1) It’s much quicker than manual scaling.
While manual scaling can take up to 2 hours for cases of extreme tartar build-up, ultrasonic teeth cleaning usually only takes about 2 minutes every few days!
2) It’s just as effective, if not more effective, than manual scaling at reducing tartar.
Research shows that ultrasonic teeth cleaning is just as effective as manual scaling at removing plaque and tartar.
Most notably, ultrasonic scalers have three attributes which potentially make them better at breaking up that nasty dental gook: Ultrasonic scalers feature a very small tip, which allows them to penetrate deeper into dental pockets than traditional manual scalers;
3) It can remove the appearance of stains.
Yellowing and stains are caused, in part, by plaque build-up. Therefore, it makes sense that ultrasonic teeth cleaning would make your teeth more pearly.
However, whether it makes them more white than traditional scaling is up for debate. Theoretically, both should help reduce the appearance of stains if done thoroughly.
4) It’s less painful than manual scaling.
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning uses vibrations so it is a more gentle, less invasive clean.
5) It actually causes less enamel damage than manual scaling.
Considering the above point about greater pressure on the teeth and potential dentist user error with manual scaling, it’s no surprise that ultrasonic scalers have been shown to be less damaging to enamel.
If you have sensitive teeth or weakened enamel, we absolutely recommend ultrasonic cleaning over manual scaling.
6) While at-home ultrasonic scalers are available, the ADA does not recommend them….with good reason.
There has been a rise in recent years of ultrasonic scalers available through a simple click of a button, but users should be wary that improper use of these tools can potentially lead to gum damage, gum recession, and infection.