Everybody would aspire to the dazzling, Hollywood smile that is so confident and healthy. But once you enter a dental office, there is so much treatment you cannot even think of. Teeth Scaling and Polishing and Teeth Whitening are the two most requested procedures by patients.

Though both treatments lead to a cleaner and brighter appearance, the reasons, process, and the outcome of the two are entirely different. In case you are not sure what kind of treatment you require, the following guide will break it down to get to know all you should know about the difference between these two necessary dental operations.

What is Teeth Scaling and Polishing?

Teeth Scaling and Polishing is a preventive dental treatment also known as professional dental cleaning or oral prophylaxis. It does not aim at cosmetics but is aimed at keeping your gums and teeth healthy.

The Scaling Process

Scaling entails the application of special dental tools-typically an ultrasonic scaler—to take away the plaque and tartar (calculus) off the surface of your teeth and off of the cracks between your teeth and gums.

The sticky film of bacteria that is deposited on the teeth is known as plaque. Otherwise, it will become hardened in the form of tartar. Tartar is so tough and it cannot be removed at home using a toothbrush. Carefully during scaling, the dentist or the dental hygienist scrapes these deposits so that gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented.

The Polishing Process

After the scaling, the process of polishing takes place. A dentist employs a soft rubber cup or brush that rotates, as well as a paste that is a little bit abrasive. This process eliminates the surface stains that are brought about by food, coffee, or smoking. It also provides a smooth texture to the enamel and thus, makes it less likely to see the plaque adhering to the teeth in the future.

• The Outcome: Your teeth have become smooth, you have freshened your breath and made your gums healthier. Although your teeth might appear a little whiter due to the fact that they have lost surface stains, the basic color of your teeth has not changed.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Whitening of teeth is an aesthetic operation. It is only to enhance the aesthetic value of your smile by whitening your teeth.

How Whitening Works

Whitening is a chemical procedure involving chemical bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as opposed to the physical removal of physical debris on the surface as in Teeth Scaling and Polishing. They enter the porous stuff of the enamel of your teeth, and dissolve deep-seated (intrinsic) stains that accumulate gradually over the years.

It can be either a professional in-office laser treatment or a tailor-made take-home system, but the point remains to alter the real colour of the tooth. Whitening is able to lighten your teeth several shades lighter than it would have appeared naturally.

• The Effect: A much whitener and brighter smile. Nevertheless, it does not eliminate tartar and gum disease and just changes the color of it.

The Major Differences Between Scaling and Whitening

To make you make the best choice of the smile, we are going to compare these two treatments in terms of a few categories:

• Goal: Health vs. Beauty: The greatest distinction is the objective. Teeth Scaling and Polishing is a medical requirement. It is done in order to avert gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (gum disease). Whitening of teeth is a luxury item that is available to individuals who desire to enhance their beauty.

• Frequency of Treatment:

  • Scaling and Polishing: It is advised by the majority of dentists once in 6 months. In case of a past history of gum problems, you may require it after every 3-4 months.

  • Whitening: It is not one of the regular demands. Whitening will take between 6 months and 2 years depending on lifestyle (coffee or wine drinking).

• Impact on Tooth Color: Teeth Scaling and Polishing will only remove extrinsic stains—the stains that are on the very top of your tooth. Whitening addresses intrinsic stains—the stains that have percolated in the tooth over the years. Scaling restores your teeth to the natural color, while whitening takes them to something even better than the natural one.

• Pain and Sensitivity: Scaling is not painful except that there may be a vibration or slight pressure. Since whitening entails chemical penetration into the enamel of the tooth, it may at times lead to temporary sensitivity to heat or cold.

The Reason Behind Teeth Scaling and Polishing Being a Requisite

The main error that a patient commits is that they want to dive directly into the whitening process. But nearly any well-known dentist will demand that Teeth Scaling and Polishing be done before commencing a whitening program.

Why is this necessary?
In case a dentist uses whitening gel covering the teeth with a presence of tartar, the gel is not able to reach the enamel covered with the tartar. The result of this is patchy or uneven whitening. Moreover, the bleaching agents may irritate sick gums or inflamed gums. The advantage of cleaning first is that it provides a healthy base and a far more consistent whitening effect.

Which One Do You Need?

You require Teeth Scaling and Polishing if:

• You are more than six months overdue for a dental appointment.

• Your gums bleed when you brush and floss.

• You have chronic bad breath (halitosis).

• You are able to notice hard, yellow, or brown attachments (tartar) around the gum.

• Your demand is to take care of all your oral health and you do not want your teeth to be lost.

You need Teeth Whitening if:

• The last time you were professionally cleaned was just a few moments ago.

• You do not like the yellowish or dull color of your teeth.

• You are going to have a special day, such as a wedding or a job interview.

• You desire to have a better smile for your self-confidence.

The Costs and Long-Term Value

Teeth Scaling and Polishing is far cheaper and in most cases is included as a preventive measure in dental insurance plans. It helps you to save in the long run by avoiding costly restorative procedures such as fillings, root canals, or gum surgery.

Whitening of the teeth is normally not covered by insurance. It may be more expensive, but the psychological aspect of a bright smile can greatly pay off in the investment of many patients.

Conclusion

The battle of Scaling and Polishing vs. Whitening has no actual winner as they are on the same team. The performance of Teeth Scaling and Polishing is the vital treatment that your body requires to remain healthy, whereas the improvement of Teeth Whitening is the practice that will keep you looking at your best.

To have a really flawless smile, first have your teeth professionally cleaned to get out the debris and tartar, and then discuss with your dentist the most appropriate whitening solutions for your type of enamel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does scaling and polishing make my teeth white?
It will make them appear cleaner and lighter by getting rid of outside stains (such as tea and coffee), but it will not alter the real color of your tooth enamel. You require whitening in case you want your actual shade to change.

2. Is polishing and scaling of teeth painful?
It is not painful for a majority of the patients. There might be a certain scraping sensation or vibration. In case you have sensitive teeth or have significant tartar buildup, the dentist can use a numbing gel to ensure there is no chance of pain.

3. What is the length of the period for scaling and polishing?
The average time per session is normally 30 minutes to 45 minutes, according to the quantity of the plaque and tartar present.

4. Is it possible to whiten teeth at home once scaled?
Yes, however, the most appropriate method is to use a kit given by your dentist. OTC (over-the-counter) products are weaker and may even be abrasive to your enamel when used in a wrong manner.

5. Is my scaling going to cause my teeth to become loose?
No. This is a common myth. Scaling eliminates the tartar which was leading to gum recession. When you feel that your teeth are not exactly the same as they used to be after scaling, it is merely because the tartar that used to fill the gaps between the teeth is no longer there and your gums are starting to recover.