What does selective polishing involve?

Selective polishing is a technique that focuses specifically on the teeth that exhibit extrinsic stains or surface discoloration, rather than polishing all teeth uniformly. The primary goal is to enhance the esthetic appearance of teeth by targeting only those that require improvement because of stains from food, beverages, or tobacco use. This approach not only preserves the enamel of teeth that do not need polishing but also helps in minimizing the exposure of dental tissues to potential damage from polishing materials.

When considering the other options: polishing all teeth uniformly doesn't take into account the varying conditions of different teeth; polishing only the visible teeth may neglect those not immediately visible but still require attention; and only polishing after a cleaning could limit effective treatment if staining is observed. Thus, focusing on polishing the teeth that have stains is the most beneficial and effective practice in dental care, aligning with the principles of selective polishing.