Nov 47 min read

Teeth whitening or Scaling & Polishing: Which is better for Dental Health

Everybody wants cleaner and whiter teeth but our diet doesn't make it easy. The colored fruits, veggies, meat, and snacks certainly don't help matters. And even when you brush and floss really well, there are still some places where plaque can reside. For example, under the gums or behind the molars because it's too far and your toothbrush can’t reach there and you can’t see it, or behind your front teeth and you don’t even know it. However, yellow teeth or off-white without any periodontal problems is completely normal because of the kinds of food we eat. But, it makes some people uncomfortable and reduces their confidence. Many people are dissatisfied with their teeth color so they seek alternatives like whitening or scaling. It’s little wonder the teeth whitening industry is projected to generate a revenue of 10.6 billion dollars by 2030 in the United States.

Teeth whitening, scaling & polishing are the most popular ways to improve your teeth appearance but aesthetics is not all there is. Enhancing your general dental health while giving you a beautiful smile is the goal. Both options are not without pros and cons, so you should carefully consider those before choosing.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of using a bleaching agent to change the color of your teeth. After this procedure, your teeth become one or two shades lighter. This depends on whether stains are extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic means they’re caused by external factors such as consumption of cigarettes or tobacco while intrinsic means they’re caused from within the body usually as a reaction to a condition or disease. Whitening agents work for extrinsic stains however severe cases may need professional bleaching done but intrinsic should always opt for professional bleaching. Bleaching is optional, as it is usually done for whitening of normal teeth. Remember yellow or off white colored teeth is normal because of the kinds of food we eat. The effectiveness of vital dental whitening depends on many factors, such as the concentration or pH of the whitening agent, application duration, chemical additives, and re-mineralizing agents used.

Teeth whitening can be done through two ways:

Internal (or non-vital) bleaching. The active agent is placed within the pulp chamber by the

Dentist and can be left in its place between appointments to achieve whitening.

External (or vital) bleaching. The active agent is placed in contact with the tooth surface.

Despite its name, vital bleaching can be performed only on endodontic-treated teeth. Vital bleaching is divided into at-home bleaching (with self-application of the bleaching agent by

the patient) and in-office bleaching (in which the dental team performs

the bleaching procedure at the dental chair)

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, however the best way is to get it done professionally at a clinic for the best results. While this might be the most expensive method, it is certainly the most effective because DIY and over-the-counter agents usually require the use of a brush while a professional teeth whitening is done with laser. Your toothbrush will not reach certain areas of your teeth, and you may react to some of the ingredients, though an electric brush works better than a manual one for delivery.

DIY products are made from substances like lemon, charcoal and others but these may cause gum abrasions. And while they may provide some temporary whitening as they scrub away stains but eventually cause teeth sensitivity and wear away enamel exposing the dentin. If the dentin is exposed, your teeth will look worse since the natural color of the dentin is yellow. Whitening pastes and substances also take a longer time to work and yet are not as effective as professional teeth whitening.

Teeth Scaling & Polishing

Scaling is the removal of bacteria and plaque from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth and stains from these surfaces. It is essential for oral health, as it removes plaque and calculus which is the hard yellow deposit from food on your teeth which doesn’t easily come off with brushing. Scaling helps in maintaining gum health and polishing eliminates stain and enhances smooth and shiny appearance of your teeth. Hardened plaque becomes calculus or tartar if it stays too long on your teeth. The only way to remove it is by getting your teeth cleaned by a dentist. Scaling is usually done with an ultrasonic scaler or hand scaler, sometimes both are used depending on the amount of build up on the teeth.

There are two methods of teeth scaling, the regular or routine cleaning and the deep cleaning. Regular cleaning is done to remove tartar and bacteria above the gum and on the teeth while deep cleaning is done to remove tartar and bacteria under the gums. To determine whether you need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning, your dentist has to carry out some tests. The first is a scan of your teeth to check for bacteria and calculus under your gums, the next is a visual assessment of the build up of the calculus, and then a gum measurement of the buildup to check for inflammation. Usually a 2-3mm of gum build up requires regular cleaning while 5-6mm of build up or more requires a deep cleaning.

If you have a sensitive tooth, consider using de-sensitizing toothpaste to reduce your teeth sensitivity. Usually, your mouth will be numbed before the procedure with the use of a numbing mouthwash, topical gel or lidocaine injection. Depending on the amount of tartar you have and your dental practices, teeth scaling can take more than one appointment to be deep cleaned as the teeth are cleaned in quadrants. You’ll also need to check in 3 or 4 months after the procedure for gum check up and to ensure there’s no infection or gum disease.

Teeth Whitening vs. Scaling & Polishing

First impressions matter, so a bright, confident smile is a useful asset. Teeth whitening and scaling & polishing serve different purposes and impact your dental health in different ways.

The cost of both procedures varies by location and type. Over-the-counter teeth whitening costs less than laser teeth whitening while regular scaling costs less than deep scaling. The costs of each procedure in India won’t be the same in the U.S. Even having the same procedure done in a big or government clinic will not be the same cost as one done in a small or private clinic. So always compare costs in your location.

Teeth whitening focuses on enhancing the brightness (whiteness) of your teeth. It can be achieved through various methods, including in-office treatments, at-home kits, and over-the-counter products. The most common ingredients in whitening products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which work by penetrating the enamel and breaking down stains. However, while whitening can significantly improve the aesthetic appeal of your smile, it does not address underlying dental health issues. In fact, studies indicate that about 30% of people who undergo whitening treatments experience some degree of tooth sensitivity as a side effect, highlighting the importance of consulting with a dental professional before proceeding.

Scaling and polishing is a preventive dental procedure aimed at removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. This process is typically performed by dentist or dental hygienists and is crucial for maintaining gum health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease, a condition exacerbated by poor oral hygiene and tartar accumulation. Scaling involves using specialized instruments to scrape away hardened plaque, while polishing smooths the surface of the teeth, making it harder for plaque to accumulate. This process not only improves the appearance of teeth but also contributes to better overall oral health.

Differences between Teeth whitening and Teeth Scaling & Polishing

Teeth Whitening	Teeth Polishing
Improves teeth aesthetics	Improves general teeth health
Less expensive than scaling	More expensive than whitening
The procedure takes a longer time compared to scaling	Scaling procedure takes a longer time compared to whitening
Pose some risks to both the teeth and gum depending on the active ingredients	Can cause teeth sensitivity or loss of teeth substance
Doesn’t usually require touch ups frequently	Requires frequent maintenance

FAQs

Is teeth whitening healthy for your teeth?

No, despite its results, it becomes harmful in the long-term.

What is the cost of teeth whitening?

The price of teeth whitening depends on whether it’s done professionally by a dentist or self- administered. Price also differs by location as whitening costs more in western countries.

Will my teeth remain white forever after whitening?

No, your teeth get their normal color after a while because of the foods we eat.

Is teeth whitening harmful?

Yes, frequent teeth whitening can be harmful as the whitening agents can damage your teeth.

Is teeth scaling and polishing painful?

No, it is not, anesthesia is used so you don’t feel the pain except a little sensitivity.

Conclusion

While both teeth whitening and scaling & polishing have their benefits, the choice between the two largely depends on your individual dental goals. If you’re seeking immediate cosmetic enhancement, teeth whitening may be the better option. However, if maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing dental problems is important to you, scaling and polishing should be prioritized.

A combination of both procedures is best for both appearance and dental health. Don’t forget to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist and maintain good dental hygiene practices no matter the option you use.

References

Teeth whitening or Scaling & Polishing: Which is better for Dental Health

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