Aside from the obvious benefit of giving your smile a whiter appearance, teeth cleaning and whitening can also improve your overall dental health. Having your teeth cleaned helps remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
During your teeth cleaning, a teeth whitening dentist will use a small mirror and a scaler to get between your teeth and around your gum line. These instruments are used to scrape away plaque and tartar that builds up in the spaces between your teeth.
Once the hygienist has scraped out the plaque, she will rinse your mouth with a special solution that contains liquid fluoride. This will help fight bacteria for several months, preventing cavities from forming.
The next step is flossing your teeth to get rid of the rest of the buildup. Flossing your teeth can remove any leftover plaque or toothpaste from the previous step and can also prevent a buildup of bacteria from forming between your teeth.
While brushing and flossing at home is a great way to keep your teeth clean, a professional teeth cleaning is essential to ensure that all buildup is removed. This is especially important for patients with a history of gingivitis, as the plaque can cause gum disease and even lead to tooth loss if not addressed early on.
When your dentist performs this treatment, they are able to reach all areas of your teeth and gums. This helps them determine if you have any cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease that need to be treated.
If any of these problems occur, we will recommend a comprehensive treatment plan that will address them and ensure your overall oral health is in tip-top shape. Restoring your healthy dental structure will not only give you a more attractive smile but can also eliminate bite misalignment and help prevent bone degeneration or further tooth loss.
Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure that can lighten your teeth, remove stains and discolorations, and brighten your smile dramatically. This can also help you to feel more confident about your smile and the way you look.
There are many ways to whiten your teeth, from a variety of at-home kits and other products to professional whitening treatments offered at our office. The most effective whitening methods can give you results that are visible in the mirror, making it easier to smile without being self-conscious.
Our team of dentists can help you decide whether a professional teeth cleaning or a teeth whitening procedure is right for you. There are a number of different factors to consider, including your budget and personal goals. Click here for more details.
A professional cleaning can be completed in about 60 minutes, while a teeth whitening procedure may take longer depending on the level of staining and how much your teeth have to be whitened. In both cases, we can provide you with a custom whitening treatment plan that will give you the brighter smile you’ve always wanted!