AirFlow is an innovative, highly effective teeth cleaning method designed to be gentle yet powerful. This procedure uses a combination of warm distilled water and specialized powder to clean your teeth - think of it as a gentle "sandblasting" for your teeth, but without any of the harsh effects that could damage your enamel.
The powder is sprayed out with warm water, breaking down and dislodging plaque, calculus (tartar), and stains. While it is excellent for removing surface buildup, some extremely hard or tenacious tartar may require additional tools, like an ultrasonic scaler. However, AirFlow is a fantastic option for those seeking a more comfortable and less invasive cleaning experience.
During an AirFlow cleaning, a specialized nozzle is used to direct a stream of warm water mixed with powder onto your teeth. This gentle spray effectively removes plaque, stains, and light calculus buildup. The powder used in the process is fine and dissolves on impact, making it gentle on your enamel.
While it’s great for regular cleanings, especially for people with braces or sensitive teeth, it won’t remove more stubborn or calcified tartar. For these cases, additional manual tools may be needed. The beauty of AirFlow is that it's much gentler than traditional scraping, offering a comfortable experience for all patients.
While AirFlow is not a replacement for the expertise of a dental hygienist, it certainly enhances the cleaning process. The key difference is that AirFlow is more effective at cleaning the surfaces of your teeth in a gentle way. It removes stains and plaque, but for deeper tartar buildup, a hygienist will still need to use traditional methods like ultrasonic scaling.
One thing to note is that AirFlow requires a trained dental professional - either a hygienist or a dentist - to administer the treatment. It can’t be done at home, but it’s a fantastic addition to your regular cleaning routine!
Not at all! In fact, one of the best features of AirFlow is that it’s completely pain-free. Traditional cleanings can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive gums or teeth, but AirFlow is different. It’s designed to be as gentle as possible, making it ideal for patients with sensitive teeth or those with braces.
While AirFlow isn't a professional teeth whitening treatment, it can have a noticeable effect on the brightness of your smile. The gentle powder helps to lift surface stains, which can make your teeth appear a few shades lighter. If you're looking to brighten your teeth, AirFlow can certainly help, but for more dramatic results, a dedicated teeth-whitening procedure would be a better option.
The frequency of AirFlow cleanings depends on your individual needs and how often you visit your dentist. For most people, regular maintenance cleanings every six months are ideal. However, if you are someone who struggles with plaque buildup or staining, AirFlow can be used more frequently, even at every visit. The decision is ultimately made by your hygienist or dentist based on your oral health.
In general, AirFlow is a safe and effective procedure with minimal risk of side effects. However, there are a few precautions. For example, patients with high blood pressure may need to avoid certain powders like sodium bicarbonate. At Kiwi Dental, we use more neutral powders, like glycine and glycol, which are safe for everyone.
While AirFlow is generally safe, we always ensure that your procedure is tailored to your specific health needs.
Typically, an AirFlow treatment takes about 35-40 minutes. However, we generally allocate a full hour for your appointment so we can walk you through the process and answer any questions before starting. This allows us to provide thorough, quality care without rushing the process.
After an AirFlow cleaning, you can eat and drink as usual, but we recommend waiting for about an hour before consuming anything that might stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, or cigarettes. Since AirFlow removes a layer of surface stains, it leaves your teeth temporarily more vulnerable to staining. After an hour or two, your teeth will be just as resistant to stains as they were before.
AirFlow is generally not recommended for children under the age of 10. For younger kids, their teeth and gums are still developing, and more traditional methods may be more appropriate. However, AirFlow is safe and effective for patients aged 10 and up. If you have a child in this age range and are curious about AirFlow, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information!
At Kiwi Dental, we’re always looking for ways to make your experience as comfortable as possible while ensuring your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. AirFlow teeth cleaning is a fantastic, modern solution for those who want an effective, pain-free cleaning. Whether you have sensitive teeth, braces, or just want a more comfortable cleaning experience, AirFlow is the way to go!
If you’re interested in scheduling an AirFlow cleaning or learning more about the procedure, give us a call at Kiwi Dental. We’d love to help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
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