Each of us cares about the beauty and health of our teeth. However, to maintain a radiant, snow-white smile, only home hygiene procedures are not enough. This is due to the fact that gradually the teeth are formed plaquethat cannot be completely removed with a brush or thread.
Over time, such plaque becomes compacted, which leads to the formation of hard deposits on the surface of the teeth - calculus.
Stone not only spoils the appearance, but contributes to the appearance of bad breath. Also, the condition of the enamel deteriorates significantly, sensitivity increases, swelling and bleeding of the gums develops.
All this, ultimately, can cause tooth loss, the development of periodontal disease and other diseases of the oral cavity.
Therefore, to maintain the health of the teeth and oral cavity in general, dentists recommend performing professional cleaning at least 1 - 2 times a year. Professional cleaning is a complex procedure that includes directly removing the stone, and then grinding and polishing the enamel.
In this article, we will try to answer frequently asked questions about sanding and polishing.
Content
- Why polish your teeth?
-
Polishing and grinding methods
- The traditional way
- Ultrasonic method
- Air method
- Laser resurfacing method
- Grinding tools
- How is the procedure going?
- Indications and contraindications
- Recommendations after polishing the enamel
- Home polishing
- Price
- Patient opinions
Why polish your teeth?
Despite the fact that grinding and polishing are included in the complex of measures to remove the stone, they can also be used as independent procedures aimed at improving the general condition of the enamel.
Grinding is performed in order to remove irregularities and microcracks from the enamel surface. Thus, resurfacing the enamel helps to reduce plaque and slows down the formation of stones. In addition, grinding helps to improve the general condition of the enamel and is one of the preventive measures for the development of caries.
Polishing is carried out after grinding. It is intended for the final leveling of microroughnesses on the enamel that could remain after grinding. In general, polishing is more cosmetic in nature and has a slight whitening effect.
Polishing and grinding methods
Today there are four main types of grinding and polishing.
The traditional way
This is an old method, which is carried out using a drill and special handpieces coated with special abrasive materials.
The advantage of this method is its low price and almost complete absence of contraindications. However, this procedure causes quite a lot of discomfort, so it is not recommended for people with hypersensitivity.
Ultrasonic method
A more modern, painless resurfacing method. It is performed using an ultrasound machine with special tips.
The ultrasound method has become widespread, as it allows you to easily and painlessly remove plaque and sand the enamel even in hard-to-reach places (for example, removing subgingival plaque and etc.).
Air method
It is quite widespread at the present time. During this procedure, the enamel is treated with a stream of air mixed with powdered abrasives.
This method does not cause discomfort and discomfort, allows you to quickly and efficiently remove plaque in hard-to-reach places.
Laser resurfacing method
The newest, albeit quite expensive, method. The procedure is performed using portable laser devices that allow you to quickly and easily remove stones, as well as perform grinding, without causing unpleasant and painful sensations in the patient.
Grinding tools
The choice of instrument for grinding teeth depends on which of the above methods will be used for the procedure. So, ultrasonic and laser methods do not require the use of additional tools and materials, since the device is already equipped with all the necessary attachments.
Air grinding requires the use of special abrasive powders that vary in grain size. Coarse grained powders are mainly used for grinding the surface of teeth, while fine grained powders are mainly used for polishing.
Various types of tips and abrasive pastes are used for the procedure. For the treatment of flat areas of enamel, special rubber cups are used, for bumpy areas - cone-shaped nozzles, and for the treatment of hard-to-reach places (including the spaces between the teeth) - grinding stripes and pins.
Abrasive pastes differ in the grain size of the abrasives included in their composition, and are marked with the corresponding color. The highest grit pastes are blue and can be used for sanding, the finest pastes are yellow and are used for soft polishing.
In addition, for the final stages of the procedure, pastes of medium grain red and green colors can also be used.
How is the procedure going?
Before the procedure, the dentist examines the oral cavity and removes the calculus. Further, depending on the condition of the teeth and gums, as well as the presence or absence of contraindications, the doctor chooses one of the methods of the procedure, selects the necessary tools and materials.
The whole procedure takes about half an hour and does not require anesthesia. First, the flat lateral surfaces are processed, then the chewing surfaces, and at the end of the procedure, the interdental space is polished.
As mentioned above, grinding and polishing is an absolutely painless procedure that does not cause discomfort for patients. However, patients with hypersensitivity or periodontal disease may experience discomfort during resurfacing.
