At Advanced Dental & Implant Center, we understand that maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile is important to our patients. That’s why we offer both teeth cleaning and teeth whitening services.
However, many people confuse these two procedures or use the terms interchangeably. In this blog, we will discuss the key differences between teeth cleaning and teeth whitening so that you can make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you. At Advanced Dental & Implant Center, our goal is to help you achieve a smile that you can be confident about.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, is a routine procedure that should be done every six months to maintain good oral health. During this procedure, our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and polish them to give you a clean and smooth feeling. This process also helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
The Process
Teeth cleaning is a fairly simple process that usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour. It involves the following steps:
- Examination: Our hygienist will first examine your mouth to check for any signs of dental problems.
- Scaling: Using specialized tools, our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gum line.
- Polishing: After your teeth are cleaned, they will be polished to remove any remaining stains and give them a smooth surface.
- Flossing: Our hygienist will then floss between your teeth to remove any plaque or food particles that may have been missed during scaling.
- Fluoride treatment: Finally, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening, also known as dental bleaching, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to make your teeth appear whiter and brighter. It involves using chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide to lighten the shade of your natural teeth. While teeth whitening does not actually change the color of your teeth, it can remove stains and discoloration caused by factors such as food, drinks, smoking, and aging.
The Process
Teeth whitening is a simple procedure that can be done in one office visit or at home. However, we recommend getting your teeth whitened professionally for the best results. Here’s how the in-office procedure typically works:
- Examination: As with teeth cleaning, our dentist will first examine your mouth to make sure you are a good candidate for teeth whitening.
- Protection: Before the bleaching agent is applied, your lips and gums will be protected using a special gel or rubber shield.
- Application: The bleaching agent will then be carefully applied to your teeth and left on for a certain amount of time, depending on the concentration of the solution.
- Activation: To activate the bleaching agent, a special light may be used to speed up the process.
- Results: After about an hour, your teeth will be noticeably whiter and brighter!
Key Differences Between Teeth Cleaning and Teeth Whitening
While both procedures aim to improve the appearance of your smile, there are some key differences between teeth cleaning and teeth whitening:
- Purpose: Teeth cleaning is primarily done for oral health purposes, while teeth whitening is purely cosmetic.
- Procedure: Teeth cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, while teeth whitening involves applying a bleaching agent to lighten the color of your teeth.
- Frequency: Teeth cleaning should be done every six months, while teeth whitening can be done as often as you like, but we recommend waiting at least a year between treatments to avoid damaging your enamel.
- Results: Teeth cleaning will leave your teeth feeling clean and smooth, while teeth whitening will make your teeth appear whiter and brighter.
Choose Advanced Dental & Implant Center for All Your Dental Needs
At Advanced Dental & Implant Center, we offer both teeth cleaning and teeth whitening services to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Whether you need a routine cleaning or want to brighten your smile, our experienced dentists and hygienists are here to provide you with excellent care.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile! So, don’t wait- book an appointment with us today and let us help you achieve your dream smile!
