Some individuals mix up teeth cleaning and teeth polishing and believe they are the same thing. There is a delicate line between the two, and you are more likely to get a more exact answer if you ask a professional dentist what dental polishing is. The short answer is that it is a finishing operation that is normally performed after teeth cleaning and whitening. Polishing is also used to eliminate surface stains and, in rare cases, microorganisms following dental surgery. A small rubber cup and fine, medium, or coarse polishing paste are used in a conventional method.
Usually, air and water jets, as well as fine abrasives, are used as dental polishers.
What is tooth polishing?
Tooth polishing is a painless dental procedure in which the dentist cleans and polishes the teeth with either a moderate-speed dental drill or a rubber cup. Many dentists prefer to use a baking soda-based air-polishing method since it is non-abrasive and does not wear away dental enamel.
Tooth polishing procedure
Tooth polishing is a painless dental treatment. A small, soft rubber cup and polishing paste are frequently used by the dental hygienist. Your dentist may employ an air-polishing system, which consists of a jet of compressed air and water mixed with an abrasive substance if you have severe stains. Therapeutic polishing is another approach for removing bacteria from tooth roots exposed during dental surgery. Below are the steps that a dentist will follow.
- The dentist will first examine your teeth for any signs of decay or weak places in the enamel.
- The dentist will next scrape all of the tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth during the scaling procedure.
- To remove stains, your teeth will be buffed and polished.
- After that, your teeth will be flossed and a protective fluoride layer will be applied.
Air tooth polishing
Air polishing is one of the dental procedures used to remove undesirable stains from the front and back of the teeth without causing any pain. This process entails employing a jet of compressed air, water, and small powder particles to remove stains caused by coffee, red wine, tea, cigarettes, and some mouthwashes thoroughly and gently.
According to a study, polishing teeth using a jet of air, water, and an abrasive agent removes stains more effectively than polishing with a prophy or a rubber cup. Furthermore, air polishing is usually softer on the tooth enamel and does not cause it to deteriorate. Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used as a cleaning agent, however, glycine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is just as effective and less abrasive.
Tooth polishing cost
Depending upon your doctor, location, and stains, a dental check-up and cleaning might cost anywhere from $150 to $300.
