One of the most asked questions we have in our Washington offices is about the difference between teeth cleaning and whitening. Cleaning your teeth doesn’t make it whiter. The goal of a teeth cleaning is to get rid of all the built-up plaque and tartar stuck in between your teeth and gums to prevent gum disease and bacteria build-up.
Meanwhile, whitening is more of a cosmetic procedure. The food we eat and drink cause stains on our teeth, especially things like coffee, soda, and pasta. We do teeth whitening to remove these stains and coloration safely, without harming the existing enamel layer to help patients get a whiter, brighter smile. But the differences don’t stop there. Here’s what you need to know:
Different Types of Whitening
You’re not limited to one type of dental cleaning and whitening. Some types of cleaning or whitening have to be done at your local dental clinic; others you can do at the comfort of your home. Let’s take a look at the different types of cleaning and whitening you can do:
Whitening Toothpaste
The journey to a brighter smile can start at home. There are many whitening toothpaste brands you can choose from. Most of them whiten teeth by using peroxide-based gels that act as abrasive agents that polish teeth or through bleaching.
Just remember that when choosing a whitening toothpaste, see if it has ingredients that you need to strengthen your teeth, like fluoride and potassium nitrate. Results vary and it’s not going to guarantee a whiter smile right away—just remember not to over use and over brush.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are getting more and more popular. But do they actually work? The short answer is yes but it’s not as effective as getting a professional cleaning. They work the same way whitening toothpaste does.
They also contain peroxide-based gels to bleach the teeth and remove surface stains. But be careful when using whitening strips as it can remove essential enamel. Overuse can also lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. So, only go for reputable brands.
Tray-Based Whitening
Tray-based whitening products are like dentures that you put on top of your teeth. These are filled with peroxide-based whitening gels and are more evenly distributed throughout the surface of your teeth.
These are considered better than strips or whitening toothpaste as it can be worn for longer (usually overnight) and lets the agents break down stains. What’s better is that trays can be customized and re-used with fresh gel, making it a more cost-effective DIY solution.
Teeth Whitening Pens
Whitening pens are widely available over the counter. They contain either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide and can be used on the go. So, for our patients in Washington with busier lifestyles, we would recommend these whitening pens.
These pens also have a fine tip to cover even the tiniest of gaps between your teeth. However, these pens are more of a temporary solution. After applying the gel, you let it dry and sit for a specified time (depending on the manufacturer), then rinse or brush it off.
But, if you want a better, brighter smile, the best course of action is to visit your local dental office and start your teeth whitening journey.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
btyDENTAL provides teeth cleaning services across all our offices in Washington. From Tacoma, Sumner, to Bonney Lake, we offer a tailored teeth whitening plan that fits your needs, goals, and lifestyle. Here’s what the typical process looks like for our patients:
1. Initial Examination
- The dentist checks your teeth and gums to ensure whitening is safe for you.
- Any cavities, gum disease, or exposed roots may need treatment first, since whitening solutions can cause sensitivity in unhealthy areas.
2. Teeth Cleaning (if needed)
- A light cleaning or polishing is often done before whitening.
- Removing plaque and tartar ensures the whitening gel works evenly.
3. Shade Selection
- The dentist records your current tooth shade and discusses your desired outcome.
- This allows before-and-after comparison.
4. Preparation & Protection
- A cheek retractor is placed to keep your lips and cheeks away from your teeth.
- Protective barriers (a rubber shield or resin material) are applied to your gums.
- Goggles may be provided to protect your eyes from the lamp if one is used.
5. Application of Whitening Gel
- A professional-strength whitening gel, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied to the tooth surfaces.
- The concentration is much higher than store-bought products, which is why it works more quickly.
6. Activation (Sometimes)
- Depending on the system, a special light or heat source may be used to accelerate the whitening effect.
- Not all professional whitening systems require this step (it’s often called “power whitening”).
7. Multiple Rounds
- The gel is left on for a set period (usually 15–30 minutes), then removed and reapplied in cycles.
- The whole session typically takes 60–90 minutes.
8. Final Rinse & Shade Check
- The whitening material is thoroughly rinsed off.
- The dentist checks the new shade against the starting point.
- Post-care instructions are given, often recommending avoiding dark foods/drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) for 24–48 hours.
9. Optional Take-Home Whitening Kit
- Many dentists provide custom-fitted whitening trays with gel for at-home touch-ups.
Different Types of Teeth Cleaning
The type of teeth cleaning you get depends on your current oral health status. For most healthy teeth, you probably know that the recommended number of teeth cleanings is twice per year. However, some severe cases need more. Here are the types of dental cleanings you can get:
Routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
This is the standard cleaning most people get every six months. It focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains from above the gumline. It’s quick, straightforward, and helps prevent common issues like cavities and gingivitis.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
A deep cleaning goes beyond the surface. It’s used to treat gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and smoothing out the tooth roots to help gums reattach. The procedure is usually done in two or more sessions, often treating one side of the mouth at a time. Numbing is provided to keep you comfortable, so you don’t have to worry if your gums are bleeding, swollen, or starting to pull away from your teeth—deep cleaning is a very common treatment.
Full Mouth Debridement
If it’s been a long time since your last dental visit and there’s heavy tartar buildup, your hygienist may recommend a full mouth debridement first. This removes thick deposits so they can get a clearer view of your teeth and gums before moving forward with a full cleaning.
Periodontal Maintenance
This type of cleaning is done after a deep cleaning to keep gum disease under control. It’s more thorough than a routine cleaning but less intensive than scaling and root planing. Periodontal maintenance is typically scheduled every 3–4 months to maintain gum health and prevent the disease from progressing.
Dental Cleaning Vs Teeth Whitening Costs: Insurances and Out-of-Pocket Payments
When it comes to dental care, it’s important to understand the difference between essential treatments and cosmetic enhancements—especially when it comes to cost and insurance coverage for dental cleanings and whitening.
Routine cleanings are considered preventive care and are often covered by insurance, while whitening is elective and usually paid out of pocket. Knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises at the dentist’s office.
Dental Cleaning Costs
- Insurance Coverage: Most dental insurance plans fully or partially cover routine cleanings (prophylaxis) twice a year as part of preventive care. Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) may also be covered, but usually require a diagnosis of gum disease and may involve co-pays.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Routine cleaning: typically $75–$200 without insurance.
- Deep cleaning: ranges from $150–$350 per quadrant (one-fourth of the mouth).
- Periodontal maintenance visits: about $100–$300 each, depending on location and complexity.
Teeth Whitening Costs
- Insurance Coverage: Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is not covered by dental insurance.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- In-office professional whitening: $300–$1,000 depending on the system used and the number of sessions.
- Take-home whitening kits from your dentist: usually $100–$400.
- Over-the-counter whitening strips or trays: $20–$100, but with less predictable results.
Key Takeaway
The best way to get your teeth cleaned and whitened is with the help of professionals. Both take time, effort, and consistency. If you’re in Washington and looking for dental cleaning or whitening services, we have offices conveniently located in Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Sumner, Lynwood, Puyallup, Tacoma, Bellevue, and DuPont.
Schedule an appointment with us and start your journey to a smile that’s better than yesterday!
