Air Polish

During your regular dental hygiene visit to Camden High Street Practice, an Air Polish session is recommended for cleaning your teeth. What is air polish, and why is it needed?

The Dental Air Polish procedure is a professional method of cleaning teeth and removing stains. Our experts perform it using a stream of compressed air, water, and a specific type of powder.

It is a combination of scaling and polishing procedures that are important for the overall health of your mouth. These procedures aim to leave your teeth cleaner and shinier. Bacterial accumulation can lead to decay, inflamed gums, and bad breath. These sessions target:

The plaque layer or dental biofilm: a highly sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Once formed, it is difficult to remove through regular oral hygiene measures and requires professional cleaning. Dental biofilm is the primary cause of gingival inflammation that requires regular removal to maintain periodontal health.
Stains: The accumulated stains of tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco on your teeth can give them a dull and dark appearance.

Mechanism of Air Polish

The dental air polish system comprises a nozzle that delivers a high-pressure flow of air, water, and powder particles. This high-pressure stream can reach all sides of your teeth, even within the tight spaces in between. It removes the plaque layer, food debris, and stains without scratching the enamel surface.

Powder particles used in Air Polish are either sodium bicarbonate or glycine powder.

Sodium bicarbonate powder is suitable for supragingival scaling and polishing. It is safe, non-toxic, efficient, and water-soluble, making it ideal for intraoral use.

Air abrasion using sodium bicarbonate has been proven to be one-third less time-consuming than using regular hand instruments and rubber cup polishing.

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid with a small particle size. It provides a better alternative to sodium bicarbonate in subgingival scaling and polishing. It is less abrasive, gentler on the cementum layer, and can be used safely on restorative materials and implant surfaces. Its sweet taste makes it more favored by the patients.ins: The accumulated stains of tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco on your teeth can give them a dull and dark appearance.

Types of Powder Used in Air Polishing

Two primary types of powders are used depending on the clinical situation and patient needs:

Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate is the traditional powder used for supragingival air polishing. It is:

Safe, water-soluble, and biocompatible.
Highly effective at removing surface stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
Non-toxic and suitable for intraoral use.
Efficient. Studies show that sodium bicarbonate air polishing is up to one-third faster than manual scaling and rubber cup polishing methods.

Sodium bicarbonate is typically recommended for patients with heavier staining or for general stain removal before whitening or cosmetic procedures.

Glycine Powder

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid with ultra-fine particles, making it an ideal powder for subgingival air polishing. Its key advantages include:

Less abrasive than sodium bicarbonate, making it gentler on the cementum layer, exposed roots, and soft tissues.
Safe for use around restorations, including veneers, crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
Pleasant, sweet taste that improves the patient experience during treatment.

It is commonly used during periodontal maintenance and for patients with implants or sensitive gums, offering a non-invasive yet effective cleaning solution.

Advantages of Air Polish

Safe and gentle on the enamel surface. It cleans the tooth surface without causing any scratching compared to regular polishing methods.
Can be used on sensitive teeth. The fine particles can even fill the exposed dentine surface, which decreases sensitivity.
The slim nozzle of the air polish can reach tight spaces between teeth. It can reach gingival pockets as deep as 5 mm.
Can be safely performed around implants, fillings, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic wires/brackets.
Does not produce heat or vibration.
Inrxpensive
Painless

Air Polish alternatives

Aside from Air Polish, professional teeth cleaning and polishing can be performed using hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments, and rubber cup polishing.

Hand scaling is when your dentist uses a metal instrument to scrap your teeth. There are two main categories of hand instruments: scalers used for supra-gingival cleaning (above the gum line) and curettes used for sub-gingival cleaning (below the gum line). The process takes a longer time to be completed compared to other methods.

Ultrasonic instruments work through vibration production to crumble the tartar layer. It is much more effective and faster than hand instruments, but it produces vibrations that may lead to sensitivity and make patients uncomfortable. It is not suitable for patients with peacemakers.

Rubber cup polishing is accomplished through a low-speed handpiece with an attached head of a rubber cup. The rubber cup is dipped into an abrasive paste and then moved over the tooth surfaces. It has limited accessibility compared to Air Polish.

At Camden High Street Dental Practice, Air Polish has never been easier

At Camden High Street Dental Practice, we provide customized dental solutions to give our patients the most effective and suitable treatment. We are always up-to-date with pioneering technologies and materials to deliver high-standard dental services for a pleasant dental treatment experience.

Air Polish service at our clinic is an easy process. While you sit comfortably in the dental chair, our dental hygienist will direct air, water, and powder stream to your teeth to clean and polish them without pain.

The session duration depends on several factors, such as the degree of staining and oral health condition. A patient with minimal staining and good oral health will require a shorter session than another with deeper staining, gingival inflammation, and pockets.

The session takes around 15-30 minutes; afterward, you leave with cleaner and brighter teeth.

If you aim to clean your teeth and remove stubborn tea, coffee, and tobacco stains without pain, contact Camden High Street Practice now to book your Air Polish session.

