Air polishing is a procedure which uses air and water pressure to deliver a controlled stream of specially processed sodium bicarbonate or glycine powders in a slurry through the handpiece nozzle. Fine particles of powders are propelled by compressed air in a warm spray and directed onto the surfaces of the teeth. This pressurized jet of air, water and powder removes surface stains, plaque and other soft deposits such as food particles trapped in between the teeth.
Indications for the use of air polishing devices include general post-scaling prophylaxis, cleaning of deep fissures, interproximal cleaning, surface cleaning (stains and dental plaque removal), surface cleaning, tooth cleaning before fluoridation, and removal of temporary cement residues.
The literature overwhelmingly supports the use of an air polishing device as an efficient and effective means of removing stain and plaque from tooth surfaces. Air polishing requires less time than traditional polishing methods and is considered an equally safe, sometimes superior, alternative. Most investigators agree that intact enamel surfaces are not damaged when stain removal is performed by means of an air polishing device. In short, air polishing is believed to be the least damaging and most efficient means of removing stain on enamel.