How Will Professional Teeth Cleaning Improve Your Whitening Results?
Most people can't wait to start their tooth whitening treatment so they can get their smiles looking dazzling as quickly as possible. However, it really makes sense to delay your treatment until you can see an oral hygienist or dentist and have your teeth professionally cleaned. If you're thinking that this sounds like an unnecessary delay, you need to learn how having your teeth professionally cleaned prior to tooth whitening can dramatically improve the final result.
Cleaning Will Remove Tartar
You might be thinking to yourself that you brush and floss your teeth religiously, so a professional cleaning just isn't necessary. Unfortunately, plaque can harden into tartar, which will adhere to your teeth. Tartar cannot be removed through brushing—it needs to be cleaned away by a dentist or oral hygienist.
Getting rid of tartar is always a good idea, but it's particularly beneficial prior to tooth whitening. The gels used for most whitening procedures will break down stain molecules in your tooth enamel, but they will not be able to penetrate tartar. Tartar tends to collect in hard-to-reach crevices, such as between two teeth and next the gum line. If it isn't removed, you could notice that some parts of your teeth are getting whiter, while smaller patches stay stained.
Cleaning Will Remove Surface Stains
When you have your teeth cleaned, your hygienist or dentist will polish them using a high-powered tool. This process helps remove any surface stains that have become adhered to the enamel but which haven't yet caused any permanent stains. Wine, tea, coffee, and other such drinks can leave such surface stains, as can smoking. For the most effective whitening, it's best to remove those surface stains first.
Cleaning Will Remove Any Trapped Food Debris
If you brush and floss regularly, you might be surprised by the idea that food particles are still stuck between your teeth. However, this can still be the case, since smaller particles are very good at finding hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, you may be brushing or flossing using a slightly incorrect technique, leaving certain areas free to accumulate debris.
When a dentist or hygienist cleans your teeth, they'll be able to use specialised equipment. Combined with their extensive expertise and the fact that they will be able to see all around your mouth, such tools allow them to remove any trapped food debris far more easily than you could by yourself. As with tartar, any debris can block whitening agents.
Share