Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned Before Whitening?

Why Dentists and Teeth Whitening Clinics sometimes differ

One of the most common questions I get asked in my Teeth Whitening clinic is: Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned Before Whitening?

Achieving a whiter, beautiful smile is more accessible than ever before with professional in-clinic teeth whitening treatments. However, some dentists insist on teeth being professionally cleaned prior to a teeth whitening treatment. On the other hand, dedicated teeth whitening clinics may say: it’s not always essential to have your teeth cleaned before a whitening treatment.

To answer this question, we need to look at the many aspects involved:

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whiteningis a cosmetic treatment that lightens the natural colour of teeth by breaking down stain molecules inside the tooth, removing stains or discolouration. It’s one of the most non-invasive and affordable ways to improve your smile compared to other more invasive treatments. Teeth whitening Professionals whitening when performed in-clinic does notdamage healthy enamel.

Why get your Teeth Whitened?

Tooth enamel is naturally white, but various lifestyle choices can lead to staining or discolouration over time.

Here are some reasons to think about when considering professional in-clinic teeth whitening:

• Food Stains – Regularly consuming beverages and foods like coffee, tea, red wine, berrie’s with strong colour pigments can stain your teeth
• Aging – As you age, the outer layer of enamel becomes thinner, revealing the underlying layer of dentin, which can discolour overtime
• Poor oral hygiene – Neglecting regular brushing or flossing can result in plaque and tartar buildup which can appear yellow
• Vaping/Smoking and tobacco use – Tobacco can create stubborn dark stains that are hard to remove with regular brushing alone

What is dental cleaning?

A dental clean is a procedure carried out by dentists or dental hygienists to remove hardened plaque and tartar from the teeth that brushing and flossing cannot remove. It typically includes scaling to remove buildup, polishing to remove stains, and flossing.

Key Aspects of Dental Cleaning:

• Scaling – This involves the use of specialized tools, frequently ultrasonic, to eliminate tartar from both above and below the gum line
• Polishing – A gritty paste and electric brush are used to remove stains and smooth the enamel
• Assessment – The hygienist or dentist checks the health of the teeth and gums
• Preventive Measures – A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen teeth and protect against decay
• Frequency – Regular visits are important to maintain oral health and catch potential issues early

Why should you have your teeth cleaned?

Regular dental cleaning is important for maintaining optimal oral health. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, a dental cleaning effectively removes tartar from areas that your toothbrush may not reach. Teeth cleaning (also known as a scale and polish or hygienist clean) is strongly advised by dentists prior to teeth whitening treatments.

Dentist believe geeting your teeth cleaned before Whiteningit offers several benefits, including:

• Removal of plaque and tartar – Plaque and tartar can obstruct the whitening gels access to the enamel.
• Elimination of food debris – A professional cleaning eliminates any residual food particles and debris.
• Detection of oral health issues – During the cleaning process, your dentist will also check for issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Most dentists recommended a dental clean every 6 to 12 months to prevent gum disease and decay.

When is it not essential to have your teeth cleaned before whitening?

Teeth Whitening Practititioners are advocates for an annual hygiene clean for the prevention of gum disease and decay.  But is it essential to have a dental teeth clean immedialty prior to having your teeth whitened?.  A dental clean is not designed to whiten teeth.  It is designed to remove plaque and tartar which often appears in on the back surface of the teeth.  Teeth whitening gel is applied directly to visible face (or front surface of the tooth).  If there is a heavy build-up of plaque and tartar on the face of the tooth then your teeth whitening practitoner would recommend you have a dental clean first.  If there is no visable build up of plaque and tartar on the face of the tooth, then it is not neccessary.

How long should I wait after dental cleaning to whiten my teeth?

After a professional dental cleaning, it’s generally best to wait 48 hours before whitening your teeth.

Here’s why you should wait:

🦷 Your teeth may experience slight sensitivity after a scale and polish, particularly if a significant amount of tartar is removed.
🪥 Your gums may also be mildly irritated, and the use of whitening products (especially those containing peroxide) could lead to discomfort.
✨ The cleaning process eliminates surface plaque and stains, which enhances the effectiveness of whitening — thus, you begin with a clean surface.

When you might wait longer:

If you experienced significant sensitivity or gum inflammation, it’s best to up to 5 to 7 days
If you had a deep clean (scaling and root planing), it’s usually best to wait the full week
Since you’re in the teeth whitening space, timing it right can also improve your client results — freshly cleaned teeth often whiten more evenly and lift faster.

Professional In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Auckland

iSmile Professional In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Auckland offers the most developed, safe and gentle teeth whitening system available on the market today!  iSmile Teeth Whitening Practitioners are fully qualified and registered members of the New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association (NZCTWA).  Check out iSmile Teeth whitening treatment options.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

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