How does polishing differ from finishing in dental hygiene?

• A. Polishing reduces calculus; finishing polishes only.
• B. Polishing smooths tooth surfaces to remove stains; finishing smooths margins and surfaces after instrumentation.
• C. Polishing is for root surfaces; finishing is for crowns.
• D. Polishing adds fluoride; finishing removes stain.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that polishing and finishing serve different purposes after dental cleaning and work. Polishing is the cosmetic step that removes extrinsic stains and smooths the tooth surface to a glossy finish, making the enamel easier to clean and less likely to trap plaque. It’s usually done after scaling and is not about removing calculus.

Finishing, by contrast, is a refinement of margins and surfaces after instrumentation or restorative work. It smooths and shapes any rough edges, overhangs, or irregularities at the interfaces where teeth meet restorations or where instruments have created slight surface roughness. This helps ensure proper contour, contacts, and tissue comfort, improving the long-term quality of the restoration and oral hygiene maintenance.

So, polishing targets the tooth surface for aesthetics and plaque control, while finishing refines the contours and margins after instrumentation or restorations.