What does selective polishing refer to in coronal polish?

Selective polishing in coronal polishing refers to the practice of polishing only those teeth that exhibit stains or surface discoloration. This approach is based on the principle that not all teeth require polishing, as many may be free of stains and in good condition. By focusing specifically on stained teeth, selective polishing minimizes enamel wear and protects the healthy tooth surfaces from unnecessary abrasion.

In contrast, polishing all teeth regardless of condition can lead to unnecessary enamel loss and compromise overall tooth health. Similarly, concentrating solely on polishing the occlusal surfaces ignores stains that may be present on the buccal or lingual surfaces of the teeth. Using abrasive agents on all teeth also presents a risk of damage by wearing down enamel on healthy teeth that don’t require polishing. Thus, selective polishing serves both to enhance esthetics and to preserve tooth structure.