Does Scaling And Polishing Whiten Teeth?

In Singapore, where a bright, confident smile is often associated with good grooming and professionalism, many individuals seek ways to maintain white teeth. Regular dental visits for scaling and polishing are common, but do these procedures actually whiten teeth? Let's find out and compare them with professional whitening treatments available in Singapore.

Maintaining good oral hygiene begins with consistent at-home care, but professional support makes all the difference. At Dental Designs Clinic, we offer expert teeth cleaning services that help you stay ahead of common dental issues like dental plaque, tooth discolouration, and gum disease prevention.

What is scaling and polishing about?

Scaling and polishing are professional dental cleaning procedures performed by a dental professional or dental hygienist. It involves the use of dental instruments, such as hand scalers or ultrasonic scaling devices, plaque removal, tartar, and extrinsic teeth stains from the tooth surface. These treatments play a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing gum disease. Below is a detailed overview of each step:

1) Dental scaling

Dental scaling involves the use of specialized instruments to remove dental plaque and tartar buildup, particularly in areas that are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing. If left untreated, tartar accumulation can contribute to gum disease and other oral health issues such as tooth decay and bad breath.

• Ultrasonic scalers, which utilize high-frequency vibrations, are commonly used for efficient tartar removal.
• These devices effectively eliminate deposits without causing harm to the dental enamel.

2) Polishing

Following the scaling procedure, polishing is performed to smooth the tooth surfaces, removing minor surface stains and enhancing the overall cleanliness and appearance of the teeth.

• Traditional polishing involves the use of a rotating rubber cup with a polishing paste to achieve a smooth and shiny finish.
• Air polishing (airflow cleaning) is an alternative technique that employs a fine spray of water and powder to gently remove surface stains without damaging the enamel. This technique is recommended to remove tougher stains and for removal of dental plaque in around teeth with orthodontic brackets and wires.

Both scaling and polishing help eliminate stubborn plaque and food debris, preventing plaque buildup and reducing the risk of gum disease. Regular professional cleanings contribute to better oral health and a brighter smile

Does scaling and polishing whiten teeth?

There is a key difference between scaling and polishing and teeth whitening. Scaling and polishing do not whiten teeth in the same way as teeth whitening treatments, but they can make teeth appear cleaner and brighter by removing surface stains, plaque, and tartar buildup. 

• Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and along the gumline, preventing gum disease and maintaining oral health.
• Polishing smooths the teeth and removes minor surface stains caused by food, drinks, or smoking, giving them a brighter and shinier appearance.

However, while scaling and polishing help remove external stains caused by food, drinks (like kopi, teh, or red wine), and tobacco, they do not chemically whiten teeth or change the natural colour of your teeth or remove deep stains. For a whiter smile, professional teeth whitening treatments such as bleaching or laser whitening are recommended.

If your teeth have long-standing stains that cannot be removed through professional cleaning, they are classified as intrinsic discoloration. These stains develop due to factors such as aging, genetics, certain medications, or excessive fluoride treatment exposure. Unlike surface stains, intrinsic discoloration affects the inner structure of the tooth, making it resistant to standard dental cleaning procedures and requiring alternative whitening treatments for significant improvement.

Many Singaporeans may notice that their teeth appear slightly brighter after a session, but this is because the external buildup has been cleaned, revealing the natural tooth color. However, scaling and polishing alone cannot lighten teeth beyond their natural shade.

Scaling and polishing vs. teeth whitening – What’s the difference?

If you are aiming for visibly whiter teeth, you may need professional teeth whitening. Lets find out how different these methods are!

Dental scaling benefits

There are several benefits to tooth scaling, including:

• Gum disease prevention by removing built-up tartar

• Fresher breath and a smoother tooth surface

• Reduction of teeth sensitivity linked to plaque buildup

• Support for your long-term dental care routine

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the level of cleaning needed. It’s safe, comfortable, and usually performed during routine dental check-ups.

When should you consider teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that makes your teeth look brighter by removing stains and internal discoloration of teeth. These stains are more difficult to remove and often require professional teeth whitening treatments, such as in-office bleaching or take-home whitening kits prescribed by a dentist. In severe cases, veneers or dental bonding may be needed for aesthetic improvement.

Whitening uses special bleaching agents, like hydrogen peroxide, to break down stains and lighten the natural color of your teeth.

There are different ways to whiten teeth:

• Professional Whitening at a Dental Clinic – A fast and effective treatment done by a dentist.
• Take-Home Whitening Kits – Dentist-prescribed kits for gradual whitening at home.
• Over-the-Counter Products – Whitening toothpaste, strips, or DIY kits with mild effects.

Unlike scaling and polishing, which clean your teeth but don’t change their color, whitening treatments actually make your teeth look whiter.

Related Articles:

• Facts you need to know : does scale and polish damage teeth ? 
• Debunk this : is scaling and polishing good for teeth ?

Conclusions

For Singaporeans looking for a brighter smile, scaling and polishing are essential for maintaining oral health and removing surface stains, but they do not whiten teeth beyond their natural shade. Regular dental cleanings, good oral hygiene, and avoiding stain-causing foods (like kopi and curry) can help maintain a fresher, brighter smile. If your goal is noticeably whiter teeth, consider professional whitening treatments offered at dental clinics across Singapore. Drop us a message to find out more about whitening services or to book in for a professional teeth cleaning.