Grinding and polishing the enamel not only does not have a harmful effect on the enamel, but also helps to strengthen it, reduces the rate of formation of plaque and stones, and is also one of the methods of preventing caries and inflammatory diseases gums. In addition, polishing removes the darkening of the enamel, which significantly improves the color of the teeth.
Indications and contraindications
The procedure has a number of indications and contraindications that should be taken into account when prescribing this procedure to a patient and choosing a method for its implementation.
Indications:
- the presence of a yellowish coating or stone;
- filling;
- prosthetics - performed before prosthetics to minimize complications in the form of inflammatory diseases of the gums and caries;
- wearing braces - to improve oral hygiene and prevent caries.
Contraindications:
- bleeding and inflammatory gum disease;
- deep caries;
- increased sensitivity of the enamel;
- inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
- individual intolerance to the components of abrasive pastes.
However, it should be borne in mind that contraindications to this procedure are not always absolute. In each specific case, the question of the possibility of carrying out professional cleaning teeth are decided individually, taking into account the general condition of the oral cavity and the need for one or another type of therapeutic or surgical treatment.
Recommendations after polishing the enamel
After grinding, it is recommended to give up drinks and products on the first day that can lead to darkening of the enamel: tea, coffee, grapes, etc.
All dishes should not be too cold or hot, as this can lead to unpleasant sensations in the oral cavity due to a temporary increase in the sensitivity of the enamel.
Also, in the first weeks after the procedure, it is recommended to limit smoking and alcohol consumption, as this can negatively affect the condition of the enamel and cause its severe darkening.
Home polishing
It is recommended to polish in a dental clinic after removing the calculus. However, if a slight plaque appears, which is reflected in the darkening of the color and the appearance of a slight odor from the mouth, polishing can also be carried out at home.
To do this, you can use a mixture of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and a little lemon juice, which is applied to the teeth and left for a few minutes, then rinses the mouth well water. This method can be used no more than once a month.
In addition, decoctions and infusions of various herbs (calendula, horsetail, etc.) can be used for polishing at home.
Another method of polishing at home is to use during a hygienic cleansing special abrasive pastes. The composition of these pastes contains a fine-grained abrasive powder that gently removes plaque from enamel and also helps to whiten.
However, it should be remembered that long-term use of such pastes can worsen the condition of the enamel, lead to its thinning and the development of caries. The use of such pastes is not recommended for patients with hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using an abrasive paste.
Price
The cost of polishing is usually included in the cost of a professional teeth cleaning complex.
On average, the price for one tooth is about 100 - 200 rubles. and largely depends on the method of the procedure.
Usually, the total cost of the procedure ranges from 2000 to 3500 rubles.
Patient opinions
All the reviews we found on the Internet about tooth polishing are positive, here are some of them:
Two years ago, I installed a bracket system on both jaws. Until that time, I did not particularly deal with teeth, as a result - terrible stones and periodontitis. The first time during cleaning and polishing there were quite unpleasant sensations, sometimes even painful.
Now I go for cleaning or polishing every 3-4 months. Plaque and stones are removed, the condition of teeth and gums is much improved. The last procedure was 2 months ago, the stones were cleaned and the enamel was air polished.
Due to a slight inflammation of the gums, it was a little unpleasant, but the soreness went away, the color improved and the bad breath disappeared.
Irina, 22 years old
I look after my health, so I try to brush my teeth regularly every year. Usually, stones are removed with a polishing drill, and then polished with a special paste. It doesn't hurt at all, except that the sensitivity is increased for a few more hours. And for the money, the price is quite normal. But thanks to constant care, I have only three fillings and all my teeth, not a single crown.
Lyudmila, 38 years old
Since childhood, I was afraid of dentists and flatly refused to go to the hospital under any pretext, but at some point I began to notice that the enamel began to turn very yellow. I tried to smoke less and brush my teeth more often - it did not help, the enamel remained of a yellowish-dirty tint. I started using floss and quit smoking completely - no movement in my teeth appeared.
I had to go to dentistry. I was told to remove the stones and polish if desired. Since there was no point in pulling, I decided on both procedures. The sensations were not the most pleasant, and for some time there was a feeling in my mouth as if someone else's jaw had been inserted, but I still got clean, healthy and white teeth.
Kirill, 26 years old
The site is for informational purposes only. Do not under any circumstances self-medicate. If you find you have any symptoms of illness, contact your doctor.