Dental Hygiene vs
Hygiene with Airflow
Wondering whether to add Airflow to your dental hygiene appointment? Both options keep your teeth and gums healthy — Airflow is an optional upgrade that takes your clean further. We explain the difference so you can decide with confidence.
Standard Hygiene
£89
With Airflow
£142
First-Time Patient
From £49
If your dental hygienist has mentioned Airflow, you may be wondering whether the upgrade is worth it — or whether a standard scale and polish is all you need.
At Dental Clinic London, Airflow is not a separate treatment. It is an optional add-on to your dental hygiene appointment that provides additional biofilm and stain removal on top of the standard scale and polish. Every hygiene appointment includes thorough scaling and polishing — Airflow simply takes the clean further.
The right choice depends on your individual oral health and concerns. Your hygienist will assess your teeth and recommend the most appropriate option following a clinical assessment. Below, we compare both so you can arrive at your appointment well informed.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
Standard dental hygiene vs dental hygiene with the Airflow upgrade — side by side.
| Feature | Hygiene + Airflow · £142 | Standard Hygiene · £89 |
|---|---|---|
| What It Includes | Full scale & polish plus Airflow biofilm and stain removal | Ultrasonic scaling, hand scaling and polishing |
| Procedure Type | Scaling instruments + high-pressure warm water, air and fine powder jet | Ultrasonic scaler and precision hand instruments |
| Treatment Time | Approximately 30 minutes | Approximately 20–30 minutes |
| Impact on Tooth Structure | Scaling as standard plus non-abrasive Airflow (no direct enamel contact) | Minimal — instruments contact the tooth surface |
| Stain Removal | Excellent — removes tea, coffee, wine and tobacco stains | Good — removes some surface staining during polishing |
| Price | £142 (first-time patients £102) | £89 (first-time patients £49) |
| How Long Results Last | 3–6 months depending on diet and oral hygiene | 3–6 months depending on tartar build-up rate |
| Best Suited For | Stain removal, biofilm removal, sensitive teeth, implants, braces | Routine maintenance, tartar build-up, gum disease prevention |
Treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical assessment. All prices confirmed before treatment begins.
Treatment Overview
What Is Included in Standard Dental Hygiene?
Our standard dental hygiene appointment (£89) is a comprehensive scale and polish — the essential general dentistry procedure for removing tartar (calculus) and maintaining healthy gums. Tartar is the hardened mineral deposit that forms when plaque is left on the teeth and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone.
During your appointment, your hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler (high-frequency vibrations and a water spray) to break up tartar deposits, followed by hand instruments (curettes) for precision cleaning around the gum line. The appointment finishes with polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove residual surface staining.
For most patients, a standard scale and polish every 3–6 months is all that is clinically required to maintain good oral health and prevent gum disease. First-time patients pay just £49.
Standard Hygiene Is Ideal If You
- Need routine tartar removal and gum care
- Notice bleeding or swollen gums
- Have been diagnosed with gum disease
- Have not had a professional clean in over 6 months
- Want to maintain good oral health between check-ups
- Are looking for an affordable professional cleaning
The Airflow Upgrade
What Does Adding Airflow Include?
Our dental hygiene with Airflow appointment (£142) includes everything in the standard hygiene appointment, plus the addition of Airflow therapy — a modern cleaning system that uses a controlled jet of warm water, compressed air and fine erythritol powder.
The Airflow component gently removes biofilm (bacterial plaque), soft deposits and surface stains from every surface of every tooth — including hard-to-reach areas between teeth, inside gum pockets, and around dental implants or orthodontic brackets.
Because the Airflow handpiece does not make physical contact with the enamel, it is non-abrasive and particularly comfortable for patients with sensitive teeth. Patients who are considering professional teeth whitening often find that adding Airflow restores a noticeably brighter appearance by removing external staining from tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco. First-time patients pay £102 for hygiene with Airflow.
The Airflow Upgrade May Be Worth It If You
- Have visible tea, coffee or tobacco staining
- Experience sensitivity during traditional cleaning
- Have dental implants or orthodontic braces
- Want thorough biofilm removal from all surfaces
- Have crowns, veneers or composite bonding
- Prefer a gentler, non-contact cleaning experience
Understanding the Difference
Key Differences Explained
Coverage and Cleaning Approach
Both appointments include full scaling and polishing. The Airflow upgrade adds a high-pressure jet clean that reaches every surface of every tooth — including interproximal areas, gum pockets and around orthodontic or implant hardware. Standard hygiene focuses on areas where tartar has accumulated.
