All About Airpolishing
Gingivitis is one of the most common concerns for patients with braces. The brackets and wires make it easy for plaque to accumulate in hard-to-reach places, leading to potential gum inflammation. To tackle this, our team uses an advanced air-based cleaning method that uses a high-pressure stream of air, water and powder to gently clear away buildup around the gumline and brackets without irritating the tissues, promoting healthier gums and a cleaner smile. This airpolishing method helps prevent the discomfort and risks associated with gingivitis and is more effective for cleaning around braces than traditional cleaning methods. This unique preventive approach helps ensure your braces experience is as smooth and effective as possible.
Successful, Comfortable Airpolishing Technique is All About Timing
Patients with braces often find it challenging to clean the areas around brackets and wires. Airpolishing using ProphyJet technology during orthodontic adjustment visits has proven to be an effective way to remove accumulated plaque. Because additional time is required to complete this preventive treatment, airpolishing appointments must be scheduled in advance and coordinated with our team to ensure adequate time is available. This helps the orthodontic team thoroughly and comfortably clean around brackets, reducing the risk of irritation, bleeding, and scarring caused by inflamed tissue.
This treatment is offered at no additional charge for Summit Family Orthodontics patients. While ProphyJet Airpolishing is a valuable aid in reducing gingivitis and orthodontic scarring, it is not a replacement for routine cleanings provided by your general dentist. Airpolishing targets plaque around orthodontic brackets, while regular cleanings focus on the entire mouth and are essential to maintaining overall oral health.
The team at Summit Family Orthodontics recommends that patients continue to see their general dentist at least every six months during orthodontic care. If signs of gingivitis appear, visits every three months may be necessary. Keeping your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment is a key part of your overall care—and it helps our patients feel great, too!
Technology That Supports Better Gum Care
We use advanced tools that work with our airpolishing technique to give patients the best possible outcome. The result is a thorough yet gentle clean around orthodontic brackets without discomfort or damage to the gums.
- Digital Impressions & iTero Digital Scanner: These allow the dentist to see how the brackets fit and analyze where buildup tends to collect.
- CBCT Scanner & Panoramic X-rays help doctors track proper tooth root positioning and bone support beneath the surface.
- CO2 Laser Dentistry: The dental team uses this technology to target gingivitis problem areas to promote a healthy orthodontic experience.
- Remineralization Treatments strengthen the surfaces of the teeth, making them more resistant to scarring and cavities around the brackets.
How Patients Benefit from the Airpolishing Technique Around Braces
Maintaining gum health during orthodontic treatment is essential. Inflamed gums can lead to other problems, like bracket detachment, scarring and cavities. The ProphyJet Airpolishing approach reduces complications and helps you stay on schedule for your orthodontic treatment. Our family-owned practice welcomes everyone. Whether it’s your first visit, a second opinion or a follow-up appointment, we ensure your comfort always comes first. Here’s how our method helps you or your child stay ahead of potential issues:
- Prevents Gingivitis Before It Starts: The orthodontist proactively uses the airpolishing technique with ProphyJet technology to help prevent more serious problems often associated with the challenges of keeping the teeth clean during orthodontic care. Removing the plaque and biofilm regularly helps keep the gums pink, firm and healthy.
- Protects Enamel and Prevents Staining: Long-standing plaque that builds up around the brackets creates an acidic environment on the enamel and can lead to white spots, brown stains and/or cavities once the braces come off. Our targeted airpolishing technique, when combined with regular home care, helps avoid discoloration and cavities around brackets.
- Supports a More Comfortable Braces Experience: Nobody enjoys tender gums. Our airpolishing Technique in Littleton removes buildup gently, reducing irritation and soreness. Many experts agree that healthy teeth move more efficiently.
- Reduces Need for Emergency Visits: Good gum hygiene improves bracket bonding and prevents a variety of problems during orthodontic care.
