Air polishing, also known as powder polishing or air abrasion, is a modern dental cleaning technique that uses a combination of compressed air, water, and a fine abrasive powder to gently remove stains, plaque, and soft deposits from the tooth surfaces.

Cleaning Process

Pressurised Powder Delivery

The air polishing device delivers a controlled stream of the powder mixture through a specialised handpiece or nozzle. The powder, typically consisting of sodium bicarbonate or glycine, is propelled by compressed air and water, creating a gentle yet effective cleaning action on the teeth.

Stain and Plaque Removal

Gentle Abrasive Action

The fine abrasive particles in the powder gently scrub away stubborn stains, discolouration, and soft deposits that can accumulate on the tooth surfaces over time. This process effectively removes external stains caused by factors such as smoking, coffee, tea, or certain foods, leaving the teeth looking brighter and cleaner.

Versatile Application

Suitable for Various Dental Surfaces

Air polishing can be used on a variety of dental surfaces, including natural teeth, dental restorations (fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges), and orthodontic appliances like braces. Its gentle nature makes it a safe and effective cleaning method for various dental materials, ensuring a thorough yet gentle cleaning experience.

Targeted Cleaning

Precision and Control

The air polishing handpiece allows dentists or hygienists to precisely target specific areas of the mouth, ensuring a focused and controlled cleaning process. This level of precision minimises the risk of damaging surrounding soft tissues or dental work while effectively removing stains and deposits.

Air polishing has become increasingly popular in dental practices due to its effectiveness, convenience, and patient-friendly nature. Many patients appreciate the gentle and efficient cleaning experience provided by this modern dental technology.

Air polishing is a gentle yet effective dental cleaning technique that harnesses the power of compressed air, water, and a fine abrasive powder to remove stains, plaque, and soft deposits from the tooth surfaces. Here’s how it works:

Powder Delivery System

Compressed Air and Water

The air polishing device consists of a handpiece connected to a unit that delivers compressed air and a continuous stream of water. The abrasive powder, typically made of sodium bicarbonate or glycine, is loaded into a reservoir within the unit.

Powder Propulsion

Controlled Spray

When the handpiece is activated, the compressed air and water create a powerful yet controlled spray that propels the fine abrasive powder onto the tooth surfaces. The combination of air, water, and powder creates a gentle polishing action that effectively removes stains, plaque, and soft deposits.

Abrasive Action

Gentle Scrubbing Effect

The abrasive particles in the powder gently scrub the tooth surfaces, dislodging and removing stubborn stains, discolouration, and soft deposits. The air and water help to flush away the loosened debris, ensuring a thorough cleaning experience without causing damage to the teeth or gums.

Precise Application

Targeted Cleaning

The air polishing handpiece allows dentists or hygienists to precisely target specific areas of the mouth, ensuring a focused and controlled cleaning process. They can adjust the angle, pressure, and distance of the spray to effectively clean hard-to-reach areas or target specific stains or deposits.

Adjustable Settings

Customisable for Patient Comfort

Many air polishing devices offer adjustable settings for powder flow, air pressure, and water flow, allowing the dental professional to customise the cleaning experience based on the patient’s needs and preferences. This ensures a gentle and comfortable treatment while maintaining optimal cleaning effectiveness.

The air polishing process is typically quick, efficient, and comfortable for patients, making it a popular choice for routine dental cleaning and stain removal procedures in modern dental practices.

Air polishing offers several benefits compared to traditional dental cleaning methods, making it a popular choice among dental professionals and patients alike. Here are some key advantages of air polishing:

Effective Stain Removal

Brighter, Whiter Smile

One of the primary benefits of air polishing is its ability to effectively remove stubborn stains and discolouration from tooth surfaces. The gentle abrasive action of the powder effectively targets and lifts extrinsic (external) stains caused by factors like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, leaving your teeth looking brighter and whiter.

Gentle on Tooth Enamel and Restorations

Minimising Abrasion

The fine, non-abrasive powders used in air polishing are designed to be gentle on tooth enamel and dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and veneers. This minimises the risk of excessive wear or damage to these surfaces, making air polishing a safer alternative to traditional scaling and polishing methods that may involve more abrasive instruments.

Thorough Cleaning

Reaching Hard-to-Access Areas

The air polishing handpiece allows dental professionals to precisely target and clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as the tight spaces between teeth or around orthodontic appliances like braces. This ensures a more thorough and comprehensive cleaning experience compared to traditional methods.

Time-Efficient Procedure

Faster Treatment Time

Air polishing is generally a time-efficient procedure, allowing dental professionals to effectively clean and polish multiple teeth in a relatively short amount of time. This can translate to shorter appointment times for patients, making the process more convenient and comfortable.

Improved Patient Experience

Comfortable and Minimally Invasive

Many patients find air polishing to be a more comfortable and minimally invasive experience compared to traditional scaling and polishing methods. The gentle nature of the powder and the absence of loud or uncomfortable scraping sounds can help alleviate dental anxiety and make the cleaning process more pleasant overall.

With its ability to effectively remove stains, its gentle action on tooth surfaces, and its time-efficient and comfortable nature, air polishing offers numerous benefits that contribute to improved oral health and a more enjoyable dental cleaning experience.