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.

How Does AirFlow Work?

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.

Is AirFlow Better Than Traditional Cleaning?

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!

Is AirFlow Painful?

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.

AirFlow for Teeth Whitening

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.

How Often Should You Get AirFlow Teeth Cleaning?

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.

Are There Any Side Effects?

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.

How Long Does AirFlow Take?

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.

What to Do (and Not Do) After AirFlow Treatment

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.

Is AirFlow Suitable for Kids?

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!

The Benefits of AirFlow Teeth Cleaning AirFlow offers several key benefits:

• Gentle yet effective: It’s a pain-free experience, especially for those with sensitive teeth.
• Great for patients with braces: The powder gently cleans around braces, offering a more comfortable cleaning option.
• Helps with gum health: With specialized tools like PerioFlow, it can also be used to treat gum disease and deep pockets below the gums (although this is typically done in specialty offices).
• Faster and easier cleanings: AirFlow can save time during your cleaning, making it a quicker and more efficient process.

Conclusion

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.

Our Comprehensive Services

We accept patients of all ages and adjust our chairside manner to meet the needs of each individual. Each of our treatment plans is handcrafted for your smile alone. Whether you’re in need of a routine dental exam or other preventive care treatment, restorative treatment, dental implants, gum grafts, cosmetic dentistry, or children's dental care, we have a solution for you. Moreover, for your convenience, we offer emergency appointments, family block scheduling, and multilingual services. We also strive to keep all of our patients’ dental treatments in-house.

Our Professional, Compassionate Team

Our team delivers high-quality dental care that is as comfortable and gentle as possible. Before we begin any procedure, we will thoroughly walk you through your customized treatment plan and answer any outstanding questions you may have. Throughout treatment, we’ll consistently ask you how you’re feeling and make any accommodations to keep you at ease while we work. If you struggle with dental anxiety, you can relax with our nitrous oxide (or laughing gas).

Our Modern Office in Oakville, Ontario

To provide our patients with comprehensive treatment planning and the most advanced level of care, we keep our office stocked with the latest dental technology. For example, we utilize digital X-rays that safely produce high-resolution images of your mouth to aid in precise evaluation of your oral health. And during your treatment, we incorporate an intraoral camera to provide you with a real-time dentist’s view of your mouth. Additionally, you can enjoy our patient amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, Netflix, music headphones, blankets, and private treatment rooms.

Our Financing Options

At Kiwi Dental, we believe that your dental care should come second to none. Our office accepts a variety of payment methods and we work with PayBright to offer an 0% financing option. Speak with a member of our friendly team today to learn more about how we can make your dental care affordable.

Join Our Dental Family!

So if you're looking for a dentist in the Oakville, Ontario area, consider Kiwi Dental. We are always thrilled to add new patients to our Kiwi Dental family. We invite you to come to check out our office for a tour. Or if you're ready for a checkup and cleaning, we can schedule your next appointment. Contact us today!