"Aren't all professional cleanings the same?"
Not really. The cleaning you remember from childhood was probably ultrasonic scaling with hand instruments — the metal hook, the high-pitched whine, sometimes a little discomfort if your gums were sensitive. It works, and it's still part of how we treat hardened tartar.
But for plaque, biofilm, surface stains, and the soft deposits between teeth or around dental work, there is now a much gentler option: AQUA CARE air polishing.
What AQUA CARE actually is
AQUA CARE is a precision system that combines three things in a fine, controlled jet:
- Compressed air
- Warm water
- A biocompatible powder (typically erythritol or glycine — much finer than older sodium bicarbonate powders)
The handpiece directs this jet onto each tooth surface. The powder dissolves biofilm and surface stains, the water rinses them away, and the air keeps the field clear so the operator can see exactly what's happening.
It looks gentle because it is gentle. There's no scraping, no vibration, and almost no noise.
Where AQUA CARE wins
Compared with traditional polishing pastes and cup polishing, AQUA CARE is significantly better at:
- Cleaning around braces, retainers, and aligners — the powder reaches narrow spaces a brush or rubber cup can't
- Cleaning around dental implants — implant surfaces require special care, and AQUA CARE is the gold standard
- Removing coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco staining — gently, without polishing away enamel
- Subgingival cleaning (just below the gumline) — only with the right powder and protocol
- Sensitive patients and patients with gum recession — the technique is much less abrasive
Where ultrasonic scaling still wins
We don't use AQUA CARE for everything. Hardened tartar (calculus) is the one thing it can't remove — that's a job for ultrasonic scaling. So in most patients we do both: scaling first to handle the calculus, then AQUA CARE to finish the surfaces. Together they leave teeth genuinely smooth — which is what makes new plaque slower to attach in the first place.
What it feels like
- Cool spray and a gentle hum — much quieter than the ultrasonic
- No vibration
- No bleeding gums in most cases
- About 30–45 minutes for a complete session
- Tongue can immediately feel the difference: smoother, fresher
Who should ask for it specifically
- Patients with braces, aligners, or retainers
- Patients with implants, crowns, or veneers
- People who notice surface staining returning quickly between cleanings
- Anyone with sensitive teeth who has been avoiding cleanings
- People recovering from periodontal treatment
How often?
For most patients, a professional cleaning every six months remains the right cadence. AQUA CARE simply makes that cleaning more thorough and more comfortable. For implant or orthodontic patients, three- to four-month intervals are sometimes recommended, depending on individual hygiene.
Is it more expensive?
Slightly — because the powder, the equipment, and the protocol cost more. But the difference per visit is small, and the result lasts longer. We'll quote the exact price during your visit; what we quote is what you pay, with no surprises.
Curious to try it?
Book a hygiene appointment and just mention you'd like AQUA CARE. We'll assess your teeth and gums first, recommend the right combination of scaling + air polishing for your case, and walk you through what to expect.