What Air Polishing Dental Hygiene Is

Professional hygiene technique used during dental cleanings

Air polishing is a dental hygiene technique that uses a controlled stream of air, water, and fine powder to remove plaque, biofilm, and surface staining from teeth. It’s commonly used during professional cleanings to address staining from food, beverages, or smoking, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional instruments.

This method is often used alongside scaling and is selected based on tooth surfaces, existing restorations, and gum health. The type of powder and technique used are chosen to clean effectively while minimising abrasion to enamel and restorative materials.

Use During Hygiene Appointments

Air polishing may be incorporated at different stages of a hygiene visit depending on clinical needs. It can be used before or after scaling to improve visibility and patient comfort.

Suitability is assessed on an individual basis, particularly for patients with implants, crowns, veneers, or sensitive gum tissue. Follow-up care focuses on maintaining results through routine hygiene visits and home care.

How Air Polishing Is Planned

Air polishing hygiene begins with a clinical assessment of oral surfaces. Planning typically includes:

Evaluation of existing plaque, biofilm, and surface staining

Assessment of gum health and restorations present

Selection of appropriate powder and technique

Coordination with scaling and hygiene objectives

This planning phase helps determine the optimal use of air polishing within the hygiene visit.

Smile Gallery

Results vary based on starting tooth condition and treatment goals.

What Air Polishing Can Help With

Air polishing may be used to address:

Removal of surface stains from food and beverages

Biofilm disruption on tooth surfaces

Support for overall plaque managemen

Improvement of hygiene effectiveness in hard-to-reach areas

Suitability depends on gum health, restoration type, and clinical findings.

Polishing around restorative margins

No-prep veneers may be considered for:

Have Questions? Speak With Our Team

Contact us to discuss your concerns and available treatment options.

Discuss Your Treatment Plan

We will review your findings and outline appropriate treatment options.

Contact the Clinic Directly

Call 604-227-8897
Email hello@thesmileformula.com

Air Polishing FAQs

What is air polishing used for?

Air polishing is used during professional hygiene visits to remove surface staining and biofilm using a controlled stream of air, water, and fine powder.

Air polishing is selected based on individual gum health and restorations; some surfaces may require adjusted techniques.

No. Air polishing is often used alongside traditional scaling to improve stain and biofilm removal.

Appropriate powders and technique are chosen to clean effectively without damaging existing restorations.

Suitability is assessed before the procedure; techniques may be adjusted to support patient tolerance and gum response.

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