Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon
Many people walk into a dental clinic expecting a brighter, whiter smile after a routine teeth cleaning. When that doesn’t happen, disappointment often follows. The truth is, teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are two completely different dental procedures, each serving a unique purpose.
What Teeth Cleaning Really Does
Professional teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing, focuses on maintaining oral health. During this procedure, dentists remove plaque and calculus (tartar) that build up over time. These deposits can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and cavities if left untreated.
Cleaning also helps eliminate extrinsic stains — the surface stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and certain foods. While your teeth may look fresher and cleaner after scaling, the natural colour of the teeth remains unchanged.
What Teeth Whitening Actually Does
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to lighten the intrinsic colour of the teeth. These intrinsic stains lie deeper within the tooth structure and cannot be removed by cleaning alone.
For professional, in‑office whitening, dentists protect the gums using a special barrier gel. A high‑strength peroxide‑based bleaching gel (usually between 15–35%) is then applied to the teeth. This gel is activated using a special light or laser, allowing it to penetrate the enamel and break down deep stains.
Each whitening cycle typically lasts around 15 minutes, and most patients require one to two sessions in a single visit. Once the process is complete, the gel is rinsed off and a fluoride treatment is applied to help reduce sensitivity.
Possible After‑Effects of Whitening
Teeth whitening is generally safe when performed by a dentist, but some temporary effects may occur:
- Mild to moderate tooth sensitivity for a day or two
- Sensitivity usually subsides with desensitizing toothpaste or over‑the‑counter pain relief
- Results can last 6 to 10 months with good oral hygiene and by limiting staining foods like coffee, tea, and red wine
- Some patients may be given touch‑up trays for long‑term maintenance
Is Whitening Right for Everyone?
Not all stains respond equally to bleaching. In some cases, treatments like tooth‑coloured fillings, veneers, or other cosmetic procedures may be more effective.
That’s why a quick consultation with your dentist is essential. It helps determine whether professional whitening is suitable for you or if another treatment would deliver better, longer‑lasting results.
A healthy, confident smile starts with understanding your options — and choosing what’s right for your teeth.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
