Have you ever wondered what the difference is between getting your teeth professionally cleaned versus whitened? While both procedures aim to give you a brighter, more attractive smile, they actually serve very different purposes.
Teeth cleaning is a routine dental procedure focused on improving oral health. In contrast, teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens and removes stains for a whiter smile.
Understanding the key differences between professional teeth cleaning and whitening can help you decide which option best meets your needs.
This guide will compare and contrast these two common dental treatments to help you make an informed decision.
Regular professional teeth cleaning is considered a fundamental part of oral hygiene and preventive dental care. Cleanings aim to remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on tooth surfaces over time. This debris can’t be eliminated by simple brushing and flossing at home.
Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from teeth to help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats teeth, while tartar refers to hardened plaque deposits.
The American Dental Association recommends routine teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist every six months. Some individuals with a history of gum disease may need more frequent cleanings.
During a typical cleaning appointment, the hygienist will:
Use specialized dental instruments to scrape and remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline.
Polish teeth surfaces once debris is removed.
Floss between teeth.
Complete the process by rinsing thoroughly.
The entire process usually takes 30-60 minutes.
There are a few different types of professional teeth cleanings:
A prophylaxis, or “prophy”, is the standard cleaning procedure patients undergo every six months. It involves plaque and tartar removal from tooth crowns down to the gum line.
This deeper version of a cleaning, also known as “deep cleaning,” is done when there are signs of periodontal disease. The dental hygienist will scale away built-up tartar, bacteria, and debris from beneath the gum line and smooth out rough spots on root surfaces. Local anesthesia is often used for comfort.
Consistently getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months provides many oral health benefits:
Removes plaque and tartar to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Treats gingivitis and periodontitis by controlling bacterial buildup.
Freshens breath by eliminating bacteria that causes odors.
Allows early detection of dental health problems like infections, decay, and oral cancer before they worsen.
Keeps teeth looking their whitest by removing accumulated stains and discoloration.
In essence, routine professional cleanings help maintain optimal oral health and prevent more extensive dental work down the road.
Now that we’ve covered the health-focused purpose of professional teeth cleaning, let’s discuss cosmetic teeth whitening. Teeth whitening procedures aim to remove stains and discoloration for a brighter, whiter smile.
Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic treatment that lightens teeth coloration and removes surface stains. Over time, teeth can become discolored from factors such as food and drink, smoking, medications, trauma, aging, and more. Teeth whitening improves the appearance but does not enhance oral health.
Both professional in-office whitening and at-home teeth whitening kits are available. Professional options provide the most dramatic results, while over-the-counter kits produce more gradual lightening over weeks of use.
Common causes of stained or discolored teeth that can be improved with whitening include:
Consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and dark sodas.
Tobacco use from smoking or chewing.
Medications like tetracycline antibiotics.
Trauma that impacts tooth mineralization.
Age-related enamel thinning and wear.
Genetic factors that affect tooth color.
Consider professional teeth whitening if:
You feel self-conscious about the appearance of yellowed or stained teeth.
Over-the-counter whitening methods have not produced satisfactory results.
You have an upcoming special event like a wedding or graduation where you want your smile to look its brightest.
Dentist-supervised teeth whitening is done using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active bleaching agent. A higher concentration of whitener is used for in-office treatments.
During a typical visit, the dentist will:
Cover your gums to protect soft tissues.
Apply the whitening gel or solution to teeth.
Use a specialized light or laser to accelerate the lightening process.
Monitor your teeth for 15-60 minutes depending on desired results.
Multiple treatments may be recommended for more dramatic color change. At-home kits involve wearing trays pre-filled with whitening gel for 30 mins to a few hours daily over 1-2 weeks.
A brighter, whiter smile can offer the following advantages:
Boosts self-confidence and self-esteem.
Makes you appear more youthful.
Improves aesthetics for special events like weddings and graduations.
Provides a “clean slate” for maintaining better oral hygiene.
Now that we’ve provided an overview of the purpose and process of teeth cleaning versus whitening, let’s compare some of the key differences between these two dental treatments:
Teeth cleaning aims to remove debris and improve oral health.
Teeth whitening focuses on cosmetic enhancement of tooth appearance.
Professional cleaning prevents cavities, gum disease, and promotes overall oral wellness.
Whitening does not offer direct health benefits, only aesthetic improvements.
Cleanings are recommended every 6 months for optimal preventive care.
Whitening frequency depends on individual preferences and lifestyle factors.
Cleanings are performed by licensed dental hygienists and dentists.
In-office whitening is applied by dentists, at-home done independently.
Cleanings involve some degree of discomfort from scraping and sensitivity.
Whitening causes moderate to severe sensitivity and irritation for some.
