Teeth Polishing vs Teeth Whitening: What's the Difference?

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before and after of whitened teeth

Not many things can be as impressive as much as a pearly white smile, it even makes a person feel better about themselves. Many people get confused between teeth polishing and teeth whitening

They are very different though, well at least the results are, they are both used to make the teeth look better.

This blog will inform you of the distinction between teeth polishing and teeth whitening and which process would be most appropriate for you.

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What is Teeth Polishing

dentist polishing a patient’s teeth
A dentist polishing a patient’s teeth

Teeth cleaning is just the removal of plaque, tartar, and other external stains on the teeth that can be done in a routine dental cleaning at the dental hygienist's office. Here's what you need to know about Teeth Polishing:

Purpose

The whole teeth polishing thing is just a term for cleaning and smoothing the teeth to prohibit plaque from accumulating as rapidly and for the sake of oral hygiene.

Procedure

Teeth polishing is a procedure where a dental hygienist uses a special polishing paste and a rotating rubber cup or brush to buff the surface of the teeth, making it smooth and shiny. That removes the external stains and leaves the teeth looking clean and shiny.

Benefits

Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco stains are removed when your teeth are polished. It might also be good with that whole gum disease and cavities thing because it removes plaque and tarter.

Frequency

During a regular dental cleaning, which is every six months, teeth polishing is performed. When they polish your teeth, it makes them look whiter, but all it does is take the stains off the outside of your teeth, it doesn't make the natural color of your teeth lighter. If you want a drastic change teeth whitening will do that for you.

What is Teeth Whitening

man getting his teeth whitened
A man getting his teeth whitened

Teeth whitening is a procedure in dentistry that serves to whiten the teeth and get rid of the more serious stains. Several methods are available for teeth whitening, ranging from professional treatments at a dental office to at-home kits.

Purpose

Teeth whitening is used to make the natural color of teeth take on a lighter shade and to remove any stains that are on the surface It also removes the stains that are deeply embedded in order to provide a whiter smile.

Procedure

There are many different ways to do this, such as in-office treatments, custom take-home trays, or over-the-counter products such as whitening strips and gels. The home kits use lesser strength gels that are put on with trays or strips, but when they do it in an office they use a very strong whitening gel and it is activated by some sort of light.

Benefits

Teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth, boosting confidence and enhancing your smile. Washes away the spots of age and food and drink and smoke and drugs.

Frequency

How often a person needs teeth whitening is relational to the process and the person. Professional ones, well not more than once or twice a year but over-the-counter kits a lot more often than that.

Comparing Teeth Polishing and Teeth Whitening

Let's analyze these two processes (teeth polishing and teeth whitening) in a few different categories and perhaps you can more easily distinguish between the two.

Purpose

Teeth Polishing: Cleans whitens and removes surface stains, plaque, and tarter.

Teeth Whitening: To whiten teeth and remove dark spots.

Procedure

Teeth Polishing: By a dental hygienist, with a polishing paste and a spinning brush or cup.

Teeth Whitening: It includes a whitening gel pen, custom mouth trays and an LED light that you can easily use at home,

Results

Teeth Polishing: A lot cleaner, smoother teeth with some stain removal on the outside.

Teeth Whitening: It makes the teeth look so much whiter because it doesn't just remove the surface stains but the deep ones as well.

Duration

Teeth Polishing: Typically performed every six months during a routine dental cleaning.

Teeth Whitening: The ones that are done professionally should only be done once or twice a year, but it really depends on the method and the person, the at-home kits can be used more frequently.

Cost

Teeth Polishing: They are part of those normal cleanings that dental insurance covers.

Teeth Whitening: The in-office treatment is a bit more expensive than the at-home ones, making cost a major factor in choosing the right treatment.

Choosing the Right Option for You

white teeth
Beautiful smile and white teeth of a woman

When deciding between teeth polishing and teeth whitening, consider your goals and the current condition of your teeth. If you're looking for a routine cleaning that removes surface stains and improves oral health, teeth polishing is the way to go. However, to get whiter teeth, use teeth whitening to get a proper result.

However, if anyone wants a simple and hassle-free method to whiten their teeth, SmilePath has a great, at-home whitening kit. SmilePath's professional strength teeth whitening kit promises professional teeth whitening results in your own home. Here are some advantages of SmilePath's teeth whitening kit:

  • Not only do you get to whiten your teeth on your own time, but in the convenience of your own home without the hassle of going to the dentist all the time.
  • The SmilePath whitening kit relies on professional whitening technology and promises to erase even the most ingrained discolorations and illuminate your smile.
  • In-office treatment cost a lot money so, it’s better to do it at home with SmilePath’s effective teeth whitening kit.
  • It is so convenient, the kit comes with whitening gel trays and instructions.

Maintaining Your Bright Smile

Good Oral Hygiene: Brush, two to three times a day, floss, once a day, and outhwash, to keep those teeth and gums sparkling and healthy.

Regular Dental Cleanings: Make sure to get those dental cleanings every six months.

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages: It is advised not to drink too much coffee, tea, red wine, etc

Use a Straw: When drinking beverages that can stain your teeth, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

Touch-Up Treatments: If you wanted to maintain your whitened teeth, you would have to continue to get your treatment.

Conclusion

So needless to say teeth polishing and teeth whitening are two extremely different procedures with two extremely different uses, and purposes. Polishing of the teeth (which simply cleans the teeth and removes surface stains) is not the same as whitening (which whitens the actual color of the teeth and removes deep stains). Both treatments can improve the appearance of your smile, but the choice between them depends on your specific needs and goals.

For those who would like a whiter smile, SmilePath has this teeth whitening kit that works, and it's so convenient. Now that you know the distinction between dental polishing and dental whitening, you will know which one to select and will give you a smile that you will be proud of and will keep.

Still have more questions? Call our customer support at +64 98705733.

FAQs

1. Teeth polish vs. teeth whitening, what's it all about?

Teeth polishing is the process of removing stains, plaque, and tartar from the external surfaces of the teeth to create a clean and smooth surface. It is typically part of a routine dental cleaning. Whitening, though also a cosmetic procedure, is the process of making the teeth whiter than their natural color, and of removing the deeper stains so that one can have a whiter smile.

2. How often should I get my teeth polished?

During normal dental cleaning, done every six months, the teeth are polished. It's that constant cleaning that doesn't allow the plaque and tartar to accumulate, and your teeth remain slick and clean.

3. Are there any risks associated with teeth whitening?

The whitening in itself isn't too harmful if done properly, but the downsides will be temporary tooth sensitivity and possibly gum irritation. So the most logical thing to do is to follow all the directions for each home kit or better yet just get the whole thing done by a dentist as a preventative measure.

4. I have sensitive teeth will I be able to use the SmilePath professional teeth whitening kit?

It will take the stains out but SmilePath's teeth whitening kit is purposed to whiten teeth without the damage. But if you have extremely sensitive teeth then you should definitely start with much shorter times and eventually build your way up to the recommended times. But you should ALWAYS check with your dentist if you are worried about sensitivity with any whitening product.

5. How long do the results of teeth whitening last?

The longevity of teeth whitening results varies depending on factors such as diet, oral hygiene habits, and the method used. A professional whitening treatment is good for 6 months to 2 years. With home kits such as SmilePath, it is convenient to perform touch-ups whenever they are needed to maintain that pearly white smile.