Do I need to see a dentist before seeing the hygienist?

Usually, yes. A check-up first lets your dentist look over your teeth and gums and confirm a routine hygiene visit is appropriate. If it's been a while since your last exam, we'll typically arrange one before your hygiene appointment.

Can a hygienist remove stains from my teeth?

Yes — everyday surface stains from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking can largely be removed by your hygienist, leaving teeth looking cleaner and brighter. If you want to actually lighten the natural colour of your teeth, professional whitening is the better route.

Does a hygienist appointment hurt?

Most people find a hygiene visit perfectly comfortable. Sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may cause a bit of short-lived sensitivity, but it tends to settle fast.

How often should I see a hygienist?

A six-monthly hygiene visit works well for many, though others may need to come in every three or four months depending on their oral health. We'll advise on the interval that suits you.

What if I have gum disease?

Where gum disease is diagnosed, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment rather than a standard hygiene visit. It's a more specialised form of care, covered on our separate Gum Disease Treatment page.

Can a hygienist whiten my teeth?

Surface staining can be removed by a hygienist, but the underlying colour of your teeth won't change. For a genuinely whiter smile, our Philips Zoom teeth whitening treatment is likely to suit you better.

Home/Treatments/Hygienist Appointments

HY-06

Preventative Dentistry

Hygienist Appointments
keeping your smile healthy for life.

A regular hygiene visit removes the plaque, tartar and everyday staining that brushing alone simply can't shift, keeping your gums healthy for the long term. If you're new to Astro Dental or haven't had a recent examination, we'll usually recommend a dental check-up first to make sure you're booked into the most appropriate appointment.

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Time in chair: 30 min
Recovery: None
Results last: Depends on home care
Reversible: N/A

Overview — 001

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile.

A hygiene visit exists to head off dental problems before they turn painful or costly. Your hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar professionally, reduces surface staining where suitable, and gives you tailored advice for looking after your teeth and gums between visits. If gum disease is picked up at your check-up, we may instead suggest more specialised periodontal care, which differs from a routine hygiene appointment — you'll find that on our dedicated Gum Disease Treatment page.

Professional plaque and tartar removal
Removal of everyday surface staining
Fresh, clean feeling after every visit
Personalised brushing and cleaning advice
Helps reduce the risk of gum disease
Supports long-term oral health

The process — 002

How it goes, step by step.

4 stages

01
See dental check-up
Dental check-up first
We generally suggest a dental check-up beforehand so we can assess your teeth and gums and confirm a standard hygiene visit is the right fit.
See dental check-up
02
30 min
Professional cleaning
Using professional instruments, your hygienist works carefully around and above the gum line to remove plaque and hardened tartar.
30 min
03
Included
Polish & advice
If it's suitable, your teeth are polished to lift surface staining, and we finish with personal advice on brushing, flossing and keeping your gums healthy at home.
Included
04
Every 3–12 months
Ongoing maintenance
We suggest a return interval based on your own oral health, aimed at keeping your teeth and gums in good shape well into the future.
Every 3–12 months

Ready to talk it through?

Book a hygienist appointments consultation — or give us a ring.

Book online 029 2280 4738

Results — 003

Before and after, real patients.

See the full gallery

Pricing — 004

Fixed pricing, agreed before we start.

Nobody likes a surprise bill, us included — every plan is set out in writing up front, so there's nothing unexpected waiting for you at reception.

Price

£70

per 30-minute appointment

Professional plaque removal
Removal of hardened tartar (calculus)
Removal of everyday surface staining where appropriate
Personalised oral hygiene advice
Recommendations for future maintenance appointments

We ask most patients to have a check-up before their hygiene visit. That way we can assess your oral health, pick up any underlying dental or gum problems, and make sure you're booked in for the right kind of appointment.

Book consultation 029 2280 4738

Questions — 005

The things people actually ask.

Can't see your question? Message us on WhatsApp — we'll reply the same day.

Usually, yes. A check-up first lets your dentist look over your teeth and gums and confirm a routine hygiene visit is appropriate. If it's been a while since your last exam, we'll typically arrange one before your hygiene appointment.
Yes — everyday surface stains from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking can largely be removed by your hygienist, leaving teeth looking cleaner and brighter. If you want to actually lighten the natural colour of your teeth, professional whitening is the better route.
Most people find a hygiene visit perfectly comfortable. Sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may cause a bit of short-lived sensitivity, but it tends to settle fast.
A six-monthly hygiene visit works well for many, though others may need to come in every three or four months depending on their oral health. We'll advise on the interval that suits you.
Where gum disease is diagnosed, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment rather than a standard hygiene visit. It's a more specialised form of care, covered on our separate Gum Disease Treatment page.
Surface staining can be removed by a hygienist, but the underlying colour of your teeth won't change. For a genuinely whiter smile, our Philips Zoom teeth whitening treatment is likely to suit you better.