Many people find themselves deciding between teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning to get a healthier, brighter smile. Although the goal of both procedures is to improve the appearance of your teeth, they have different uses and advantages.
Teeth cleaning is a common dental procedure that promotes general oral health by removing plaque and tartar accumulation. On the other hand, teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure meant to eliminate discolorations and stains so that your smile seems more radiant.
This article aims to help you choose the treatment that best meets your needs by explaining the differences between these two options. We’ll also go over the main distinctions, benefits, and disadvantages of the two so you may confidently get the smile of your dreams.
Table of Contents
What is Teeth Whitening?
The term “teeth whitening” describes a range of procedures intended to make a person’s natural teeth seem whiter and more radiant. UV light treatment, bleaching, sanding away stains, and other techniques are all used to whiten teeth.
You may attempt a variety of methods at home and choose from a wide range of teeth-whitening products available. Additionally, you may get your teeth whitened at your dentist’s office.
Tooth stains can appear gradually and are brought on by food and lifestyle choices including smoking, coffee use, and medication usage.
Although teeth whitening has no positive effects on dental health, it might boost your self-esteem and confidence. Having said that, unless the stains are caused by plaque and tartar accumulation, they do not indicate a medical condition.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Naturally, having a whiter, brighter smile is the main advantage of teeth whitening. This might make you feel more confident about yourself and motivate you to continue taking better care of your teeth.
Your teeth whitening effects should persist for years if you maintain good oral hygiene and stay away from materials that discolor them, such as tea and coffee.
You might choose to get your teeth whitened for the following reasons:
- Your teeth are stained or yellow.
- Despite using whitening toothpastes and rinses, you haven’t seen any change.
- You want to look your best for a special event.
Drawbacks of Teeth Whitening
- Can result in temporary sensitivity, particularly to cold temperatures.
- Overuse can harm tooth enamel, resulting in sensitivity over time and other problems with oral health.
- The person’s age, lifestyle choices, and original tooth color can all affect the outcome.
- Needs upkeep because the effects are temporary.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleanings are usually done by dentists who have received specialized training in tooth cleaning and polishing.
Dentists typically prescribe a professional cleaning every 6 months. However, certain individuals may require more frequent cleanings due to decay or a history of gum disease.
The following are some signs that you require dental cleaning:
- You have aching, swollen, and red gums.
- Every time you brush or floss, your gums bleed.
- Your jaw is starting to feel loose around your teeth.
- Pockets are beginning to appear between your teeth and gums.
- You have constant bad breath that persists even after using mouthwash, brushing, and flossing.
Benefits of Teeth Cleaning
You’ll probably notice that your teeth are a little whiter after getting them cleaned. This is due to the yellow tone of the tartar that your dentist removes.
However, the main objective of dental teeth cleanings is not whiter teeth. The primary goals of teeth cleaning are:
- Prevention of dental deterioration brought on by an excessive accumulation of plaque and tartar.
- Preventing and treating gum disease.
- Relief of bad breath.
- Detection of more severe dental conditions. (During and after your cleaning session, your dentist will examine your mouth for symptoms of decay, oral cancer, and other issues.)
- Future cavities and tooth loss can be significantly reduced with routine teeth cleanings.
Drawbacks of Teeth Cleaning
- Can result in temporary sensitivity and pain, especially after the procedure.
- Some people may have bleeding gums during or after the cleaning, particularly if they have a lot of tartar buildup or are showing early symptoms of gum disease.
- Requires frequent dental checkups, which some people may find inconvenient or stressful.
- The price of expert cleanings may be a disadvantage, depending on the person’s insurance coverage and area.
Teeth Whitening vs Teeth Cleaning
Many people confuse teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning, and we’re here to explain the difference between the two.
Both teeth cleaning and teeth whitening have a major impact on oral health. They have distinct advantages and serve different roles.
The main purpose of teeth whitening is to whiten stained or discolored teeth, increasing self-confidence and improving one’s look in general. Regular whitening procedures should be used alongside proper dental hygiene habits, not as a substitute.
But when it comes to preserving oral health and avoiding dental problems, teeth cleaning is essential. Plaque and tartar are removed during this process because they can cause cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues if they are not addressed.
Read More: Teeth Whitening Clinic in Abu Dhabi.
Conclusion
Many people wonder what are teeth whitening vs teeth cleaning, and now we have explained the difference between the two.
Essentially, teeth cleaning is a preventive procedure to protect your teeth from harm, whereas teeth whitening is a treatment for cosmetic dental issues. They both contribute significantly to keeping a lovely, healthy smile.
Despite their differences, routine teeth cleaning can improve teeth whitening outcomes since the whitening substance works better on a clean tooth surface. For best results, include both treatments in your oral care routine.
Read More: Laser Teeth Whitening in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, teeth whitening or teeth cleaning?
Cleaning your teeth helps remove tartar and bad breath caused by germs and infections. However, teeth whitening leads to brighter teeth and a more radiant smile, which increases self-esteem and confidence.
Does a teeth cleaning whiten your teeth?
Can I do teeth cleaning and whitening at the same time?
You may be able to get your teeth cleaned and whitened at the same dental visit, depending on the dentist's recommendation and your particular requirements.
