Dental scaling and teeth whitening can both make a smile look cleaner, but they do different jobs. Scaling improves oral health by removing deposits. Whitening changes the shade of natural teeth.
What is dental scaling?
Scaling removes hard tartar and plaque from teeth and near the gum line. Polishing then smooths the surface and can remove some external stains from tea, coffee or tobacco.
What is teeth whitening?
Whitening uses a controlled product to lighten the colour inside natural tooth enamel. It does not remove tartar and does not treat gum disease.
Which one do you need?
- Choose a dental check and scaling if there is tartar, bleeding gums or rough deposits.
- Discuss whitening if the teeth and gums are healthy but you want a lighter shade.
- Some people need scaling before whitening.
Will scaling make teeth white?
Scaling can reveal the natural shade by removing deposits and surface stains. It does not bleach the tooth to a lighter natural colour.
Can whitening clean the gums?
No. Whitening is cosmetic and cannot replace professional cleaning or treatment for gum disease.
Learn about dental scaling and polishing and professional teeth whitening. For help choosing, book a dental assessment.