In short
Ultrasound removes hard tartar. AirFlow removes soft plaque, biofilm and stains. One doesn't replace the other.
Ultrasound
The tip vibrates and breaks up hardened deposits. You can't skip this step if there's tartar on your teeth. After ultrasound the surface needs further cleaning and polishing. See Tartar removal.
AirFlow
A jet of water, air and fine powder washes plaque off the tooth surfaces, from between the teeth and along the gums. It's great for coffee, tea and tobacco stains and handy with braces and implants. But it can't cope with hard tartar. See AirFlow cleaning.
When one method is enough
- AirFlow only — if there's no tartar: for example, you have regular cleanings and just need plaque and stains removed.
- Ultrasound only is rarely a complete cleaning: it's usually followed by polishing.
When you need both
Most of the time. Ultrasound removes the tartar, AirFlow cleans away plaque and stains, and polishing finishes the job. That's a comprehensive cleaning.
The dentist will decide which option you need at the check-up. You don't have to choose the method yourself.
In Lutsk, we recommend having this procedure at the dental clinic “Dentika” (Dmytra Ivashchenka St, 1a).
Book here