As you can see, teeth cleanings play more of a health-maintenance role while whitening focuses on aesthetic benefits. Let’s now dive deeper into factors to consider when choosing between the two.
Various factors come into play when deciding whether to get your teeth professionally cleaned or whitened. Compare costs, time commitment, results longevity, and more.
On average, professional teeth cleanings tend to cost less than whitening treatments.
Teeth cleanings range from $50-$200 per visit.
In-office whitening averages $400-$600 per treatment.
At-home whitening kits cost $40-$200.
While whitening carries a higher upfront cost, it eliminates stains for prolonged periods whereas cleanings provide short-term freshness.
Professional cleanings take 30 minutes to 1 hour per visit.
In-office whitening sessions take about 1 hour.
At-home whitening kits involve daily use for 1-2 weeks.
Whitening requires a more intensive time commitment upfront, while cleanings need to be repeated biannually.
Cleanings provide immediate aesthetic results but teeth gradually discolor over time.
Professional whitening treatments offer long-lasting whiteness for several years.
Over-the-counter kits produce more temporary whitening results.
Whitening can have dramatic and lengthy impact on tooth shade when compared to cleanings.
Cleanings must be repeated every 6 months for continued benefits.
Whitening must be periodically repeated once results begin fading.
Consistent dental visits are key if you opt for recurring professional cleanings rather than whitening.
Cleanings require scheduled dental office visits.
Whitening kits can be conveniently purchased over-the-counter.
In-office whitening requires appointments.
At-home whitening products offer the most convenience and flexibility.
Cleanings may cause temporary sensitivity for a couple days.
Whitening frequently leads to moderate to severe sensitivity lasting weeks.
Whitening can also irritate gums.
Whitening is more likely to cause discomfort than routine cleaning.
When performed properly, cleanings do not damage teeth.
Excessive whitening can destroy enamel andcause permanent sensitivity.
Overuse of whitening products poses a bigger safety risk than professional cleanings.
As shown above, comparing all factors can assist you in deciding between preventive cleanings, dramatic whitening, or moderate over-the-counter products for your needs and expectations.
In addition to professional teeth whitening treatments, there are natural remedies you can use to maintain or slightly improve tooth color between dental visits:
Brush at least twice and floss once daily.
Use a whitening toothpaste with gentle polishing ingredients.
Schedule cleanings every 6 months to prevent new stains.
Drink water immediately after consuming staining foods and beverages.
Quit smoking and tobacco use to prevent discoloration.
Limit intake of dark sodas, coffee, and red wine.
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots to help rub off surface stains.
Avoid excessive sugary or acidic foods and drinks that erode enamel.
Get nutrients like calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D for optimal oral health.
Create DIY baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste and gently brush onto teeth 2-3 times per week.
Try oil pulling by swishing coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes daily.
Use activated charcoal powder or strawberry hulls mixed with baking soda.
Buy whitening mouthwash to use as a supplementary aid alongside brushing.
Natural teeth whitening remedies take more time and diligence compared to professional in-office treatments. You may notice a slight lightening effect over several weeks. However, dramatic multi-shade changes seen with intensive bleaching are unrealistic through natural means alone. Maintain realistic expectations when taking the all-natural route.
As a leading teeth whitening manufacturer with over 20 years of expertise, Onuge Personal Care offers a complete range of whitening products and solutions. From innovative whitening strips to custom formulas, Onuge has the capabilities and technology to deliver effective teeth brightening tailored to your needs.
With cutting-edge production facilities churning out over 2 million whitening products daily, Onuge has the capacity to handle orders of any size. Their residue-free whitening strip formula and 50+ patented technologies ensure you get the highest quality whitening experience. With rigorous quality control and global certifications, you can trust Onuge whitening products are safe and effective.
Whether you need a private label batch for your brand or bulk supplies for retail, Onuge is your one-stop shop for end-to-end teeth whitening solutions. Contact us today to transform your smile!
Professional teeth cleaning and whitening serve very different purposes. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar for improved oral health while whitening lightens intrinsic stains for aesthetic benefits.
Keep the following takeaways in mind when deciding on which option best suits your dental needs:
Teeth cleaning is preventative while whitening is cosmetic.
Consistent cleanings promote long-term oral wellness and prevent disease.
Whitening boosts appearance but does not improve oral health.
Cleanings must be repeated every 6 months while whitening results can last years.
Natural teeth whitening methods are safer but produce minimal results.
Evaluate your specific priorities whether related to oral health, aesthetics, budget, or other factors. Consult your dentist to determine appropriate solutions for your dental situation. With the right combination of professional treatments and ongoing home care, you can maintain a radiant, healthy smile for life.
