WSD Essentials (Scaling & Polishing, Fluoride Treatment, Full Mouth X-rays) at $98 nett. Learn more.
WeSmile Essentials (Scaling & Polishing, Fluoride Treatment, Full Mouth X-rays) at $98 nett. Learn more.
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Scaling and polishing is a professional teeth cleaning that removes tartar and surface stains. Most adults need it every six months. At WeSmile Dental, scaling & polishing starts from $103.55 (incl. GST), or $98 nett as part of WeSmile Essentials with fluoride treatment and full mouth X-rays. CHAS cardholders get subsidies at all our clinics. Medisave cannot be used for routine scaling and polishing in Singapore.
Scaling and polishing is a professional teeth cleaning done by a dentist. It has two steps. Scaling removes plaque and tartar. Polishing removes surface stains and leaves the teeth smooth.
Plaque is a soft, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. If it is not brushed away, it hardens into tartar, also called calculus. Brushing and flossing cannot remove tartar once it has formed. Only dental instruments can. Learn more about how tartar forms and how to prevent it.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and along the gum line. Your dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler, which vibrates to break tartar loose while a water spray rinses it away. Small hand instruments are used for tight spots.
Polishing comes after scaling. A rotating rubber cup and a gritty paste remove surface stains from food, coffee, tea and smoking. A smoother tooth surface makes it harder for new plaque to stick.
Yes. Tartar irritates the gums and holds bacteria against your teeth. Removing it regularly lowers your risk of gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.
No. Scaling removes deposits sitting on the tooth. It does not remove enamel. Enamel is much harder than tartar, and dental instruments are designed to clean the surface without wearing it down.
Most adults need scaling and polishing every six months. Your dentist may suggest every three to four months if you:
How long it takes depends on how much tartar has built up and the condition of your gums. Your dentist will advise at the start of your visit.
Most people feel vibration, pressure or light scraping rather than pain. It can feel more sensitive if your gums are inflamed or there is a lot of tartar. Your dentist can apply numbing gel if needed. Mild gum tenderness or sensitivity to cold usually settles within a day or two. If it lasts longer, contact your dentist.
Treatment | What it does | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
Scaling and polishing | Removes tartar and surface stains above and just below the gum line | Everyone, as routine preventive care |
Deep cleaning (root planing) | Cleans deeper pockets under the gums and smooths the root surfaces | People with gum disease. See gum treatment |
Teeth whitening | Lightens the natural shade of the teeth with a whitening gel | People who want a lighter shade, usually after a cleaning. See teeth whitening |
Scaling and polishing removes stains on the surface of your teeth. It does not change their natural colour.
Scaling & polishing at WeSmile Dental starts from $103.55 (incl. GST). WeSmile Essentials covers scaling & polishing, fluoride treatment and full mouth X-rays for $98 nett on weekdays at Ang Mo Kio (all day), Bedok (1pm to 4pm) and Orchard (11am to 2pm). For the full fee breakdown and CHAS and Medisave details, see our dental price list.
Yes. Braces make it easier for plaque and tartar to build up around the brackets and wires, so regular cleaning is important. Your dentist may suggest scaling and polishing every three to four months while you have braces. Let the clinic know you wear braces when you book.
No. Scaling does not create gaps or loosen healthy teeth. Sometimes tartar was filling the space between teeth or covering gums that had already shrunk back. Once the tartar is removed, those existing gaps can become easier to see or feel.
Bleeding usually means your gums were already inflamed from plaque and tartar. It often reduces as the gums heal after cleaning and with regular brushing and flossing. If the bleeding continues, see your dentist.
It depends on how much tartar has built up and the condition of your gums. Heavier build-up takes longer. Your dentist will advise at your visit.
Yes. Routine dental cleaning is generally safe during pregnancy. Gum inflammation is more common during pregnancy, so keeping up with cleanings helps. Tell your dentist you are pregnant before the visit.
Polishing removes surface stains from coffee, tea and smoking, so your teeth may look cleaner. It does not change the natural shade of your teeth. That requires teeth whitening.
Due for a cleaning, or noticed bleeding gums or tartar build-up? Book an appointment at our Ang Mo Kio, Bedok or Orchard clinic.