A lot of patients seem to think that a scale and polish can solve stains on teeth. A scale and polish is only a part of dental hygiene and cannot be viewed as a form of treatment or solution. 

A lot of patients seem to think that a scale and polish can solve stains on teeth. A scale and polish is only a part of dental hygiene and cannot be viewed as a form of treatment or solution. 

Fluorosis is where the teeth are laced with white markings and slightly discolored. In more serious cases of fluorosis staining can range from yellow to dark brown. Aesthetically speaking for those who have fluorosis this is usually the biggest confidence let down. So can a scale and polish improve fluorosis? 

Scale & Polish Can Fix Fluorosis?

There is often the misconception that any staining brushing can’t remove a scale and polish can sort it. However, this is not the case below are the reasons why.

A professional scale and polish can only remove stains and pigmentation on the surface of the teeth, stains usually caused by wine, tea or eating dark colored foods. Also dental calculus and plaque build-up which cause discoloration can be removed. In such cases a scale and polish coupled with dental sandblasting can restore the teeth to their natural color.  

It must be emphasized fluorosis is not an external stain but develops due to high levels of fluoride ingestion when teeth are developing. Therefore, a scale and polish are unable to remove fluorosis as it’s not a surface stain.  

Whitening Treatment for Fluorosis

If fluorosis is only slightly yellow on the teeth then you inquire about using bleaching methods to improve the shade, for example cold-light whitening.

If the teeth affected by fluorosis are damaged then cold-light whitening is not considered an option. This is when veneers are recommended which a choice between composite resin veneers, porcelain veneers or using crowns to cover the teeth.