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Air Polish vs. Traditional Polish: What to Expect at Your Next Clean

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You know that smooth, fresh feeling your teeth have after professional dental cleanings. A key part of that experience is the final polish. There are a couple of ways to get that shine, and your visit can differ depending on the method your dentist uses.

Your dentist may use one of two common polishing methods during your recall exam: traditional or air polish.

The main difference is the technology, as traditional methods use direct contact with a spinning cup, while an air polisher uses a gentle spray of air, powder, and water. 

Understanding these options can help you feel more prepared and comfortable for your visit.

What Is Traditional Teeth Polishing?

You may have experienced traditional teeth polishing before. It is a common method used during dental cleans to remove minor stains and dental plaque. This process leaves your teeth feeling smooth and bright.

How the Process Works

This method involves a slow-speed dental tool with a soft rubber cup on the end. A special gritty paste called prophylaxis paste is applied to the cup. The cup then spins to polish each tooth individually.

What It Feels Like

You’ll feel gentle pressure and a light vibration on your teeth as the rubber cup moves from tooth to tooth. The paste has a gritty texture, but the process is generally comfortable for most people. It’s the classic clean you may be used to.

Meet the Air Polisher System

A different approach to teeth polishing is with an air polisher. This technology uses a mix of fine powder, water, and compressed air to gently remove surface stains and plaque. 

At Smyl Dentistry in The Annex, Toronto, we use an air polisher to help provide a comfortable and effective clean for our patients.

How an Air Polisher Works

An air polisher sprays a controlled stream of fine particles and water onto your teeth. This stream quickly and gently removes surface stains from things like coffee or tea, as well as soft plaque deposits. It can also reach into tight spots that are sometimes tricky to access with other tools.

Benefits of an Air Polisher

This method is known for its gentle touch. It can be a great option if you have sensitive teeth, as it avoids direct contact, heat, and the pressure of a rotating cup. Many people find the experience to be very comfortable and less invasive.

A woman having her teeth polished by a dentist using traditional polishing.

Why a Professional Polish Matters

Regardless of the method, a professional polish is more than just for looks. It’s an important part of your comprehensive oral health routine. It helps complete the work done during your dental cleaning and keeps your smile feeling fresh. 

When you look for a dentist in downtown Toronto, you want someone who focuses on your complete oral health journey.

Stain Removal

Both methods are effective at removing minor external stains, which helps keep your smile bright. An air polisher is often noted for its ability to manage stains in tight spaces. This helps achieve a uniform, clean appearance across all your teeth.

A Smooth Finish

Polishing leaves your teeth with an incredibly smooth surface. This smoothness makes it more difficult for new plaque to attach to your teeth. As a result, it’s easier to maintain good dental hygiene after your appointment.

The Smyl Dentistry Experience

We focus on a dental experience that is both pleasant and thorough. By incorporating tools like the air polisher, we aim to provide comfortable dental services for young professionals and families in our neighbourhood. Our goal is to make your visit a positive one.

We believe that your comfort is a priority. From the moment you arrive, our team works to create a relaxed environment. We take the time to explain procedures and use techniques that support a gentle approach to dental care.

We chose to use an air polisher because it aligns with our goal of a more safe and comfortable patient experience. It is a detail that can make a big difference in how you feel about your dental cleaning. This modern approach is part of our commitment to you.

At Smyl Dentistry, we listen to your concerns and preferences to create a plan that fits you. Whether you have questions about polishing or any other part of your dental health, we are here to provide clear, informative answers. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your next appointment.

Contact Information

Address

  • 608 Bloor Street W
  • TORONTO, ON M6G 1K4

Hours

Monday:
9:00 AM 3:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:00 AM 7:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:00 AM 4:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed

Parking

Green P parking on Palmerston and Euclid, residential street parking, meter parking on Bloor. Residential street parking from 10a-12a

Subway

One block over from TTC subway station (Bathurst)

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