Teeth Polishing

Polishing is often the last step of a dental cleaning, scaling, and some restorative procedures. It smooths and polishes the tooth or restoration surface and removes some stains. Here at AffableCare Dental, teeth polishing is a standard for our general dentist, Dr. Noel. His dental practice serves Lancaster, Depew, Cheektowaga, Buffalo, NY and the surrounding communities.

Teeth Polishing

What is teeth polishing?

Polishing is often the last step of a dental cleaning, scaling (deep root cleaning), and some restorative procedures, like when a new crown is placed. It smooths and polishes the tooth or restoration surface and removes some stains.

Tell me about the polishing procedure?

At AffableCare Dental, Dr. Noel or a hygienist will polish your teeth as the last finishing touch to regular cleanings and deep root cleanings (called scaling and planing). When a new restoration like a crown or composite filling has been placed in your mouth, we may polish it as well. Dr. Noel uses either a prophy jet polisher or a rubber cup polisher. The rubber cup holds a small amount of polishing paste which is held against the tooth surface on a spinning handpiece. Think of this as a gentle power sand and buff for your teeth. The prophy jet is more like a power washer, as it uses a jet of water and baking soda to smooth and polish teeth. Both methods are effective for removing some stains, and leaving teeth looking smooth and polished.

Should I have my teeth polished?

While polishing is common, and helpful in certain circumstances, it is not a mandatory part of a standard cleaning. Ask AffableCare Dental when and why they recommend polishing teeth.

Quality general dentist using teeth polishing, a preventative dentistry technique, to help patients maintain their healthy smile in Lancaster, Depew, Cheektowaga, Buffalo, NY and the surrounding communities.