Dental Polishing: Difference from Scaling and Benefits

After scaling, your hygienist passes a small rotating brush over your teeth. This is polishing. Many patients think it is the same as scaling. This is not the case. They are two distinct acts, with different objectives.

Here is what you need to know about dental polishing, its benefits, and why it is important to do it regularly with your hygienist in Geneva.

What is dental polishing?

Polishing is a professional hygiene act carried out by the dental hygienist. It consists of smoothing the surface of the teeth using an abrasive paste and a rotating rubber cup (or a brush).

The objective is to eliminate superficial discolorations (coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine) and to make the surface of the teeth perfectly smooth. A smooth surface delays the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar.

Difference between scaling and polishing

Descaling

Scaling removes tartar. Tartar is mineralized (calcified) bacterial plaque. He’s tough. It doesn’t come off when brushing. The hygienist uses ultrasonic and/or manual instruments (curettes) to remove it.

Scaling is a therapeutic act. It treats the cause of gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis). It is medically necessary.

Polishing

Polishing removes discoloration and smoothes enamel. It does not remove tartar. It does not treat gum disease. It is aesthetic and preventive.

Polishing is done after descaling. The two acts are complementary. They follow one another in the same dental hygiene session.

In summary

Polishing techniques

Classic polishing (cup + paste)

The hygienist applies an abrasive paste to a rubber cup mounted on a rotating contra-angle. The cup rotates at low speed on the surface of each tooth. The paste is available in several grains (fine, medium, coarse) depending on the importance of the coloring.

This is the most common technique. It is gentle, effective and comfortable.

Air-polishing (Air-Flow)

Air polishing projects a mixture of water, air and fine powder (sodium bicarbonate or glycine) onto the teeth. The powder removes plaque, discolorations and biofilm very effectively.

Air polishing is more effective than classic polishing for stubborn colorings (tobacco, intense coffee). It is also gentler on the enamel because there is no direct mechanical contact.

At Studio Smile in Chêne-Bougeries, our hygienists use the latest generation Air-Flow technology. This is the reference method for optimal polishing.

Interdental polishing

The spaces between the teeth are polished with abrasive bands or strips. This eliminates interdental discoloration that the cup cannot reach.

The benefits of dental polishing

Whiter smile. Superficial discolorations disappear. Teeth regain their natural color. Polishing does not whiten teeth beyond their natural color, but it does remove what darkens them.

Smooth surface. A rough surface retains bacterial plaque. A smooth surface repels it. Polishing delays the reformation of tartar after descaling.

Fresher breath. Plaque and discoloration harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. Their elimination improves breath.

Preparing for Whitening. If you are considering teeth whitening, pre-polishing is essential. It removes deposits that would prevent the whitening product from penetrating evenly into the enamel.

Well-being. The feeling of clean, smooth teeth after polishing is incomparable. It is one of the gestures most appreciated by patients.

Recommended frequency

Polishing is carried out at each professional dental hygiene session. The recommended frequency is: - 2 times a year for most patients - 3 to 4 times per year for patients at risk of periodontitis, smokers, and heavy consumers of coffee or tea

Price of dental polishing in Geneva

Polishing is usually included in the dental hygiene session. In Geneva, a complete hygiene session (descaling + polishing + control) costs:

• Standard session (45-60 min): 180 - 250 CHF
• In-depth session (60-90 min): 250 - 350 CHF
• Air-Flow air polishing (additional charge): 50 - 100 CHF

Basic LAMal insurance does not cover dental hygiene. Supplementary dental insurance often reimburses a portion (1 to 2 sessions per year depending on the contract).

Dental polishing: preconceived ideas

“Polishing damages the enamel.” False. The professional polishing paste is calibrated so as not to damage the enamel. Airpolishing is even gentler. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body.

“Polishing replaces bleaching.” False. Polishing removes surface discoloration. Whitening lightens the intrinsic color of the tooth. They are two different things. Polishing returns your natural color. Whitening goes beyond that.

“I brush well, I don’t need polishing.” False. Brushing cannot reach all areas. Plaque accumulates in the spaces between the teeth, under the gums and in the furrows. Professional polishing completes your daily hygiene.

FAQ

Does polishing hurt? No. Polishing is completely painless. The sensation is that of a gentle rotating brush on the teeth. It’s quite nice. No anesthesia is necessary.

What is the purpose of polishing after descaling? Scaling leaves micro-roughness on the enamel where the tartar was attached. Polishing smoothes these areas. Without polishing, plaque re-attaches more quickly and tartar reforms more quickly.

Is polishing suitable for children? Yes. Polishing is recommended for children as soon as permanent teeth appear (around age 6). It is painless and helps prevent cavities.

How long does the polishing result last? The aesthetic result lasts 3 to 6 months depending on habits (coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine). Polishing every 6 months maintains a permanently clean smile.

Want smooth, bright teeth? Book your dental hygiene session at Studio Smile in Chêne-Bougeries. Our hygienists use Air-Flow technology for optimal polishing. Scaling + polishing + control in one session. Make an appointment on OneDoc.