For maintaining excellent oral health, regular brushing and flossing are essential. But, even with the best dental hygiene, your teeth may still be stained or discolored with time due to various factors, including smoking cigarettes, aging, drinking tea, coffee, or red wine, and certain medicines. That’s where teeth whitening and cleaning your teeth come in. As a dentist providing one of the best teeth whitening services in Vancouver states, although both methods aim to enhance the teeth’ look, they differ regarding the goals and techniques. This post will discuss the difference between teeth whitening and cleaning. We’ll help you decide the best option for you.
What Exactly Is Teeth Whitening?
Whitening your teeth is a cosmetic process that aims to remove the discoloration and stains from your teeth, thereby improving the appearance of your teeth. The procedure can be performed at the dental center or at home with techniques like whitening strips, gels, trays, or even professional treatment. Whitening agents for teeth include bleaching substances like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel, break down the stains on teeth, and make them whiter.
There are two forms of teeth bleaching: intrinsic and extrinsic. The extrinsic stain is visible on the teeth surface and can be eliminated using teeth whitening products. The intrinsic stains lie beneath the enamel layer and will require special treatment to get rid of them. Teeth whitening effectively brighten your teeth and enhances your appearance; however, it’s crucial to remember that this may not be the best option for all. The efficiency of whitening your teeth will depend on the kind and intensity of the stain, the reason for the discoloration, and the health of your mouth.
What Is The Purpose Of Cleaning Your Teeth?
Dental cleaning, sometimes referred to as dental prophylaxis, is a preventive treatment that involves eliminating tartar, plaque as well as other irritants from gums and teeth. It is performed to avoid gum disease, cavities, and other dental health issues. Cleaning your teeth is normally done by a dental hygiene professional or dentist working in the dental clinic using special instruments like scalers, ultrasonic cleaners, and polishing tools.
Teeth Whitening Vs. Teeth Cleaning: What’s The Difference?
The most significant difference between whitening and dental cleaning is the purpose. Whitening your teeth is a cosmetic process designed to enhance the aesthetics of teeth by getting rid of discoloration and stains. Cleaning teeth is a prevention process designed to preserve your dental health and gums by eliminating tartar and plaque. Both procedures can improve the aesthetics of your teeth. Cleaning your teeth is an important element of ensuring good dental health. Teeth whitening can be a cosmetic choice.
The other difference between these two processes is the timing. Most dentists recommend cleaning their teeth at least every six months for the health of their mouth, whereas whitening your teeth is done at a lower frequency or whenever necessary.
Conclusion
The bottom line is teeth whitening, and teeth cleaning are two different methods with different benefits for maintaining a healthy mouth. Cleaning teeth is a vital preventive measure to remove plaque and tartar build-up. In contrast, teeth whitening is a cosmetic process that aims to enhance your appearance by eliminating discoloration and stains. Both treatments can be successful for their purposes. However, it would help if you discussed with your dentist to choose the most appropriate option to meet your specific needs.