At Ryan Rush, DDS, we often get questions about dental cleanings and teeth whitening. Patients ask us if they are the same thing, and they wonder if it’s ok to skip dental cleanings if they are whitening their teeth or if dental cleanings will make their teeth whiter and brighter. Unfortunately, dental cleanings and teeth whitening are two completely different dental procedures, each with its own specific results.
A dental cleaning is recommended by your dentist at least twice a year, and the objective is to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Regular dentist visits are an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine.
Teeth whitening, however, is not a treatment you need; it is a cosmetic treatment that whitens your teeth if you have stains or discoloration from certain foods and drinks, age, or smoking. Although teeth whitening isn’t necessary, many patients enjoy the aesthetic benefits of whiter teeth, including improved self-esteem and confidence.
What Is the Dental Cleaning Process?
A build-up of plaque and bacteria in your mouth can negatively affect your teeth and gums and eventually lead to tooth loss, so a regular dental cleaning is necessary to maintain good oral health.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will complete the following steps when they conduct a dental cleaning:
- First, they will physically examine your mouth to check for abnormalities.
- If necessary, x-rays will be taken of your mouth.
- Next, they will remove plaque and tartar from your mouth.
- Once they are finished cleaning your teeth, they will polish them.
- After polishing, the hygienist will floss your teeth.
- Finally, you will be given a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth until your next visit.
What Is the Teeth Whitening Process in Fort Collins, CO?
In our dental office, we offer three different types of teeth whitening to fit your individual needs. Our options include the following:
Opalescence Boost In-Office Whitening – In as little as three twenty-minute sessions in our dental office, your teeth will be several shades whiter.
Opalescence Go Pre-Filled Whitening Trays – For this at-home teeth whitening option, you can wear a pre-filled whitening tray for five to ten days/thirty to sixty minutes a day, or five to ten days/fifteen to twenty minutes a day, depending on the product strength you choose.
Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays – If you prefer, we can take digital impressions of your teeth and create custom whitening trays that you will wear at home for twenty to thirty minutes daily for two to three weeks. You can decide when your teeth are the shade you want.
Are You Interested in Teeth Whitening in Fort Collins, CO?
If you would like to speak to us about our professional teeth whitening services, please get in touch with us at (970) 223-5393. We look forward to hearing from you