Airflow Tooth Polishing

Yes, airflow tooth polishing is one of the most suitable professional cleaning techniques for patients with sensitive teeth. Unlike conventional scale and polish, which uses vibrating or scraping instruments that can cause discomfort on sensitive teeth, airflow polishing uses a controlled stream of air, warm water, and fine sodium bicarbonate powder to gently remove staining and deposits. There are no vibrating instruments and no heat generated during the procedure, making it significantly more comfortable for those prone to sensitivity. Please let our team know before your appointment if you have sensitive teeth so we can ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible.

An airflow polishing treatment is typically much quicker than a conventional scale and polish. In most cases the treatment can be completed in around 30 to 45 minutes, though this depends on the extent of staining and the overall condition of your teeth and gums. One of the key advantages of airflow polishing is that it clears stains significantly faster than traditional methods. The appointment time may be longer if your hygienist also needs to carry out a thorough scaling or gum health assessment as part of the same visit. Our team at Etwall Dental Practice will always give you a realistic indication of appointment length when you book.

The frequency of airflow polishing depends on your individual oral health needs and lifestyle. For most patients having the treatment at a regular six-monthly hygiene appointment is sufficient to keep surface staining under control. However if you consume a lot of staining food and drink, such as coffee, tea, or red wine, or if you smoke, more frequent appointments may be beneficial. Our hygienist at Etwall Dental Practice will assess your teeth at each visit and advise on the schedule that best suits your circumstances. Keeping up with regular professional cleaning also helps maintain healthy gums and prevents the build-up of tartar.

Airflow polishing will noticeably brighten your teeth by removing surface staining and deposits that have built up over time, restoring your teeth to their natural colour. This can make a significant difference to the appearance of your smile, particularly if you have been consuming staining food and drink or smoking. However it is important to understand that airflow polishing is not the same as teeth whitening and cannot change the underlying shade of your enamel. If you would like to achieve a shade lighter than your natural tooth colour a professional teeth whitening treatment would be required in addition. Our team can discuss the most appropriate approach to meet your aesthetic goals.

Airflow polishing is generally considered safe for patients who have dental restorations such as implants, veneers, crowns, or composite bonding. The gentle nature of the sodium bicarbonate powder means it is less likely to cause damage to the surfaces of restorations compared to conventional cleaning tools. It is also effective at cleaning around the margins of implant fixtures, where plaque can accumulate and lead to complications. Please inform our hygienist of any restorations you have before your appointment, as they may adapt the technique or pressure settings slightly to best protect your existing dental work.

A standard scale and polish typically involves two stages: first, an ultrasonic scaler removes hardened tartar from the tooth surface and gumline; second, a rotating rubber cup with abrasive polishing paste buffs away surface staining. The ultrasonic scaler and the gritty paste can cause discomfort, particularly for patients with sensitive teeth. Airflow polishing replaces the second stage — and sometimes both stages — with a pressurised jet of warm water, air, and sodium bicarbonate powder. This is considerably more comfortable, faster, and capable of cleaning in areas that traditional instruments struggle to reach, such as around orthodontic brackets and beneath the gumline.