What is the most common technique for stain removal in dental polishing?

The most common technique for stain removal in dental polishing is rubber cup polishing. This method utilizes a rubber cup attached to a dental handpiece, along with a polishing paste that contains abrasives, to effectively remove surface stains from teeth. The rubber cup is flexible, allowing it to conform to the contours of the tooth surface, which helps in providing an efficient polishing action.

Rubber cup polishing is often preferred in clinical practice because it is versatile, easy to perform, and allows for good control by the dental professional. It also helps in creating a smooth finish on the enamel, enhancing the overall appearance of the teeth after stain removal.

While techniques like laser polishing, diamond polishing, and air abrasion have their own applications and benefits, they are less commonly used for routine stain removal. Laser polishing is typically reserved for more specific cases, diamond polishing may be utilized for different materials or surfaces, and air abrasion is often too aggressive for standard stain treatment. Thus, rubber cup polishing remains the standard approach in dental hygiene for effectively removing stains from tooth surfaces.