Scale and polish

A Healthier Smile Starts Here

We offer professional scale and polish treatments to help you maintain excellent oral hygiene and a bright, healthy smile. Regular scale and polish appointments play a vital role in preventing gum disease, reducing plaque build-up, and removing surface stains caused by food, drink, or smoking. Whether you’re looking to enhance your daily oral care routine or need a deep clean ahead of further dental work, our skilled dental hygienists provide thorough and gentle teeth cleaning tailored to your needs. Patients searching for affordable scale and polish near me in Cheltenham will find our clinic both welcoming and experienced.

A scale and polish is a professional teeth cleaning procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. It involves two key stages: scaling and polishing. The scaling part removes hardened plaque and tartar (also known as calculus) from your teeth, especially in areas that are hard to reach with brushing and flossing alone. Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the polishing stage smooths the surface of your teeth to remove minor stains and give your smile a clean, glossy finish. The treatment is essential for maintaining gum health and preventing common oral health problems such as gingivitis and bad breath.

Scale and Polish Benefits

Having a regular scale and polish treatment in Cheltenham offers a wide range of benefits for both your oral health and your overall wellbeing. It helps reduce your risk of gum disease by removing bacteria-filled tartar, improves the appearance of your teeth by removing stains, and leaves your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.

Many patients also report a noticeable improvement in the brightness of their smile. For those with orthodontic appliances, crowns, or bridges, a scale and polish helps maintain hygiene in difficult areas. Regular professional cleaning also allows your dentist to detect early signs of dental issues before they become more serious and costly to treat.

How Scale and Polish Works

The process of a scale and polish treatment is straightforward yet highly effective. First, the hygienist uses specialised ultrasonic tools to gently dislodge plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. This process is completely safe and designed to be as comfortable as possible.

After scaling, a polishing tool and a special cleaning paste are used to smooth the tooth surfaces and buff away superficial stains. In some cases, fluoride may be applied to strengthen the enamel and help protect against cavities. The entire procedure typically takes 20 to 40 minutes and leaves your teeth feeling exceptionally clean.

Scale and Polish Process

Step 1: Examination

Your dentist or hygienist begins with a quick visual inspection to assess plaque levels, gum health, and areas needing attention.

Step 2: Scaling

Ultrasonic and manual tools are used to remove tartar and plaque build-up from all tooth surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas.

Step 3: Polishing

A fine paste is applied to polish the teeth, remove stains, and leave a smooth, clean surface that feels fresh and looks brighter.

Scale and Polish FAQs

How often should I get a scale and polish?

Most patients benefit from a scale and polish every six months, although those with gum disease or heavy plaque build-up may need more frequent visits.

Is the procedure painful?

Scale and polish treatments are generally painless. You may feel slight sensitivity during scaling, but our team ensures your comfort throughout the process.

Can a scale and polish whiten my teeth?

While it’s not a whitening treatment, it does remove surface stains, often making your teeth appear noticeably brighter and cleaner.

Is scale and polish the same as teeth cleaning?

Yes, a scale and polish is a professional form of teeth cleaning, typically more thorough than at-home brushing and flossing.

Can I eat or drink after the treatment?

Yes, but it’s best to avoid food or drink for about 30 minutes if fluoride is applied. Otherwise, you can resume normal eating shortly after.

Does this replace brushing at home?

No. Daily brushing and flossing are essential. Scale and polish treatments support your routine by cleaning areas you may miss.

Is scale and polish suitable for children?

Yes. It can be helpful for children, especially those wearing braces or with early signs of gum irritation.

How long does the treatment take?

A typical scale and polish appointment takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the level of cleaning required.

To Discuss the Benefits of a Scale and Polish, Book a Consultation with Our Dental Team!

Ready to enjoy a cleaner, fresher, and healthier smile? Call Leckhampton Dental Clinic on 01242 382117 today to book your scale and polish in Cheltenham. Our friendly team is here to help you maintain your oral health and feel confident in your smile.

To see price please visit our PRICING page.