Located at 20 Old Brompton Road – Just Steps from 
South Kensington Tube. Easy Access, Always.
NEW: 5 Ave Maria Lane, City of London, EC4M 7AQ – Opening April 2026
Treatment Comparison
Two different approaches to professional teeth cleaning — each with distinct strengths. We break down the key differences so you can make an informed choice with your hygienist.
When it comes to professional teeth cleaning, patients often ask: what is the difference between Airflow polishing and a standard scale and polish? It is a fair question — both are performed by your dental hygienist, both leave your teeth feeling cleaner, but the methods, technology, and experience are quite different.
Airflow polishing uses a jet of air, water, and fine powder to remove stains and biofilm — a modern, non-contact approach. A traditional scale and polish combines ultrasonic or hand scaling to remove tartar, followed by polishing with a rotating cup and paste. Each method has clear advantages depending on your oral health needs.
The right treatment for you will always depend on your individual clinical assessment. Below, we compare both options honestly — covering comfort, effectiveness, cost, and suitability — so you can have a more informed conversation at your next appointment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Costs are approximate UK ranges and may vary by clinic. Treatment suitability depends on individual clinical assessment. See full treatment fees.
Option One
Airflow polishing is a modern teeth cleaning technique that uses a controlled stream of compressed air, warm water, and very fine erythritol or glycine powder. The mixture is directed at the tooth surface in a sweeping motion, gently lifting away plaque, biofilm, and surface stains without the need for direct instrument contact. It is often delivered as part of a guided biofilm therapy (GBT) protocol.
Airflow polishing is particularly well-suited for patients with sensitive teeth, those with heavy cosmetic staining, patients with dental restorations or implants, and anyone who finds traditional scaling uncomfortable. It is also an excellent option for patients with orthodontic braces. Suitability is confirmed during your clinical assessment.
Option Two
A scale and polish is the standard professional teeth cleaning procedure offered at most UK dental practices. It consists of two stages: first, scaling — where your hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler or hand instruments to break up and remove hardened plaque (calculus/tartar) from above and below the gumline; followed by polishing — where a slow-speed handpiece with a rubber cup and prophylaxis paste smooths the tooth surfaces and removes remaining surface stains.
A scale and polish is suitable for the majority of patients and is particularly important for those with visible tartar build-up, early or established gum disease, or patients who have not attended a hygiene appointment in some time. It remains the cornerstone of professional dental cleaning and is often used alongside Airflow for a comprehensive result.
Detailed Breakdown
Airflow uses a non-contact jet of air, water, and powder — no instruments touch the tooth surface. A scale and polish uses direct-contact instruments: an ultrasonic scaler vibrates against tartar to break it away, followed by a rotating rubber cup for polishing. The approaches feel noticeably different during treatment.
Most patients find Airflow considerably more comfortable, particularly if they have sensitive teeth or anxious about dental visits. The absence of scraping or vibration makes it a gentler experience. Traditional scaling can cause temporary discomfort, especially in areas with heavy tartar or gum recession, though modern techniques have improved significantly.
Airflow excels at removing extrinsic surface stains from tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco — including in hard-to-reach areas. A scale and polish removes stains during the polishing stage but is primarily designed for tartar removal rather than cosmetic stain lifting. For heavy staining, Airflow typically delivers a more thorough result.
This is where the scale and polish has a clear clinical advantage. Airflow cannot remove hardened calculus (tartar) — only soft plaque and biofilm. If you have tartar build-up or gum disease requiring subgingival (below-the-gum) cleaning, scaling is essential. Many hygienists combine both methods for a comprehensive clean.
Airflow sessions are often slightly quicker — typically 20 to 30 minutes — because the jet cleaning covers surfaces rapidly. A full scale and polish typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, particularly if there is significant tartar to remove. Combined treatments may take up to an hour depending on clinical needs.
A standard scale and polish is usually included in the hygiene appointment fee and is the more affordable option. Airflow polishing may be offered as an additional or premium service due to the specialist equipment and consumable powders required. Both treatments represent good value for maintaining your oral health.
Weighing Up Your Options
UK Pricing
Pricing varies between practices, but here is a general guide to what you can expect for each treatment in the UK. It is worth noting that these treatments serve different clinical purposes — a scale and polish is a clinical cleaning procedure, while Airflow is primarily a cosmetic stain removal and biofilm management tool.
£65 – £120
Approximate UK range
£49 – £89
Usually included in hygiene visit
While Airflow polishing carries a higher fee, many patients find it particularly effective for stain removal and report a comfortable experience. A scale and polish remains the more affordable option and is essential for tartar removal. Many patients opt for a combined appointment — scaling first, followed by Airflow — for the most thorough result.
Our membership plan offers reduced rates on all hygiene treatments. See full treatment fees for our current pricing.
Making Your Decision
Tea, Coffee, Wine & Smoking Stains
→ Airflow Polishing
If cosmetic staining is your primary concern, Airflow is the stronger choice. Its fine-powder jet reaches tight spaces and lifts stubborn discolouration more effectively than a polishing cup and paste.
Comfort-Focused Cleaning
→ Airflow Polishing
The non-contact approach and warm water make Airflow significantly more comfortable for patients with sensitivity. It avoids the vibration and pressure associated with ultrasonic scaling.
Clinical Oral Health Maintenance
→ Scale & Polish
If you have tartar build-up or signs of gum disease, a scale and polish is clinically essential. Airflow cannot remove hardened calculus — only scaling instruments can. This is the treatment your hygienist will prioritise for periodontal care.
Affordable Routine Maintenance
→ Scale & Polish
A standard scale and polish is typically the more affordable option and is usually included in the hygiene appointment fee. It remains an effective and essential cleaning method for routine oral health maintenance.
Many Patients Choose Both
A combined appointment — scaling to remove tartar, followed by Airflow to lift stains and biofilm — often delivers the most comprehensive result. Your GDC-registered hygienist will recommend the best approach based on your individual clinical assessment.
Our GDC-registered hygienists will assess your teeth, gums, and staining levels and recommend the most effective cleaning approach. Whether you visit our South Kensington clinic or our dental hygienist city of london practice, every appointment is tailored to your individual needs.
Common Questions
Whether you choose Airflow, a scale and polish, or a combination of both, our team will ensure your appointment is effective, comfortable, and tailored to your oral health needs. Every treatment is delivered by a qualified, GDC-registered professional.
All treatments subject to clinical suitability. Fees may vary. View our fees.
Registered & Regulated
Our dentists, dental hygienists, and dental nurses are all fully registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), and our clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) (Provider ID: 1-20629579981). We are committed to maintaining high standards of clinical governance, safety, and patient care.
Real reviews from our valued patients
These are selected patient reviews sourced from Google. Individual experiences and results may vary. Reviews reflect personal opinions and should not be taken as a guarantee of treatment outcomes. View all reviews on Google.
Melissa Nereide
Local Guide
Sophia Azzou
Susan Tracey
