In dentistry, there are different types of dental procedures that people are not fully aware of. And because of such misconceptions, they are not able to decide which dental procedure or treatment is suitable for them. However, when you visit a dental clinic for check-ups or for any problems, your dentist tells you which dental procedure is suitable for you as per your tooth condition.
Dental scaling, dental polishing or cleaning are a few terminologies in dentistry that people are not able to differentiate which one is suitable to clean or polish their teeth or can make their teeth look whiter. Here we are going to discuss about the key differences between these three dental procedures.
So, let’s start with the introduction of a few words about these dental techniques and then we will discuss how they are different from each other in terms of their applications.
What is Dental Cleaning?
It is a dental procedure performed to clean the teeth professionally, especially to remove the plaque and tartar, a hardened plaque substance from the tooth surfaces usually deposited below the gumline. This cleaning of teeth is performed not only to clean the teeth to look fresh but also to prevent cavities and gum disease.
This dental procedure, also called prophylaxis, is one of the most commonly followed standard dental procedures in dentistry. You can get your teeth cleaned during regular visits or usual dental check-ups. However, as per the dental associations globally, it is recommended to get your teeth cleaned twice a year to stay healthy.
What is Dental Scaling?
Dental or teeth scaling is a deep dental cleaning procedure that involves the removal of hardened plaque (tartar) and stains from tooth surfaces, mainly around the gumline. In dental scaling, use the ultrasonic tools and manual scalers to remove the bacteria and deposits.
Further, the scaling process also involves root planing for smoothing the roots, which helps gums to get reattached and prevent any further infection or bad breath, helping you to save your teeth from potential loss. This is a critical and time-consuming dental procedure that needs extra care and experience to perform carefully.
What is Dental Polishing?
Usually, this procedure is performed after teeth cleaning or scaling to smooth and shine the surface of the tooth. During dental polishing, dentists usually remove the external stains, including plaque and debris left after scaling, to give teeth a glossy finish.
The teeth polishing dental procedure not only makes teeth look brighter and feel cleaner, but it also helps to prevent future buildup of plaque or tartar. However, it is different from teeth whitening services in which, after removing the stains, the colour of the tooth is also changed using a medical procedure.

Difference Between Dental Cleaning, Scaling and Polishing:
| Aspects | Dental Cleaning | Dental Scaling | Dental Polishing |
| Definition | Cleaning is the process of cleaning the teeth to make them look professionally clean and brighter. | Scaling is the process that involves removing the hard plaque or tartar from the tooth surfaces and gumline. | Polishing is the process of polishing the surface of teeth to make it look brighter, smoother or shinier. |
| Purpose | Mainly to clean the teeth and the surrounding area around the gums to remove the stains and cavities. | Scaling is performed to remove the calculus and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. | Polishing is done to remove the surface stains and makes teeth look brighter with a glossy finish. |
| Procedure | Usually, normal hand instruments and medical solutions are used to clean the tooth professionally. | Ultrasonic scalers or devices are used along with hand instruments to perform this procedure. | Along with hand scalers, an electric polisher and rotating rubber cap are used with polishing paste to perform it. |
| Focused Area | Usually, the upper gumline area or crown surface area is targeted while performing this procedure. | In this dental procedure, above and below the gum line, including the roots, are the main areas. | The main focus area in this dental procedure is the outer surface of teeth, performed for cosmetic treatment. |
| Discomfort Levels | It is usually a painless dental procedure in which patients do not go through any kind of discomfort. | The discomfort level in this procedure is from mild to moderate, as in some cases anaesthesia is used. | It is also a painless dental procedure unless the patient has a problem with polishing materials. |
| Frequency | It can be performed up to two times in a year, or depending on the condition of the patient. | It can be performed every six months or twice a year, and in some cases every 3-4 months. | It can also be performed every six months, depending on the condition and oral health. |
| Cost of Treatment | It is comparatively less expensive than scaling and polishing. | The cost of scaling is higher due to a critical dental procedure. | Polishing is affordable than scaling but can be costlier than cleaning. |
| Best Suitable for | It is suitable for everyone to get their teeth professionally cleaned to prevent gum disease. | Scaling is suitable for removing plaque and tartar to prevent cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. | It is suitable for anyone seeking brighter teeth or to remove external stains and prevent tartar buildup. |
Summing-up
All these dental procedures are different from each other in terms of their applications and requirements. Dental cleaning is simply a cleaning process to clean your teeth and gums, while scaling involves more critical procedures to remove plaque and tartar deposited around the teeth or around the gumline.
On the other hand, dental polishing is the process of cleaning and polishing the teeth to make them look brighter with extra shine. However, all these dental procedures are usually performed under the teeth whitening services that you can get at any of the best dental clinics in Greater Noida or in your city.



