleaning.
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Methods of teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning
Teeth cleanings are usually done with manual tools like scrapers and polishers. To make sure that all the plaque and tartar come off, some dentists use an ultrasonic scaler. You can also clean your teeth at home using an electric or manual toothbrush.
Teeth whitening, on the other hand, can be done by using different methods. The most common and safest method is the in-office procedure, where lasers and chemicals are used to bleach your teeth. There are also the DIY methods where people use whitening gels and strips, and natural remedies, but those are not advisable.
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Side effects of teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning
It’s normal to experience a little discomfort after teeth cleaning, but it usually subsides within a few days. Teeth cleaning has minimal side effects, unlike teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening side effects commonly include increased sensitivity, which most patients experience. This is because whitening treatments open small pores in the enamel that cause sensitivity. Usually, it subsides and disappears after a few days. Also, using whitening products incorrectly can cause gum irritation and chemical burns. However, you can avoid this by letting a dentist carry out the procedure for you.
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Why you should clean your teeth often
Cleaning your teeth will most likely not give you results that are as aesthetically pleasing as teeth whitening. However, if you want your teeth to be healthy, it is highly recommended. Whether you do teeth whitening or not, you should get your teeth professionally cleaned at least once a month. It’s how you ensure you don’t get cavities or gum disease.
Which procedure is best for me?
If you’re not sure of which one you should opt for, you should ask yourself these questions; they’ll help you make a decision:
- What kind of procedure am I looking for? A touch-up or professional care from a dentist? If you’re looking for a touch-up, teeth whitening may be a better fit for you since it is more of a cosmetic procedure. On the other hand, if you think you need professional care, teeth cleaning may be a better option.
- Do my teeth have any underlying problems? If you’d like to do teeth whitening but you have some underlying problems with your teeth, you most likely need teeth cleaning. These issues may be infections, cavities or gum disease; they have to be dealt with first.
Can I get teeth cleaning and teeth whitening done at the same time?
Yes, you can have both procedures done on the same day. In fact, we advise our patients with underlying issues to get their teeth cleaned before going for teeth whitening because it is healthier to do it with a clean surface. However, if you have sensitive gums, you should put off the whitening procedure for a few days. We do not advise teeth whitening before teeth cleaning, as it may lead to tooth sensitivity.
Getting your teeth cleaned professionally is one of the best ways to protect your teeth from decay and cavities in the future. Likewise, getting your teeth whitened professionally is the best method for removing unwanted stains and discoloration from your teeth. If you’re looking to get one or both of these procedures done, we can help you with that. All you need to do is book a consultation with us today, and rest assured that you’ll be in good hands!
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