A fresher, brighter smile — without the scraping.
Airflow polishing is an advanced hygiene treatment that uses a controlled jet of air, warm water, and fine biocompatible powder to gently remove stains, plaque, and early tartar. It is faster, more comfortable, and more effective than traditional polishing methods.
At Spixworth Dental Practice, we offer Airflow polishing as part of our hygienist services, giving you a noticeably cleaner, brighter smile in a single appointment.
What Is Airflow Polishing?
Airflow is a state-of-the-art dental cleaning technology developed by EMS (Electro Medical Systems). It uses a precisely controlled combination of air, warm water, and very fine erythritol or glycine powder to clean teeth quickly and comfortably.
Unlike traditional polishing — which relies on a spinning rubber cup and abrasive paste — Airflow is essentially non-contact. There is no scraping, no harsh vibration, and no pressure on the tooth surface. The fine powder jet reaches areas that conventional tools struggle with, including around orthodontic brackets, along the gumline, and in the tight spaces between teeth.
Airflow is safe and effective on natural teeth, dental implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic braces. It removes biofilm and surface staining without damaging tooth enamel or restorations.
How Does It Work?
The Airflow polishing procedure is straightforward and typically takes just 20 to 30 minutes.
Assessment — Your hygienist examines your teeth and gums to confirm suitability and identify areas of staining or plaque build-up.
Application — The Airflow handpiece directs a fine, controlled jet of air, water, and powder at the tooth surfaces. The powder gently lifts stains, plaque, and biofilm without touching or scratching the enamel.
Rinse — Any remaining debris and powder are rinsed away, leaving your teeth thoroughly clean.
Polish — Your teeth are left smooth, bright, and refreshed. Your hygienist will review the results with you and offer aftercare advice.
Benefits of Airflow Polishing
Airflow polishing offers several advantages over traditional cleaning and polishing techniques:
- Removes tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco stains effectively
- More comfortable than traditional scaling — no harsh scraping or vibration
- Reaches difficult areas around braces, implants, and tight spaces between teeth
- Quick treatment — usually completed in 20 to 30 minutes
- Gentle on enamel — no abrasive contact with the tooth surface
- Safe for sensitive teeth and gums
- Leaves teeth feeling exceptionally smooth and clean
- Helps maintain the appearance of veneers, crowns, and other restorations
Many patients describe Airflow as the most comfortable hygiene appointment they have ever had.
Who Is It For?
Most patients can benefit from Airflow polishing. It is particularly well suited for:
Orthodontic Patients
Airflow cleans thoroughly around brackets, wires, and aligners — areas where plaque builds up easily and traditional tools can struggle to reach.
Implant Patients
The gentle, non-contact technique is ideal for cleaning around dental implants without risking damage to the implant surface or surrounding tissues.
Staining from Food & Drink
If you enjoy tea, coffee, red wine, or other staining foods, Airflow lifts surface discolouration to restore your teeth's natural brightness.
Sensitive Patients
For patients who find traditional scaling and polishing uncomfortable, Airflow offers a gentler, more pleasant alternative.
What to Expect
Airflow polishing is a private treatment at Spixworth Dental Practice. It can be booked as a standalone appointment or combined with your regular hygiene visit for a comprehensive clean.
There is no recovery time — you can eat, drink, and carry on with your day immediately after treatment. Results are visible straight away, and most patients notice a significant difference in the brightness and smoothness of their teeth.
For the best long-term results, we recommend combining regular Airflow treatments with good daily oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups.
