Airflow Teeth Cleaning: What It Is and Is It Worth It?

If your hygienist has offered you Airflow, or you have seen the before and after photos, you are probably wondering whether it is a genuine improvement or an upsell. Here is a straight explanation of what it does, what it cannot do, and when it is worth the money.

The short answer

Airflow is air polishing. Instead of scraping with instruments and finishing with a gritty paste, it directs a controlled jet of warm water, air and very fine powder at the tooth to lift away plaque, bacterial film and surface staining. It is quicker, considerably more comfortable and reaches places instruments cannot. Most UK practices charge £20 to £50 for it, usually as an add-on to a hygiene visit. At Bollington Dental Practice Airflow is a £20 add-on to any hygiene appointment.

What it actually does

• Removes biofilm. This is the real clinical value. Biofilm is the invisible bacterial layer that reforms on teeth constantly and drives both decay and gum disease. Airflow clears it from the gumline and between teeth far more thoroughly than polishing paste.
• Lifts surface staining. Tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco staining come off well, which is where the dramatic before and after photos come from.
• Reaches awkward places. Around crowded teeth, bridges, implants and orthodontic brackets, where hand instruments genuinely struggle.
• Is gentler on enamel. The modern powders are far less abrasive than traditional polishing pastes, which is counter-intuitive given it sounds more aggressive.

What it does not do

Two honest limitations, because this is where expectations go wrong.

It does not replace scaling. If you have hardened tartar built up, that still needs removing with instruments first. Airflow cleans and de-stains; it does not chisel off calculus. The ideal appointment is usually scaling followed by Airflow, not one instead of the other.

It does not whiten your teeth. This is the big one. Airflow removes what is sitting on the enamel, so it returns your teeth to their natural shade and people are often surprised how much brighter that is. But it cannot change the underlying colour of the tooth. If you want to go lighter than your natural shade, that is whitening, which is a different treatment entirely.

What it costs

Airflow is almost always priced as an add-on rather than a standalone appointment, because it forms part of a professional clean. With us a hygiene appointment is £60 for twenty minutes or £89 for thirty minutes, and Airflow is £20 on top of either. Our full price list is on the fees page.

Whether it is worth £20 depends on you. If you drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine, or you smoke, it makes a visible difference and most people who try it keep having it. If you have very little staining and healthy gums, the standard clean is perfectly adequate and we will tell you so.

Frequently asked questions

Does Airflow hurt?

No, and this is the main reason people prefer it. There is no scraping and no gritty paste, just warm water and a fine mist. Nervous patients and those with sensitive teeth usually find it far easier than a traditional scale and polish. You will notice a slightly salty taste, which is about as unpleasant as it gets.

Does Airflow damage enamel?

No. The powders used for routine air polishing are much finer and softer than the abrasive pastes traditionally used to polish teeth, so if anything it is kinder to enamel than what it replaces. It is used routinely around implants and orthodontic work precisely because it is gentle.

How often should I have it?

Most people have it at each hygiene visit, so every six months, or every three to four months if you stain heavily or have a history of gum disease. It is not something you need between appointments.

Is there anyone it does not suit?

It suits the large majority of people. Do mention it if you have a respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD, are on a salt-restricted diet, or are pregnant, as your hygienist will then choose the appropriate powder or suggest an alternative. That is a conversation worth having at the start of the appointment rather than during it.

Can I have Airflow without being a patient at the practice?

At our practice, no. Airflow is provided during hygiene appointments for patients under the care of our dentists, as we do not offer direct access hygiene. If you are new to us, book a new patient examination at £89 including X-rays and we will arrange your hygiene care from there.

If you are unsure whether your teeth are stained or simply a darker natural shade, our guide to why teeth look yellow sorts out which of the two you are dealing with.

If you would like Airflow added to your next hygiene visit, just ask reception, or call us on 01625 574609. We look after patients from Bollington, Macclesfield, Prestbury and the surrounding villages, with free parking beside the practice.

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