Benefits of Air Polishing

Air polishing offers several clinical and cosmetic advantages over traditional scaling and polishing, including:

1. Comfortable and non-traumatic

No scraping or scratching. Patients report a more pleasant experience without discomfort or post-treatment sensitivity.

2. Time-Efficient

The procedure is quicker than conventional polishing and provides thorough coverage, even in hard-to-reach areas like the back molars or orthodontic brackets.

3. Safe for Dental Work

Air polishing is non-damaging to restorations, veneers, implants, and orthodontic appliances, making it ideal for comprehensive hygiene maintenance.

4. Superior Stain Removal

Effectively eliminates extrinsic stains from foods, drinks, and smoking, helping patients restore their natural tooth colour.

5. Effective Biofilm Control

It removes bacterial biofilm in periodontal pockets, reducing the risk of gum disease and inflammation.

6. Reduced Noise and Vibration

The procedure is quiet and gentle, without the high-pitched sounds associated with ultrasonic scalers.

Who Can Benefit from Air Polishing?

Air polishing is suitable for a wide range of patients. It’s especially beneficial for:

Smokers or heavy coffee/tea drinkers with visible staining
Patients with orthodontic appliances such as braces, retainers, or Invisalign attachments
Individuals with dental implants , veneers, or crowns.
Children or adults with dental anxiety, due to its comfortable and quiet nature.
Patients with sensitive teeth or exposed dentine.
Individuals undergoing periodontal therapy for chronic gum disease.
Those preparing for teeth whitening or cosmetic dental treatments.

At Camden High Street Dental Practice, we tailor the air polish procedure to suit each individual’s needs, ensuring optimal cleaning and comfort.

Air Polish vs Traditional Scale & Polish

Let’s break down the differences between the two:

Feature	Air Polish	Traditional Scale & Polish
Method	Air, water, and powder spray	Metal scalers and rubber cup polisher
Patient Comfort	High, no scraping or vibration	Moderate: scraping and vibration are common
Treatment Time	Shorter and more efficient	Takes longer, especially for full mouth cleaning
Effectiveness on Stains	Very high, especially surface stains	Moderate: stains may remain
Enamel Safety	Non-abrasive with correct powder	May cause minor surface abrasion
Implant/Crown Safety	Safe for restorations and implants	Risk of scratching surfaces
Noise/Vibration	Minimal noise, no vibration	Louder and may cause discomfort
Cleaning Periodontal Pockets	Excellent with special nozzles	Limited, unless using an ultrasonic scaler

When Should You Book an Air Polish?

Air polishing can be used as a:

Standalone cosmetic treatment to brighten your smile before special events.

Part of a regular hygiene visit to maintain oral health.

Pre-whitening treatment to clear away surface stains and enhance whitening results.

Part of implant or periodontal maintenance to preserve gum and implant health.

You should consider an air polish every 3-6 months, depending on your lifestyle and oral hygiene. Our clinicians will help you decide on the ideal schedule based on your risk profile and aesthetic goals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Polish Treatment

Initial Consultation: We begin with a comprehensive check-up to assess your oral health and determine if air polishing is suitable for you.
Treatment Planning: We select the appropriate polishing powder and nozzle type depending on your needs, whether it’s for stain removal, sensitivity, or gum disease .
The Air Polish Procedure: The air polishing handpiece is gently moved across all tooth surfaces, delivering a fine jet of powder and water. You may feel a cool mist and slight tickling sensation, which most patients find relaxing.
Post-Polish Rinse: You will be asked to rinse, and the hygienist will inspect the result, ensuring complete stain and plaque removal.
Optional Fluoride Application: To help protect your enamel and reduce sensitivity, we may apply a fluoride varnish or remineralising treatment after polishing.

Aftercare Instructions

Air polishing requires minimal aftercare, but to protect your freshly cleaned teeth:

Avoid strongly coloured foods or beverages for at least 2-3 hours (coffee, red wine, berries, turmeric).
Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours if possible.
Maintain a good oral hygiene routine (brushing twice daily, flossing, or using interdental brushes).
Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush.
Attend regular hygiene appointments to maintain results.

Air Polish Alternatives

While air polishing is a modern, comfortable method for plaque and stain removal, several conventional alternatives are also used in professional dental hygiene appointments. These methods include hand scaling, ultrasonic scaling, and rubber cup polishing, each with its own advantages and limitations based on the patient’s dental condition and comfort level.

Hand Instrumentation (Manual Scaling)

Hand scaling involves the use of specialised metal tools to manually remove plaque and calculus (tartar) deposits from the teeth. This technique is time-tested and particularly useful in certain cases of periodontal therapy.

There are two main categories of hand instruments:

Scalers : Designed for supragingival cleaning, these instruments target tartar located above the gum line.
Curettes: These are used for subgingival scaling, reaching below the gum line to clean root surfaces and periodontal pockets.

