When should teeth be disclosed?

Disclosing teeth before and after coronal polishing is essential for several reasons. First, disclosing agents help visualize plaque and other deposits on the teeth, allowing the dental professional to effectively identify areas that need extra attention during the polishing process. This initial disclosure gives a clear picture of the oral hygiene and cleanliness of the patient’s teeth, guiding the step-by-step process of polishing.

After polishing, it's equally important to disclose again to ensure that any remaining plaque or stains have been effectively removed. This step confirms the success of the polishing procedure and allows the dental professional to demonstrate any remaining areas of plaque to the patient, which can serve as a valuable educational tool.

Therefore, using disclosing agents both before and after coronal polishing enhances the effectiveness of the cleaning procedure and reinforces good oral hygiene practices for the patient.