Do Scaling and Polishing Whiten Teeth? Everything You Need to Know

As a cosmetic dentistry specialist at Professors Dental Clinic, I often receive questions about the effectiveness of various dental procedures in whitening teeth. One common query is: “Do scaling and polishing whiten teeth?” Let’s explore this topic in depth.

Do Scaling and Polishing Whiten Teeth?

The short answer is yes but with some caveats. Scaling and polishing can indeed make your teeth appear whiter, but it’s important to understand that this is not the primary purpose of the procedure.

Scaling and polishing primarily aim to:

1. Remove plaque and tartar buildup
2. Eliminate surface stains
3. Improve gum health
4. Prevent dental issues like cavities and gum disease

While these actions can result in a brighter smile, the whitening effect is generally mild compared to dedicated teeth whitening treatments.

How Scaling and Polishing Affects Tooth Color

Scaling removes the hard, calcified deposits (tartar) from your teeth, which often have a yellowish or brownish appearance. Polishing then smooths the tooth surface, making it more reflective and therefore appearing brighter. It also removes some surface stains caused by food, drinks, or tobacco.

Difference Between Scaling and Polishing and Teeth Whitening

It’s crucial to understand the distinction between these procedures:

1. Scaling and Polishing:
   • Focuses on cleaning teeth and improving oral health
   • Removes external stains and tartar
   • Provides a mild whitening effect
   • Essential for maintaining oral hygiene
2. Teeth Whitening:
   • Specifically designed to change tooth color
   • Uses bleaching agents to remove both external and internal stains
   • Provides more dramatic whitening results
   • Considered a cosmetic procedure

Which is Better: Scaling or Whitening?

The choice between scaling and whitening depends on your specific needs:

• If your primary concern is oral health and you want to remove plaque and tartar, scaling and polishing is the better choice.
• If your teeth are already clean and healthy, but you want a significantly whiter smile, a dedicated whitening treatment would be more effective.

At Professors Dental Clinic, we recommend regular scaling and polishing as part of your oral hygiene routine, regardless of whether you choose to undergo whitening treatments.

Scaling and Polishing Price

At Professors Dental Clinic, we offer professional scaling and polishing for 1750 Egyptian pounds. This price is highly competitive, being less than half the cost of similar services in EU countries and the USA. We believe in providing top-quality dental care at affordable prices to our Egyptian patients.

Related: How much does teeth cleaning without insurance cost in Egypt

Potential Disadvantages of Scaling and Polishing

While scaling and polishing is generally safe and beneficial, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of:

1. Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold
2. Slight discomfort in the gums for a day or two
3. In rare cases, it may cause minor damage to dental work if it’s already loose or decayed

These effects are typically mild and short-lived, especially when the procedure is performed by experienced professionals like our team at Professors Dental Clinic.

Do Teeth Grow Back After Scaling?

It’s a common misconception that scaling damages teeth. In reality, scaling only removes plaque and tartar buildup, not tooth structure. Your teeth will not “grow back” after scaling because no healthy tooth material is removed in the first place. What you might notice is that your teeth feel smoother and cleaner after the procedure.

Why Choose Professors Dental Clinic for Scaling and Polishing?

At Professors Dental Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing safe, fast, and reliable scaling and polishing services. Our procedure is thorough yet gentle, ensuring optimal cleaning without unnecessary discomfort. Here’s why you should choose us:

1. Experienced professionals: Our team is highly trained in the latest dental techniques.
2. State-of-the-art equipment: We use modern technology for precise and efficient cleaning.
3. Comprehensive care: We not only clean your teeth but also assess your overall oral health.
4. Affordable pricing: At 1750 Egyptian pounds, our service offers excellent value for money.
5. Patient comfort: We prioritize your comfort throughout the procedure.

Remember, while scaling and polishing can contribute to a brighter smile, its primary purpose is to maintain your oral health. Regular professional cleanings, combined with good at-home oral hygiene practices, are key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you have any questions about our scaling and polishing service or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Professors Dental Clinic. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Dr. Ahmed Khafagy

Dr. Ahmed began his journey in cosmetic dentistry as a resident in the Department of Prosthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, serving as a faculty member. He then specialized in prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry with a master’s degree from Cairo University.
Dr. Khafagy is responsible for dental treatments, including prosthodontics, cosmetic fillings, full-mouth rehabilitation cases, and smile design.