If you read our Google reviews, two words come up more than any others. Gentle, and thorough. The clean is the appointment most patients judge a dental clinic on, and it is the one we take the most time over.
A proper clean removes the hardened tartar that a toothbrush physically cannot shift, particularly along the gum line and behind the lower front teeth. Left there it keeps the gums inflamed, and inflamed gums are how teeth are eventually lost.
What is included
- Full examination of teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues
- Ultrasonic scaling to lift tartar above and below the gum line
- Polish to remove surface staining from tea, coffee and red wine
- Gum health measurements so we can track change over time
- Fluoride application to strengthen enamel
- Practical advice on the two or three spots you are actually missing
What to expect
- 1Assessment
We check every surface, chart your gum health and note anything that has changed since your last visit.
- 2Scale
Ultrasonic scaling lifts hardened deposits gently. We work in short sections and check in with you as we go.
- 3Polish and fluoride
A polish takes off surface stain and leaves the teeth genuinely smooth, then fluoride goes on to strengthen enamel.
- 4Your home plan
We show you the specific areas you are missing rather than handing over a generic lecture about flossing.
Checkups and Cleans questions
How long does a checkup and clean take?
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour. If it has been a long time between visits, or there is a lot of tartar to remove, we may book a second appointment so we can do it properly rather than rush.
Will a clean make my teeth whiter?
A clean removes surface staining, so teeth usually look noticeably brighter afterwards. It does not change the underlying colour of the tooth. If you want to go lighter than your natural shade, that is what teeth whitening does.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is that normal?
Common, but not normal. Bleeding gums are the earliest sign of gum inflammation and it is almost always reversible at that stage. Mention it when you come in.
Can I claim my clean on health insurance?
Yes. Most policies include preventive dental, and many cover two cleans a year with little or no gap. We claim on the spot through HICAPS.