Tooth Contact
Both appointments use scaling instruments that make contact with the tooth to remove tartar. The Airflow component is entirely non-contact — the powder jet cleans without touching the enamel, making it a gentler addition for patients with sensitivity.
Longevity of Results
Both appointments produce results lasting approximately 3–6 months. The duration depends on your diet, oral hygiene habits and individual rate of plaque and tartar formation. Your hygienist will recommend a recall interval tailored to your needs.
Cost
Standard dental hygiene costs £89 (£49 for first-time patients). Adding Airflow brings the total to £142 (£102 for first-time patients). Members receive 50% off both options. The Airflow upgrade adds £53 to your appointment.
Suitability Based on Need
If your primary concern is stain removal or you have sensitive teeth, the Airflow upgrade adds genuine clinical value. If you need routine tartar removal and gum maintenance, the standard hygiene appointment is comprehensive and effective. Your hygienist will recommend the best option — there is no pressure to upgrade.
Weighing Up
Pros and Cons
Hygiene with Airflow · £142
Advantages
- Everything included in standard hygiene, plus advanced Airflow cleaning
- Removes biofilm from every surface of every tooth — including hard-to-reach areas
- Excellent stain removal — tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine
- Non-abrasive Airflow jet does not contact or scratch the enamel
- More comfortable for patients with sensitive teeth
- Ideal for patients with implants, braces, crowns or veneers
Limitations
- Higher cost than standard dental hygiene (£142 vs £89)
- Not always clinically necessary — your hygienist will advise
Standard Hygiene · £89
Advantages
- Effectively removes hardened tartar above and below the gum line
- Essential for managing and preventing gum disease
- Lower cost — £89 (or just £49 for first-time patients)
- Includes polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and remove some staining
- Can treat deeper gum pockets when combined with root planing
Limitations
- Can cause mild discomfort, especially around inflamed gums
- May cause temporary sensitivity after treatment
- Less effective at removing deep staining compared to Airflow upgrade
- Does not include biofilm removal from all surfaces
Transparent Pricing
Dental Hygiene Prices
| Appointment | Standard | First-Time | Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygiene (Scale & Polish)Ultrasonic scaling, hand scaling and polishing | £89 | £49 | £44.50 |
| Dental Hygiene with AirflowFull scale & polish plus Airflow biofilm and stain removal | £142 | £102 | £71 |
All prices confirmed before treatment begins. No hidden fees. View our complete fee guide for all treatment pricing.
Making Your Decision
Which Option Is Best for You?
The most appropriate option depends on your individual oral health. Here is a general guide — your hygienist will confirm the best approach following a clinical assessment.
Best for Stain Removal
Hygiene with Airflow · £142If tea, coffee, tobacco or red wine staining is your primary concern, the Airflow upgrade is the more effective option. It removes surface discolouration without abrasion, often restoring teeth to a noticeably brighter appearance. For patients seeking even whiter results, Airflow pairs well with professional teeth whitening.
Best for Tartar Removal
Both OptionsBoth appointments include full ultrasonic and hand scaling to remove hardened tartar. If tartar removal is your primary need and you do not have significant staining, the standard hygiene appointment (£89) provides everything you need.
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Hygiene with Airflow · £142The Airflow component is generally more comfortable for patients who experience sensitivity. The non-contact cleaning method avoids direct pressure on the enamel, reducing discomfort during and after the appointment. Both options include scaling, but Airflow adds a gentler supplementary clean.
Best for Affordability
Standard Hygiene · £89The standard scale and polish provides excellent routine maintenance at £89 — or just £49 for first-time patients. Members receive 50% off, bringing the cost to £44.50. It includes thorough tartar removal, gum cleaning and polishing.
Your hygienist at Dental Clinic London will assess your teeth and recommend the most appropriate option based on your clinical needs — with no pressure to upgrade.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Not Sure Which Option You Need?
The best way to find out is a quick consultation with our dental hygienist. We will assess your teeth, discuss your concerns and recommend whether standard hygiene or the Airflow upgrade is right for you — with no obligation.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. All treatment outcomes vary by patient. Prices shown are starting prices and may vary depending on complexity. Dental Clinic London is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).