Most people want their teeth to be smooth, white, and shiny, but where do you start the process? Although many are quick to reach for over-the-counter whitening strips, it’s best to speak with a dentist before making any changes. Below is a brief guide to tooth polishing and dental whitening, as well as which order you should approach them. 

How Do Polishing & Whitening Differ? 

The goal of tooth polishing is to smooth the surfaces of your teeth, removing extrinsic stains, plaque, and tartar deposits. In contrast, whitening is a chemical process that involves lightening stains above and below the surface of the dental enamel. While individuals can complete this latter process at home with prescription whitening trays and bleaching agents, only a dentist should perform tooth polishing on a patient. 

Should You Polish Before or After Whitening?

Polishing teeth before whitening makes the lightening procedure more effective. Since polishing removes surface grime, the whitening treatment will address the natural surface of the dental enamel, where it can travel through the tubules and into the dentin to lighten stains. 

However, since surface grime can always reappear, you should regularly polish your teeth during routine dental exams. At these appointments, dentists and hygienists will scrape away deposits and use a high-powered pneumatic toothbrush topped with gritty toothpaste to whisk away surface stains. 

If you want to address a new dental stain or have been battling yellow teeth for years, the team at Main Street Dental is happy to assist. In addition to offering an array of preventive and restorative dental services, including tooth polishing, Dr. Kujak has been helping patients regain their pearly whites with teeth whitening for over 30 years. To learn more about how you can improve your smile, visit them online. Call (608) 784-4063 today to schedule an appointment.