At the end of an intervention at the dentist, we often have white teeth and very bright. It is for this reason that it is difficult to know the difference between the technique of teeth whitening and descaling. The peculiarity of teeth whitening is its exclusively aesthetic vocation.

As for descaling, it is an operation that consists of removing the tartar that has accumulated on the teeth.

What is teeth whitening?

Dental whitening is an action that occurs in the heart of the tooth, and this treatment can sustainably change its color. Teeth whitening is a long and technical procedure that requires several dental consultations, motivation, patience and a large budget. It is necessary to foresee between $ 300 and 600 to carry out teeth whitening. Intervention is only allowed if the patient has no devitalized teeth, composites that do not change color, high gingival sensitivity or bare necks. To whiten teeth, it can be done directly in the dentist’s office. The other technique is to fix a gutter on the teeth. This device contains a whitening product at a low concentration.

What is descaling?

Scaling is a procedure performed by a dentist whose purpose is to remove tartar that has accumulated in the dentition. Scaling is the only operation that can remove plaque that has mineralized and has become tartar. There are 2 categories of descaling: supra-gingival and sub-gingival surgery. Although supra-gingival scaling is performed at the visible part of the teeth, it has a visible result. This intervention makes it possible to whiten teeth. As for the subgingival scaling, the operation is done on the tartar, which is fixed on the part of the tooth in the gum which is not visible. This intervention is important because this type of tartar is the most harmful.

How is a descaling done?

Scaling is an operation that is usually done by ultrasound. To eliminate the most common stains or stains, the dentist can combine polishing with the ultrasound treatment. This painless operation generates a few side effects. The maximum amount reimbursed by social security for this type of intervention does not exceed $ 20,24. Note that the origin of calculus comes from the mineralization of plaque.