Can Professional Teeth Cleaning Remove Stains and Whiten Teeth?

If you're dreaming of a whiter smile, you might be wondering if professional teeth cleaning in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you achieve those pearly whites. The answer is a bit nuanced. While professional teeth cleaning can improve the appearance of your teeth, it may not deliver the dramatic whitening results some people hope for. Here’s a closer look at what professional teeth cleaning can and cannot do for your smile.

Types of Stains

There are two main types of teeth stains:

• Extrinsic Stains: These reside on the tooth's surface, caused by external factors like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, smoking, and certain medications.

• Intrinsic Stains: These originate within the tooth enamel, often due to genetics, childhood illnesses, excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development, or trauma.

Do Professional Teeth Cleaning Help with Both?

Professional teeth cleaning, primarily targets extrinsic stains. The hygienist uses specialized tools and a gritty paste to remove plaque, tartar (calcified plaque), and surface stains. This process can improve the overall brightness of your smile by revealing the natural color of your teeth beneath the buildup.

However, professional cleaning isn't a magic bullet for achieving a dramatically whiter smile, especially for intrinsic stains. Here's why:

• Limited Reach: Cleaning focuses on the tooth's surface and can't penetrate deeper to address intrinsic stains.

• Focus on Health: The primary goal of cleaning is to remove harmful plaque and tartar, which contribute to gum disease and cavities. Whitening is a secondary benefit.

Whitening Beyond Cleaning

Additional whitening treatments are available for those looking for a more significant change in the color of their teeth. These treatments can be done in conjunction with or following professional teeth cleaning in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

In-Office Whitening

This procedure involves the application of a bleaching agent directly to the teeth, which is then activated by a special light or laser. This method can produce dramatic results quickly, often lightening teeth by several shades in just one visit.

At-Home Whitening Kits

Dentists can provide custom-fitted trays and a professional-grade whitening gel for use at home. These kits are generally more effective and safer than over-the-counter products, providing noticeable results within a few weeks.

Over-the-Counter Products

These include whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels. While convenient and less expensive, they typically offer less significant and slower results compared to professional treatments.

Realistic Expectations and Maintenance

While professional teeth cleaning can remove surface stains and improve the overall appearance of your teeth, it's important to have realistic expectations. This procedure is primarily preventive and not designed as a cosmetic whitening treatment. To achieve and maintain a whiter smile, consider combining professional cleaning with additional whitening methods as recommended by your dentist.

Moreover, maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home, such as regular brushing and flossing, avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, and not smoking, will help keep your teeth looking their best.

Is It Time for a Teeth Cleaning in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Want to shine with confidence? Midtown Dental's expert team offers both thorough teeth cleaning to banish surface stains and advanced teeth whitening treatments for a truly luminous smile. Transform your dental care routine and discover the brilliance of professionally maintained teeth. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!