While effective, manual scaling can be time-consuming, especially in patients with extensive plaque buildup. It may also require greater clinical skill and pressure, which can result in mild discomfort for some patients during deep cleaning procedures.

Ultrasonic Scaling (Powered Instruments)

Ultrasonic scalers are advanced devices that use high-frequency vibrations to break down and remove hardened calculus from the tooth surfaces. The tip of the scaler vibrates rapidly, and a continuous stream of water (lavage) cools the tip and helps flush out debris and bacteria.

Advantages of ultrasonic scaling include:

Faster and more efficient than hand instruments.
Effective at removing both supragingival and subgingival deposits.
Reduces operator fatigue and treatment time.

However, ultrasonic scalers are not without limitations. Some patients may experience:

Increased tooth sensitivity due to vibration and water spray.
Mild discomfort from the buzzing sound and sensation.
Unsuitability for individuals with certain medical devices, such as pacemakers, unless magnetostictive-free models are used.

Despite these concerns, ultrasonic scaling remains a widely used and powerful tool in dental hygiene when air polishing is not suitable.

Rubber Cup Polishing (Conventional Prophylaxis)

This method uses a rotary handpiece fitted with a soft rubber cup and a gritty polishing paste (prophy paste). The cup spins across the tooth surface to remove superficial stains and smooth out enamel irregularities.

Rubber cup polishing is typically used to:

Polish enamel after scaling.
Improve tooth smoothness and shine.
Remove minor surface stains.

However, it is considered less effective than air polishing or ultrasonic scaling in terms of plaque biofilm disruption. It also doesn’t clean below the gum line and may be slightly more abrasive on enamel and restorations.

Why Choose Camden High Street Dental Practice?

When you choose our practice for your air polish treatment, you benefit from:

Expert clinicians trained in the latest protocols.

Modern air polishing systems that ensure comfort and efficiency.

Personalised care plans based on your smile goals and oral health.

A calm, welcoming environment with exceptional patient care.

We are proud to be one of the few practices in Camden offering specialist air polishing services as part of our commitment to preventive and cosmetic dental excellence.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let stubborn stains or plaque dim your smile. Discover the refreshing difference of a gentle, thorough clean with advanced air polishing. Call us today on 020 7388 6108 or book online to schedule your hygiene appointment and enjoy a cleaner, brighter smile with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is air polishing safe for everyone?

Yes, air polishing is safe for most patients, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with restorations.

Will it whiten my teeth?

Air polishing removes stains and makes your teeth appear brighter, but it is not a substitute for professional teeth whitening.

Is air polishing painful?

Not at all! It’s one of the most comfortable hygiene treatments available, even for sensitive patients.

How long does it take?

An air polish typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the stain level and the number of teeth cleaned.

Can it replace scaling and root planing?

No, it’s a supplement to scaling but does not remove hardened calculus. For deep cleaning, we may combine it with ultrasonic scalers.

How often should I get an air polish?

Every 3-6 months is ideal, depending on your diet, oral hygiene, and staining habits.

Is it suitable for braces?

Yes! It cleans around brackets and wires without damaging them.

Can it be done on children?

Yes, air polishing is safe and well-tolerated by children aged 10 and above.

Will it damage my veneers or crowns?

No, it’s safe for all restorations when the correct powder is used.

Are there any side effects?

Mild gum sensitivity may occur briefly but subsides quickly. There are no major side effects.

Is there a taste or smell during the procedure?

Some patients notice a slight salty or sweet taste, depending on the powder used.

Can I smoke or drink coffee after?

It’s best to wait 2-3 hours to avoid new stains from forming on freshly cleaned enamel.

What is the difference between air polish and professional whitening?

Air polish removes surface stains only, whitening changes the intrinsic colour of the teeth.

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Dentist Near You

Camden High Street Dental Practice offers high-quality NHS and private dental care for patients throughout London, providing a welcoming environment where your oral health always comes first. Our experienced dental team in London delivers a full range of preventative, cosmetic and restorative treatments, helping patients of all ages enjoy healthy, confident smiles. Whether you’re looking for a routine dental examination in Camden Town, Invisalign treatment near Chelsea, professional teeth whitening in Marylebone, a dental crown in King’s Cross, or dental implants close to Holborn, we’re committed to providing exceptional care from your first visit.

Our comprehensive range of treatments includes dental check-ups, hygienist appointments, white fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, composite bonding, root canal treatment, dentures, Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers and dental implants in London. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to your needs, ensuring comfortable care and long-lasting results using modern techniques and advanced dental technology.

Patients from Fitzrovia, Clerkenwell, Islington, St. John’s Wood and Hampstead choose Camden High Street Dental Practice because of our professional service, experienced clinicians and patient-focused approach. We believe in taking the time to explain your treatment options, helping you feel informed and confident throughout every stage of your dental journey.

Whether you need ongoing preventative care or a complete smile transformation, Camden High Street Dental Practice provides comprehensive dentistry under one roof. Contact our friendly team today to arrange your next appointment.

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