Benefits of Air Polishing Over Traditional Polishing

Air polishing (sometimes referred to as air flow polishing, air flow cleaning, or oral spa polishing) and regular polishing are both effective methods for cleaning teeth, but they have different advantages depending on your needs. Here’s how air polishing compares to regular polishing and why it might be considered superior in certain situations.

What is Air Polishing?

Air polishing is a technique that uses a pressurized mixture of air, water, and fine powder (commonly made of sodium bicarbonate, glycine, or erythritol) to remove plaque, stains, and biofilm from the teeth. The powder is gentle yet highly effective at cleaning both above and below the gumline.

What is Traditional Polishing?

Regular polishing uses a rotating rubber cup or brush with a gritty toothpaste-like material (prophy paste) to polish the tooth surfaces. It is effective at removing surface stains and making the teeth feel smooth.

Why Air Polishing Over Traditional Polishing?

Faster and More Efficient

Air polishing covers larger areas quickly and removes stains and plaque more efficiently than traditional methods. It can save time, especially for patients with significant staining or buildup.

Gentler on the Teeth and Gums

Unlike the abrasive prophy paste used in regular polishing, the powders in air polishing (like glycine or erythritol) are much gentler, making it a great choice for patients with sensitive teeth or gums.

Effective for Removing Biofilm

Air polishing is particularly effective in removing biofilm, which is a thin, sticky layer of bacteria that can lead to gum disease. It can clean areas that traditional polishing may struggle to reach, like the gumline and interdental spaces.

Safer for Orthodontic Patients

Air polishing is ideal for patients with braces or other dental appliances because it can clean around brackets and wires more thoroughly and without causing damage.

Non-Abrasive on Dental Restorations

For patients with crowns, veneers, or other restorations, air polishing is less abrasive than traditional polishing, reducing the risk of damage to these surfaces.

Better for Subgingival Cleaning

Air polishing can be used below the gumline with certain powders like glycine or erythritol, which is beneficial for patients with periodontal issues or implants. Regular polishing cannot effectively clean below the gumline.

When is Traditional Polishing Still a Good Option?

Surface Stains Only: Regular polishing is effective for removing surface stains (that are not too severe) caused by coffee, tea, or smoking.

Routine Cleanings: For patients without periodontal issues, traditional polishing is usually sufficient for regular maintenance.

Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional polishing is generally more cost-effective than air polishing, as it requires less specialized equipment.

Air polishing can be considered superior to regular polishing in many cases due to its gentleness, efficiency, and versatility, especially for patients with sensitive teeth, braces, periodontal disease, or implants. However, both methods have their place in dental care, and the best option depends on your specific needs and oral health condition.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, schedule an appointment with us to find out the best approach during your visit.