Not really. A scale and polish removes stains and tartar from the surface of your teeth, so they can look cleaner and a bit brighter afterwards. But it won’t change the natural colour of your teeth. If you want them to be lighter than they naturally are, that’s what whitening is for.
At YOR Dental in MediaCity, Manchester, a lot of patients expect a clean to work like whitening. They actually do two quite different jobs.
Cleaning vs whitening
A scale and polish takes off what’s sitting on your teeth: plaque, hard tartar, and surface stains from things like tea, coffee and red wine. Once that’s gone, you’re seeing the true colour of your teeth again.
But if your teeth are naturally a little darker or more yellow, they’ll stay that shade after a clean. Cleaning can’t lighten the tooth itself.
Whitening works differently. It uses a professional whitening gel that lightens the colour of your natural enamel. That’s how you get a shade that’s whiter than where you started.
Why it’s worth having a clean first
If you’re thinking about whitening, a scale and polish beforehand is a good idea. It clears away the tartar and stains on the surface, so the whitening gel can work on clean teeth. Before any whitening, we’ll also check your teeth and gums to make sure you’re suitable for treatment.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face to face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
