Even with good brushing at home, plaque builds up in places a toothbrush can't reach, and coffee, tea, red wine and everyday foods leave stains that make teeth look dull. A professional scale and polish at Dental Matters removes this build-up, refreshes your smile, and supports healthier teeth and gums
Cleanings are performed by our oral hygienist, Puseletso Lesenyane [qualifications], at our practice in Glenhove Medical Centre, Melrose Estate, close to Rosebank, Illovo, Houghton and Melrose Arch.
What is a scale and polish?
A scale and polish is a professional dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar and surface stains. It includes:
The treatment may include:
- Scaling to remove hardened plaque and tartar
- Careful cleaning along the gumline
- Polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces
- Lifting surface stains that build up over time
Your teeth feel smoother and your mouth feels noticeably cleaner.
Air polishing for a deeper, gentler clean
At Dental Matters we offer air polishing as part of your cleaning [or: as an optional upgrade to your scale and polish]. Instead of a traditional polishing cup and paste, air polishing uses a fine, controlled stream of air, water and a gentle powder to lift stains and plaque from your teeth. Air polishing:
- Removes stubborn stains from coffee, tea and red wine more effectively
- Reaches tricky areas between teeth and along the gumline
- Cleans gently around braces, crowns and implants
- Feels comfortable, with no gritty paste
Most patients notice their teeth look brighter and feel smoother straight after their appointment.
Why is professional cleaning important?
Plaque forms every day. If it isn't removed, it hardens into tartar, which brushing can't remove. Regular cleanings help to:
- Lower the risk of gum inflammation
- Remove plaque and tartar build-up
- Improve the appearance of your teeth
- Freshen your breath
- Support your oral health between check-ups
How long does it take, and does it hurt?
Most appointments take about [30–45] minutes. Most patients find a scale and polish comfortable. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, let us know and we'll adjust the treatment for your comfort
Does medical aid cover a scale and polish?
Many medical aid plans cover preventive cleanings, though benefits vary by plan. Our team can check your benefits before your appointment.
How often should you have one?
Many patients benefit from a cleaning every six months, often alongside a check-up. Your ideal schedule depends on your gum health and how quickly plaque builds up, so your hygienist will recommend what suits you.
Deep cleaning for gum disease (periodontitis)
A standard scale and polish cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. If you have periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease, bacteria and hardened tartar collect in pockets below the gumline where a routine clean can't reach. Left untreated, this can lead to bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath and, over time, loose teeth.
At Dental Matters, we offer deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) to help manage periodontitis. A deep clean:
- Removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and around the tooth roots
- Smooths the root surfaces to help your gums heal and reattach
- Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding
- Is done comfortably, with local anaesthetic where needed, and may be spread over more than one visit
Periodontitis is an ongoing condition, so after a deep clean we'll recommend regular maintenance cleanings, often more frequently than every six months, to keep it under control. If we see signs of gum disease at your appointment, we'll explain what we've found and talk you through your options before going ahead
Want a brighter smile? Add professional whitening
A scale and polish removes surface stains, but it won't change the natural shade of your teeth. For a whiter smile, all three of our in-office whitening options can be done straight after your scale and polish, so you leave clean and brighter in one visit:
- Pearl: A quick 10-minute brightening, ideal for a fresh finish or first-time whitening
- Marble: Our most popular option, for a noticeably whiter smile in about 30 minutes.
- Diamond: Our premium 60-minute treatment, for our most dramatic results and stubborn stains.
Find out more about teeth whitening →
Keeping your teeth clean between visits
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine
- Keep up with regular check-ups and cleanings
Book your scale and polish in Melrose Estate
If your teeth feel rough or look more stained than usual, a scale and polish with air polishing is a simple step towards a cleaner, brighter smile. Ask us about adding whitening to the same visit.
Call 011 211 6393,
WhatsApp 068 234 9441, or
book online.
Suite 4, Glenhove Medical Centre, 47 Glenhove Road, Melrose Estate, Johannesburg.