When you go to the dentist or orthodontist, you might have seen them using a small device that buzzes and cleans your teeth. It could resemble a tiny spinning brush or wheel. This device cleans and polishes your teeth, making them smooth and shiny. But what is it called? Most people don’t know its correct name, and that’s fine!
We will simplify everything in this article. You will find out what the tool used for polishing is called, how it functions, and why it is utilized.
Additionally, we will describe how it maintains the health and brightness of your teeth, so if you have ever been curious about what that “bar” is that polishes your teeth, let’s find out together.
What Is That Polishing Tool Called?
The device that orthodontists or dentists use to clean teeth is commonly referred to as a prophy angle. It’s not a “bar,” although it may appear to be so at a glance. A prophy angle is a small, hand-held tool that goes on a dental drill or handpiece. At the end of this device, there’s typically a soft rubber cup or a miniature brush. This spinning cup makes circular motions and polishes the teeth gently with a special polishing paste. It’s one of the orthodontic finishing tools utilized during the concluding phases of treatment to provide teeth with a shiny, smooth appearance.
Occasionally, people refer to it simply as a polisher or tooth polisher, and that is just fine as well. But in dentistry, the proper name is “prophy angle.” “Prophy” is short for prophylaxis, which refers to a kind of dental cleaning that prevents things such as cavities and gum disease.
Why Do Orthodontists Use It?
Orthodontists are primarily concerned with straightening teeth and correcting bites. But they’re also concerned with your general dental health. After braces come off or with some treatments, your teeth might have some remaining glue on them or feel rough. That’s where the prophy angle enters the picture.
Orthodontists utilize it to:
- Remove the remaining glue on the brackets
- Even out rough surfaces
- Polish the teeth to make them shine and appear clean
This part is crucial since smooth teeth are simpler to clean at home. Additionally, it’s wonderful to leave the office with teeth that appear to be brand new.
How Does the Polisher Work?
The prophy angle is attached to a special device that causes it to rotate. The rotating rubber cup or brush is placed in a gritty toothpaste-like substance called prophy paste. This paste is normally flavored, sometimes with mint and sometimes with fruit, and it contains tiny particles that will help clean the surface of your teeth.
When the cup rotates, it distributes the paste evenly over your teeth and softly buffs off any surface stains, plaque, or remaining debris. It doesn’t cause any pain, but it may tickle a bit. The noise it produces may sound rather loud, but the procedure is harmless and painless. It’s a standard feature of most orthodontic appliances for cleaning and finishing.
Some prophy angles are disposable, in the sense that they are discarded after a single use to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Others are reusable but are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized between patients.
What Happens When You Get Your Teeth Polished?
During a cleaning at the dentist, polishing is often one of the final procedures. The dentist or hygienist removes any hard deposits (tartar) first with special equipment. Then they polish.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- The rubber cup rotates slowly at first
- Small amounts of gritty paste are placed on
- The polisher is very gently moved over each tooth
- You may feel some tickling or vibration
- After the polish, your teeth are washed with water
Your teeth will ultimately feel much smoother and appear shinier. It’s a pleasing way to end a dental visit.
Is It Important to Polish Braces or After Braces?
Yes, this is. When you have braces, it can be difficult to clean around the brackets and wires. Even if you brush carefully and floss, some spots can still catch plaque or food particles. This is why orthodontists often recommend a professional cleaning during or after orthodontic treatment.
Once your braces are removed, your teeth may have glue marks or uneven surfaces. Polishing helps to fix it. All this smoothes and brings back your natural glow. In addition, it is a good reward after years of wearing months or even braces. After removing some orthodontic braces, you will also polish your teeth so that you can immediately enjoy your new smile.
Can You Polish Teeth at Home?
You can clean your teeth at home by brushing and flossing. But the type of polishing that is achieved with a prophy angle is best left to a trained dentist. Attempting to polish your teeth at home with rough implements or substances can damage your enamel or gums. Instead, try:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing once a day
- Getting your teeth cleaned at your dentist’s every 6 months.
These practices will keep your teeth healthy, shiny, and strong.
Why Choose Dietrich Kelso Orthodontist for Orthodontic Services?
At Dietrich Kelso Orthodontist, we provide expert dental care tailored to your needs. Whether you need braces, scaling and root planning, implants, or dentures, our talented staff ensures high-quality results for a healthy, confident smile. If you’re searching for an orthodontist for kids, we also offer early orthodontic evaluations and gentle care to support healthy smiles from a young age.
A skilled dentist has the special tools and expertise to remove the tartar that causes periodontal disease. We offer personalized care, advanced techniques, and scaling and root planning instruments. Trust us to restore your smile beautifully and maintain your oral health.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, the next time you meet your orthodontist or dentist and they bring out that echo “bar”, you will know what it is. It is called an angle and is used to polish your teeth and look and feel good. This may not take much, but it plays an important role in your dental care. It is one of the small but required equipment that are often included in the orthodontic finishing tools. It helps remove stains, smooth thick, rough spots, and makes its smile shiny. And don’t worry – this is not an injury. Many people say that it looks like comfort. So just sit back, open wide, and let that small spinning cup do your magic. Your teeth will thank you for this.