What is the appropriate polishing sequence to begin with during a coronal polish?

Beginning the polishing sequence posteriorly on the buccal surfaces and moving from distal to mesial is an effective approach for several reasons. Starting at the back of the mouth allows the operator to work in an organized manner while minimizing discomfort to the patient. The posterior teeth are generally larger and may require more time to polish, making it practical to address them first.

By beginning on the buccal surfaces, the practitioner can easily access and maintain visibility and control, which is essential while executing the polishing technique. The distal to mesial motion helps to manage the polishing effectively in a linear path, thereby ensuring that all areas are adequately polished without missing regions, particularly the interproximal areas that are often challenging to reach.

This sequence also prevents cross-contamination that could occur if anterior areas are polished first, as debris may fall forward onto already polished surfaces. Starting posteriorly helps maintain a clean work area throughout the procedure.