Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Teeth Polishing?Types of Teeth PolishingBenefitsCostPrecautionsAftercareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Teeth Polishing?
Types of Teeth Polishing
Benefits
Cost
Precautions
Aftercare
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth polishing is a common dental procedure, often performed following a dental cleaning. Using specialized equipment, dentists or hygienists remove stains and discolorations from your teeth and smooth them out to provide a glossy, attractive finish.It’s typically a painless, well-tolerated procedure.
Teeth polishing is primarily done for cosmetic reasons, applying the “finishing touches” to enhance appearance. That said, it can also be used to help with exposed roots due to dental surgery. While it was once a part of every cleaning, current guidelines stress that it be applied more selectively because it can affect the outer layers oftooth enamel.This article provides a quick overview of this important procedure, including its benefits and aftercare.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Dentists ordental hygienistsuse rotary brushes, air polishers, or polishing strips—often alongside abrasive pastes—to polish the surfaces of the teeth. Often, teeth polishing accompanies other dental cleaning methods, such as scaling (the use of hand tools) and debridement (using a special electric device) to removetartar and plaque.
Teeth polishing refers to a set of dental procedures aimed at enhancing the color and shininess of your teeth.
Teeth polishing procedures can be broken down into four types. Here’s a quick rundown:
Types of Teeth Polishing Instruments
Notably, teeth polishing procedures also differ based on the instruments used. Here, there are several options:
While teeth polishing is primarily a cosmetic procedure, it may also be used therapeutically if inner layers of teeth are exposed following surgery. Strips, porte polishers, other engine-driven types, and air polishers may all be used.
Traditionally, a primary benefit of polishing was thought to be that it made it tougher for bacteria to stick to the teeth. However, more recent research has shown that, within a half-hour, bacteria development is seen regardless of whether a procedure has been done.
Still, there are a number of benefits to teeth polishing, including:
How Much Does Teeth Polishing Cost?
The costs of teeth polishing procedures and dental cleanings vary a great deal and are based on a number of factors. These include:
How much you’ll pay out-of-pocket for teeth polishing depends on the amount and kind of cleaning needed, whether a specialist is performing the work, and your insurance coverage, among other factors. In the United States, without insurance, a typical dental cleaning costs between $75 and $200.
While there certainly are benefits to teeth polishing, it can also have some negative consequences. This procedure erodes the outer, fluoride-rich layers of tooth enamel, and it takes three months for them to become restored.This is why current recommendations are that polishing be used selectively, reversing course from it being standard with every cleaning.
Notably, teeth polishing should be attempted only when the discoloration or staining is extrinsic (due to poor dental hygiene, habits, and foods) rather than intrinsic (arising due to internal factors). In addition, several cases may contraindicate teeth polishing or the use of certain polishing pastes, including:
Summary
A Word From Verywell
Dental care and ensuring healthy teeth is a multifaceted process. On top of developing good at-home habits, such as brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain foods, regular cleaning and teeth polishing at a dentist’s office are essential.
It is no longer standard to receive polishing as part of the annual or semiannual routine dental visit. However, teeth polishing can be beneficial if used selectively and strategically. When your teeth are healthy—and their appearance is shiny and lustrous—you truly have a reason to smile.
Air polishing is a technique that relies on using a specialized handheld device that projects a combination of air, water, and abrasive material (usually sodium bicarbonate) to remove stains, discolorations, and buildup on teeth. Using this approach, dentists or hygienists can access surfaces below the gumline that other methods, such as using porte polishers or strips, can’t.Learn MoreFacts You Should Know About Your Oral Health
Air polishing is a technique that relies on using a specialized handheld device that projects a combination of air, water, and abrasive material (usually sodium bicarbonate) to remove stains, discolorations, and buildup on teeth. Using this approach, dentists or hygienists can access surfaces below the gumline that other methods, such as using porte polishers or strips, can’t.
Learn MoreFacts You Should Know About Your Oral Health
Unlike with other procedures such as scaling (scraping tartar and plaque from the teeth and gumline), pain should be minimal during teeth polishing. Some people who have sensitive teeth and gums may require a topical or an injected anesthetic to ease discomfort.Learn MoreWhat Is Dental Prophylaxis?
Unlike with other procedures such as scaling (scraping tartar and plaque from the teeth and gumline), pain should be minimal during teeth polishing. Some people who have sensitive teeth and gums may require a topical or an injected anesthetic to ease discomfort.
Learn MoreWhat Is Dental Prophylaxis?
These types of stains are typically orange, yellow, brown, or black in color.
Learn MoreDifferent Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Currently, dentists and dental hygienists have several instruments to choose from to perform cleaning, including:
Traditionally, teeth polishing was considered a standard part of routine dental cleaning. However, in addition to discolorations, polishing removes outer layers of tooth enamel, and it takes three months for these to grow back. This being the case, current recommendations are that it be applied selectively to take on stains that persist after other kinds of cleaning.Learn MoreThe Importance of Tooth Enamel
Traditionally, teeth polishing was considered a standard part of routine dental cleaning. However, in addition to discolorations, polishing removes outer layers of tooth enamel, and it takes three months for these to grow back. This being the case, current recommendations are that it be applied selectively to take on stains that persist after other kinds of cleaning.
Learn MoreThe Importance of Tooth Enamel
Polishing refers specifically to procedures that smooth out, whiten, and add a lustrous quality to the teeth. In contrast, dental cleaning is work aimed specifically at removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gumline. The latter may involve scaling (scraping the teeth), deep cleaning, and expert flossing.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sawai M, Bhardwaj A, Jafri Z, Sultan N, Daing A.Tooth polishing: the current status.J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2015;19(4):375. doi:10.4103/0972-124x.154170Chandra D, Bagchi S.Tooth polishing: an overview.Int J Prev Clin Dent Res. 5(2):S77-78.Napitu A, Evanson A.Teeth cleaning guide: tartar removal, and dental Costs.Harmon J, Brame J.Air polishing for today’s dental hygienist.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sawai M, Bhardwaj A, Jafri Z, Sultan N, Daing A.Tooth polishing: the current status.J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2015;19(4):375. doi:10.4103/0972-124x.154170Chandra D, Bagchi S.Tooth polishing: an overview.Int J Prev Clin Dent Res. 5(2):S77-78.Napitu A, Evanson A.Teeth cleaning guide: tartar removal, and dental Costs.Harmon J, Brame J.Air polishing for today’s dental hygienist.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sawai M, Bhardwaj A, Jafri Z, Sultan N, Daing A.Tooth polishing: the current status.J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2015;19(4):375. doi:10.4103/0972-124x.154170Chandra D, Bagchi S.Tooth polishing: an overview.Int J Prev Clin Dent Res. 5(2):S77-78.Napitu A, Evanson A.Teeth cleaning guide: tartar removal, and dental Costs.Harmon J, Brame J.Air polishing for today’s dental hygienist.
Sawai M, Bhardwaj A, Jafri Z, Sultan N, Daing A.Tooth polishing: the current status.J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2015;19(4):375. doi:10.4103/0972-124x.154170
Chandra D, Bagchi S.Tooth polishing: an overview.Int J Prev Clin Dent Res. 5(2):S77-78.
Napitu A, Evanson A.Teeth cleaning guide: tartar removal, and dental Costs.
Harmon J, Brame J.Air polishing for today’s dental hygienist.
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