Teeth whitening is widely considered an aesthetic upgrade. It can be done without a professional’s guidance using various products available in the market. However, for stubborn stains, professional teeth cleaning is one of the most common and accessible, non-permanent aesthetic dental procedures. In this article, we will talk about professional teeth cleaning which allows you to brighten your smile, get 3-4 shades lighter smile in one sitting, how much it costs and when is it worth it. Let’s dig into it.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening
- Prophylaxis (Routine Cleaning): Standard, preventive cleaning for healthy gums, removing plaque and tartar above the gum line every 6 months.
- Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing): A two-part procedure for gum disease (periodontitis) that removes tartar below the gum line and smoothes roots to promote healing.
- Full Mouth Debridement (FMD): A heavy-duty, preliminary cleaning for patients with significant buildup who haven’t had a checkup in a long time.
- Periodontal Maintenance: Ongoing cleaning for patients previously treated for periodontal disease to manage gum pockets and prevent relapse.
Common Techniques and Procedures
- Scaling: Using ultrasonic or manual instruments to remove hardened tartar (calculus).
- Polishing: Removing surface stains using a brush or rubber cup with paste.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): A modern, gentle approach using warm, air-powder spray to remove biofilm and staining.
- Fluoride Treatment: Applied after cleaning to strengthen enamel.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening worth it?
Professional teeth whitening is absolutely worth it, serving as a vital, cost-effective preventative measure against gum disease, tooth decay, and serious systemic health issues like heart disease. It removes hardened tartar that daily brushing cannot, typically recommended every six months to maintain oral health, prevent costly future procedures, and ensure a brighter, healthier smile.
Costing
At Smriti Raj Dentistry, professional teeth brightening ranges from ₹1000 – ₹3000, depending on the type of procedure, intricacy and number of sittings required.
Results you can expect
- Removal of Tartar (Calculus): Removes hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone, preventing gingivitis.
- Smoother Teeth and Brighter Smile: Polishing removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco, leading to a visibly brighter, healthier-looking smile.
- Healthier Gums: Reduces gum inflammation (gingivitis) and helps prevent gum disease, preventing gum recession.
- Fresher Breath: Eliminates bacteria-filled plaque and tartar that cause chronic bad breath.
- Stronger Teeth: Often includes fluoride application to strengthen enamel.
- Early Detection: Includes an oral exam to catch cavities or potential oral health issues early.
What to Expect During/After the Procedure
- Comfort Level: Generally painless, though you may feel slight pressure or vibrations from tools (ultrasonic scalers).
- Sensitivity: Temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation might occur, particularly if there was significant buildup
- Initial Discomfort: If you have deep, underlying gum disease, temporary tenderness is normal
Regular cleanings (twice a year) are recommended to maintain these results and prevent more costly dental procedures in the future.
