Teeth whitening and teeth cleaning are two dental procedures that patients frequently get mixed up. Both of these procedures encompass varying goals and treatment plans.
The primary goal of teeth cleaning is plaque removal and tartar removal to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. On the other hand, teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure which a patient undergoes to remove stains from his or her teeth. Dental cleaning and gums are critical to your smile’s long-term health, whereas teeth whitening (also known as teeth bleaching) is often utilized for aesthetic reasons.
Your trusted Maple Ridge dentist at Westgate Dental Centre is happy to explain the differences between teeth whitening and teeth cleaning, as well as to help you determine which procedure might be better suited to your needs. Same-day cleanings and dental exams are no problem for us. Call us today to book your appointment!
Cleanings by your Maple Family Dentistry
Westgate Dental Centre’s dental hygienists are trained and licensed to perform professional cleanings and polishings. Dentists recommend that patients get a thorough teeth cleaning every six month. More frequent dental cleanings are advised if there is a history of gum disease or tooth decay.
Types of Dental Care
- 1. Prophylaxis
Regular dental cleanings are known as prophylaxis. Most patients visit our dentists and hygienists here at Westgate Dental Centre every six months for a standard cleaning. Your hygienist will typically start by performing tartar removal and plaque removal on your teeth. Your toothbrush removes plaque, a sticky substance, a mix of sugars, bacteria, and acids secreted by bacteria. But tartar is much harder, and requires a hygienist’s specialized tools to be removed. Tartar frequently forms along the gum line and on the sides of teeth.
After gently scraping tartar from your teeth, your Maple Ridge dentist
will use another specialized tool to remove any existing surface stains and remaining plaque. This tooth polishing tool is made of firm rubberized material and spins in a circle. The Westgate Dental Centre’s hygienists will then floss between your teeth to remove any remaining buildup.
Some patients may feel a level of discomfort during prophylaxis. This is usually due to sore gums which are caused by gingivitis. No anesthetic or numbing agents are usually needed during a teeth cleaning. Your prophylaxis treatment will take 30-60 minutes, depending on your tartar accumulation and the amount of time which has elapsed between your cleaning appointments.
- 2. Teeth Scaling and Planing
You may need a teeth scaling procedure rather than the standard preventative measures if you notice any of the following conditions:
- Sore, red, swollen, and inflamed gums, as they are often a sign of an infection.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Loose teeth.
- Separation between teeth and gums, in the form of pockets.
- Recurring bad breath, even after brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash.
A deep cleaning teeth is frequently recommended for patients with gum disease. Gum disease causes swelling, soreness, and pockets between the gums and teeth. There are many causes of gum disease. For instance, they could be caused by infrequent plaque removal and tartar removal.
Teeth scaling uses the same tools as prophylaxis, but in this type of procedure, cleaning also occurs below the gumline. A local anesthetic is commonly used to numb the cleaning area. Advanced gum disease may necessitate multiple teeth scaling appointments. During each visit, your maple ridge dentist will focus on one specific area of your mouth.
You might feel your gums are a bit sore and sensitive after a teeth scaling procedure. Not to worry though, soreness (and gum disease) should go away with proper brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use.
Purposes and Advantages of Teeth Cleaning
Your teeth will be a little whiter after your dentist removes the tartar which is causing your smile to have a yellow hue. Having whiter teeth is a nice bonus, but it’s not the main reason people undergo dental cleanings.
There are many reasons as to why regular teeth cleanings are a must. Here are some pertinent reasons as to why this is the case:
- They prevent plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay.
- They can prevent and relieve the symptoms of gum disease.
- They can stop bad breath.
- During clearnings, your dentist could detect any severe dental problems which might be present. For instance, your dentist here at Westgate Dental Centre will examine your mouth for signs of decay, oral cancer, and other issues.
- They can prevent cavities and tooth loss in the future.
Why should you get teeth whitening?
There are many ways for an individual to undergo teeth whitening treatments, and each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Your trusted and experienced dentists at Westgate Dental Centre have assisted countless patients with their teeth whitening procedures. Stains from coffee, red wine, smoking, and other foods and plaque can all be removed by them. There are no known health benefits of teeth whitening procedures, instead, they are often carried out for aesthetic reasons.
Did you know that getting a dental cleaning regularly by a Maple Ridge “dentist near me” could save you money on teeth whitening procedures? This is because regular dental cleanings are crucial in the removal of plaque, which can stain your pearly whites.
To get the brightest, whitest smile possible, make an appointment with Westgate Dental Centre today. Your teeth whitening dentist is waiting for your call!
Patients often wonder if they should clean their teeth first before whitening. Usually, the answer is yes. Yes, dental cleaning often results in whiter teeth, and clean teeth also benefit from many whitening treatments. However, even if you do not clean your teeth prior to the procedure, our dentist can take care of it for you.
Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures
Some teeth whitening treatments can be done at home, while others require the skills of a professional dentist. Prior to undergoing any type of teeth whitening procedure in a dental office, your dentist will conduct an oral health examination on you. If you are thinking about whitening your teeth at home, make sure to consult your Westgate Dental Centre dentist beforehand. They will be able to provide you with some valuable guidance.
Below is a couple common types of teeth whitening treatments that you can opt for:
- Over-the-Counter Strips and Trays
Many brands of teeth whitening strips and trays are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. These products contain less peroxide than the in-office products which are often used by your Westgate Dental Centre dentists. These tover-the-counter teeth whitening strips and trays will do wonders in lightening your teeth a few shades by removing surface stains. For best results possible, make sure to use Health Canada-approved kits and to follow the provided instructions carefully.
The best time to use over-the-counter whitening trays or strips is after your biannual teeth cleanings. This is because the bleaching agents can better reach your freshly cleaned teeth.
- In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening
If you have severe dental staining, your Maple Ridge dentist can perform laser bleaching, a popular in-office treatment which is avalaible here at Westgate Dental Centre. In this type of procedure, you’ll have a bleaching agent applied to your teeth. Then, your dentist will point a laser at your teeth, which will activate the bleaching agent. Your dentist will reapply bleach and activate with laser several times during a single session if you have stubborn stains or if you are looking for spectacular results.
There are a lot of products which could be used to whiten your teeth. Other than bleaching agents, some products might contain fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity. During your appointment, your Maple Ridge dentist will advise you on the best teeth whitening method for you. Depending on your dentist’s recommendations, your procedure will take between one and two hours.
Teeth Whitening: Goals and Advantages
A teeth whitening procedure will give you a brighter smile and inspire you to take better care of your teeth! It’s easier to keep up with oral hygiene if you’re proud of your white, bright smile. Your results should last for years if you keep your teeth clean and avoid staining foods and drinks (such as coffee and alcohol). Dentist might recommend in-office teeth whitening procedures if you have the following concerns:
- You can’t smile because you are embarrassed by the look of your teeth.
- You’ve tried whitening toothpaste and rinses with no success.
- An upcoming wedding or graduation requires you to look your best.
Final Takeaway
Getting your teeth whitened or cleaned can do wonders in brightening your smile. Call Westgate Dental Centre today to schedule an appointment if you are unhappy with the color or health of your teeth. You can also book an appointment online if you wish to do so. We offer same-day cleaning appointments. Our Maple ridge dental clinic team is eager to address your concerns and provide you with the best possible results!
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