Page 25 - Boyne Dental E-Mag

Polishing is to smoothen the surfaces of teeth and restorations. The purpose of polishing is:
 to remove extrinsic stains,

 remove dental plaque accumulation,

 increase aesthetics and to,

 reduce corrosion of restorations.

Tooth polishing is usually done after debridement or scaling and before fluoride application, with a
rubber polishing “cup” , prophylaxis paste and a motorized instrument that removes bacterial
plaque and surface stains.

Prophylaxis is a toothpaste like material applied to rubber cup. The hard piece then rotates slowly
and ensures that the paste is applied evenly throughout the teeth. After all of this is done, the den-
tist may decide to coat your teeth with fluoride. The fluoride is used to strengthen the teeth. It is
best not to eat or dink anything 30 minutes after fluoride ha been applied to maximize its effective-
ness. At the end of your appointment you will leave with a shiny and smooth teeth and of course a
big happy smile!