Dental cleaning at Aspen Dental
Learn how we keep your oral health at its best with our comprehensive hygiene services. With our leading care teams, we’ll help you maintain your smile and gums, and prevent future dental issues down the road.
What are hygiene services, including teeth cleaning?
Hygiene services are professional preventive treatments that focus on helping you to maintain good oral health. When you think of a dental checkup, you’re thinking of hygiene services. They include routine preventative treatments to help you maintain your smile, such as: oral health assessments, cleanings, plaque, tartar and stain removal, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings and more.
Most common types of professional dental cleaning
Preventative teeth cleaning | Periodontal treatment | |
Definition | Routine service that removes light plaque, tartar and stains, and includes polishing and flossing. | Care focused on the health of your gums, including gingivitis treatments and periodontal maintenance. |
Need | For patients with healthy gums | For patients with gum disease or showing signs of gum disease due to plaque buildup. |
Goal | Check the health of your teeth and gums to maintain and track your current health, plus prevent issues later on. | • Gingivitis treatment: Reverse gum disease • Periodontal treatment: Treat gum disease |
Frequency | Every 6 months, depending on oral health | • Gingivitis treatment: 2 visits over 7-10 days • Periodontal treatment: 2 initial visits; Maintenance every 3-4 months |
Our dental cleaning process
Review our step-by-step process to learn what to expect at your hygiene visit.
Assess your gums
Your dental hygienist will gently measure between your teeth and gums using a small probe to check for signs of gum disease, inflammation or bone loss.
Remove plaque & tartar
Using special tools, your hygienist will carefully remove sticky plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) around and between your teeth and along your gum-line.
Treat with fluoride
Last, we’ll apply a fluoride gel to your teeth. The fluoride is left on for a few minutes to absorb into the enamel. This will help prevent decay and protect your enamel.
What’s the cost of dental cleaning?
At Aspen Dental, your hygiene costs and deep dental cleaning costs vary based on your location and the specific services you need. To get an accurate estimate, contact your nearest Aspen Dental office and we’ll assess your smile for a customized care plan.
Are hygiene services covered by insurance?
Whether you have insurance or not, we help make sure your dental care stays affordable.
Most insurance accepted
We work with most providers to make care accessible as much as possible. We do not accept Medicaid.
Check if your insurance is accepted >
Care without insurance
No insurance? No worries. For only $49/year, we offer our Aspen Dental Savings plan so you can save up to 30% on the care you need.2
Discover the Aspen Dental Savings Plan >
²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
Benefits of preventative teeth cleanings
Prevents gum disease and tooth decay
Regularly coming in for hygiene care helps remove anything that daily brushing and flossing can’t reach. It will help stop cavities from forming, make addressing cavities early on easier and keep your gums healthy. All of which lower the risk of tooth loss and more serious dental problems down the line.
Freshens your breath and brightens your smile
Built-up bacteria, plaque and tartar (calculus) are common causes of bad breath (halitosis) and a yellowing smile. With a professional cleaning, your hygienist clears it all away, leaving your mouth feeling fresh. Polishing will also remove surface stains from coffee, tea or smoking so your smile looks cleaner and brighter.
Supports overall health
Your mouth is closely linked to your body’s overall health. Gum disease has been connected to conditions like heart disease, diabetes and even respiratory issues. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy with routine hygiene services, you’re also supporting your overall wellness and preventing bigger issues with your health.
Why Aspen Dental for your hygiene services
Same-day appointments
With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.
Comprehensive care
We offer a full suite of dental services for all of your smile needs.
Dental cleaning FAQs
How often should I come to Aspen Dental for dental cleanings?
Most patients benefit from preventative dental cleanings every six months. If you have gum disease or heavy plaque buildup, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Regular visits keep your smile clean, maintains your gum health and prevents costly dental problems later on.
What’s the difference between routine preventative cleaning and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)?
Routine preventative cleanings: Focuses on removing bacteria, plaque and tartar above your gum line and in between your teeth.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): Treats gum disease by cleaning below your gum line and smoothing the surfaces of your tooth roots.
After you have your check-up, your dentist will recommend what’s right for you.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
Most patients find dental cleanings comfortable. You may feel light pressure or scraping but nothing that is painful. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let your dental team know and they will adjust their technique or provide an option to numb the area so you’re comfortable throughout your treatment.
Are hygiene services covered by insurance?
Many dental plans cover preventative cleanings twice a year at little or no cost. Periodontal maintenance may have partial coverage, depending on your plan.
Check if your insurance is accepted >