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Are you looking in the mirror and wishing for a brighter, healthier smile? You are not alone. Many patients at Navii Dental Clinic ask us how to improve the look of their teeth. Two of the most common requests we receive are for teeth cleaning and teeth whitening.
While both treatments can leave you with a dazzling smile, they serve very different purposes. Confusing the two is common, but knowing the difference is key to getting the results you want.
In this guide, we break down the differences between professional teeth cleaning and teeth whitening to help you decide which one (or both!) is right for you.
1. What is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning (also known as dental prophylaxis or scaling and polishing) is primarily a health treatment.1 Its main goal is to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) that brushing and flossing at home cannot reach.
How it works:
- Scaling: Your dentist uses specialized tools (often ultrasonic) to carefully scrape away hardened tartar from above and below the gum line.
- Polishing: After the tartar is removed, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel, making it harder for plaque to attach in the future.
Why you need it:
- Prevents Gum Disease: Tartar buildup is the leading cause of gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Stops Bad Breath: Bacteria hiding in tartar are often the source of chronic bad breath.
- Early Detection: During a cleaning, your dentist at Navii Dental can spot early signs of cavities, cracks, or other issues.
Does it whiten teeth?
Yes, slightly! By removing surface stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco, a cleaning can restore your teeth to their natural color. However, it cannot change your natural tooth shade.
2. What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment. Its sole purpose is to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile by bleaching the tooth enamel to a lighter shade.
How it works:
At Navii Dental Clinic, we use professional-grade whitening agents (usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These agents penetrate the enamel to break down deep stains and discoloration.
- In-Office Whitening: A fast, powerful treatment (like Zoom! Whitening) that can brighten teeth by several shades in just one hour.
- At-Home Kits: Custom-made trays provided by your dentist for gradual whitening over a few weeks
Why you need it:
- Aesthetic Improvement: Perfect for removing deep stains caused by aging, medication, or lifestyle habits.
- Confidence Boost: A brighter smile often leads to higher self-esteem.
Does it clean teeth?
No. Whitening does not remove plaque, tartar, or bacteria. In fact, whitening works best after a professional cleaning.
The Comparison: Cleaning vs. Whitening
| Feature | Teeth Cleaning | Teeth Whitening |
| Primary Goal | Oral Health (preventing disease) | Aesthetics (improving color) |
| Removes | Plaque, Tartar, Bacteria | Deep Stains, Discoloration |
| Frequency | Recommended every 6 months | As needed (usually every 1-2 years) |
| Necessity | Essential for everyone | Optional (Cosmetic) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which One Do You Need?
Choose Teeth Cleaning if:
- It has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit.
- You notice bleeding gums when brushing.
- You have visible tartar buildup (hard yellow/brown spots) near the gum line.
- You want to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Choose Teeth Whitening if:
- Your teeth and gums are already healthy and clean.
- You are unhappy with the yellow or dull color of your teeth.
- You have a special event coming up (wedding, photoshoot, interview).
The “Navii” Recommendation: Do Both!
For the best results, cleaning must come before whitening.
Why? If you try to whiten teeth that have tartar buildup, the whitening gel cannot penetrate the enamel evenly. You might end up with “speckled” teeth where the tartar blocked the bleach.
At Navii Dental Clinic, we often recommend a Combo Treatment: Get a thorough cleaning to ensure your gums are healthy and your enamel is exposed, followed immediately or a few days later by a whitening treatment. This ensures a safe procedure and the brightest possible result.
Ready to Refresh Your Smile?
Whether you need a routine deep clean to protect your health or a professional whitening session to boost your confidence, Navii Dental Clinic is here to help.
Located in the heart of Hanoi, specifically the Hoan Kiem district, we are trusted by expats and locals alike for our international standards and gentle care.
📅 Book your appointment today!
- Hotline: 0936900033
- Address: 42 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Website: Navii.vn
Don’t let stains or tartar hide your best smile. Visit Navii Dental today!