Learn the Differences Between Teeth Whitening and Professional Cleaning

Not surprisingly, there are more people than would be expected who may believe that teeth whitening and teeth cleaning are the same. This is simply not the case. While a professional cleaning is always beneficial to patients, those who have had their teeth cleaned may still not have completely white teeth. Conversely, those who have had their teeth whitened may not have genuinely clean teeth, especially in terms of removing plaque and tartar along with stains. 

Foods May Cause Tooth Staining

It is a proven fact that over time teeth become stained for many different reasons. Tobacco use, certain beverages like wine and various foods can cause tooth staining to occur. Tooth whitening is primarily intended to remove stains and is designed to restore teeth to their natural white color. While it is true that there are many choices today when it comes to over-the-counter teeth whitening products, most experts agree that professional teeth whitening that is done by a dental care provider is usually the most effective. There are strips, mouth trays, tooth gels and toothpaste that are all widely available today and that offer teeth whitening benefits. 

Combining a Teeth-Cleaning Visit With Teeth Whitening 

That said achieving the whitest and brightest smile is best accomplished by having a dental professional whiten your teeth. An experienced and knowledgeable dental care provider can be expected to provide safe and fast results when it comes to teeth whitening. In many cases, combining a teeth-cleaning visit with teeth whitening will achieve dramatic results for patients. Teeth cleaning will typically be done first and involves the removal of plaque and tarter and will also include polishing of the teeth. Following a teeth-cleaning session, professional teeth whitening can then also be performed. 

Designed to Improve a Smile 

One of the major benefits of having a professional cleaning and professional whitening performed is that a trained dental care provider can inspect teeth for other potential problems. Even the issue of sensitive teeth can be addressed during teeth cleaning and teeth whitening treatments. Patients should keep in mind that both teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are designed to improve a smile. However, only professional teeth cleanings are considered a preventative treatment designed to protect the health of teeth. 

A More Attractive Smile and Greater Levels of Self-Confidence 

When having teeth professionally whitened in a dental office, the technology used is stronger and more effective. This produces more noticeable results while also helping to protect tooth enamel. One advantage of choosing to have teeth professionally whitened is that results can be achieved in just one office visit. This is in contrast to over-the-counter whitening products that require multiple applications. Those wishing to enjoy a more attractive smile for greater levels of self-confidence should consider having their teeth cleaned every six months and having professional whitening performed as necessary.  Contact your Walnut Creek dentist, Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Walnut Creek Dental today to learn more about teeth whitening and professional cleaning.  

References:
[1] Pick Your Shade With Professional Teeth Whitening
[2] Learn More About Teeth Whitening Technologies