What Is Airflow Technology?
Airflow technology is an innovative approach to professional oral hygiene, combining a jet of air, warm water and bicarbonate or erythritol particles to remove tartar, plaque and surface stains from the teeth.
Unlike traditional scaling with hand or ultrasonic instruments, Airflow uses no vibration or direct pressure on the teeth. The result is painless, quiet dental cleaning that is more comfortable for the patient.
Developed with Swiss technology, the system reaches hard-to-access areas — even below the gum line — without wearing the enamel or harming the gums. It is particularly suitable for anyone who values a calmer experience at the dentist.
At Atelier do Sorriso, in Almancil, in the centre of the Algarve, we offer this treatment with a complete focus on our patients’ well-being. Airflow cleaning can be done on its own or as part of a regular oral health maintenance plan.
How Does Airflow Work in Practice?
The Airflow procedure is simple, quick and surprisingly comfortable — even for people with sensitive teeth or some fear of the dentist.
After an initial assessment by the dentist or hygienist, the Airflow Prophylaxis Master applies a controlled jet of air, warm water and cleaning powder to the teeth and gums. This mix effectively removes:
- Built-up plaque (biofilm)
- Stains caused by coffee, tea, wine or tobacco
- Recent tartar, especially in hard-to-reach areas
The whole process is virtually painless. The water temperature is adjusted to reduce sensitivity, and the powder can be chosen according to clinical needs and comfort (such as the extremely gentle erythritol powder).
Airflow can also be used to clean braces, dental implants and crowns, in a minimally invasive, risk-free way.
Treatment takes about 30 minutes, depending on the amount of plaque and staining. No anaesthesia is needed.
Who Can Benefit from Airflow?
Airflow is suitable for almost all patients, from children to older people, and is especially useful for anyone looking for a more comfortable, effective and less aggressive clean. In clinical practice, these patients benefit most:
- People with sensitive teeth who avoid traditional scaling for fear of pain or discomfort;
- Patients with dental implants, veneers or crowns, who need gentle but deep cleaning;
- People with braces, especially fixed braces, where tartar and biofilm build up more easily;
- Patients with inflamed gums, where conventional cleaning can increase pain or cause bleeding;
- Smokers and regular drinkers of coffee, red wine or tea, who are more prone to external stains.
Airflow can also be used to prepare for aesthetic treatments such as teeth whitening, making sure the teeth are completely free of debris and stains that could affect the results.
This type of cleaning is also recommended as part of preventive maintenance, every 6 months — or more often in cases at higher risk of gum disease.
Differences Between Airflow and Traditional Dental Cleaning
Although both methods aim to remove tartar and external stains, Airflow is a significant step forward from conventional dental cleaning.
1. Technology used
Traditional cleaning uses hand or ultrasonic scalers which, although effective, can cause some discomfort or micro-trauma to the gum. Airflow combines air, warm water and a sodium bicarbonate or erythritol powder to gently remove plaque and biofilm, even in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Patient comfort
With Airflow, there is virtually no vibration or pressure. The jet is fine, controlled and painless, for a more pleasant experience, especially for people with sensitive teeth.
3. Precision and reach
While the traditional technique can leave deposits in hard-to-reach areas (such as periodontal pockets or between the teeth), Airflow reaches these areas more effectively, for a truly deep clean.
4. Treatment time
Thanks to the air and powder jet technology, the Airflow procedure is faster, reducing chair time without compromising the quality of cleaning.
5. After the procedure
After Airflow, no extra polishing is needed, as the powder already leaves a smooth, polished tooth surface. There is also less chance of sensitivity afterwards.
In short, Airflow is more comfortable, more efficient and less invasive than traditional scaling — without losing clinical effectiveness.
🦷 Related treatments at Atelier do Sorriso: Oral Hygiene
Airflow and Fotona Laser: Technology Working Together
As well as Airflow, Atelier do Sorriso also uses the Fotona Laser, a state-of-the-art technology that can complement oral hygiene treatments and several gum procedures.
The laser allows deep decontamination, especially in patients with gingivitis, periodontitis or hard-to-reach periodontal pockets, where the mechanical action of Airflow may not be enough. Fotona acts with millimetre precision, without pain, cuts or anaesthesia.
Combined with Airflow, Fotona boosts the elimination of bacteria, reduces inflammation and promotes faster regeneration of the gum tissues, contributing to longer-lasting oral health and more effective prevention of gum disease.
At Atelier do Sorriso, this combination is applied in a personalised way, adapting each treatment to each patient’s real needs. The result is a more complete, comfortable dental hygiene experience with deeper clinical benefits.
Airflow at Atelier do Sorriso: Technology and Experience
At our clinic in the centre of the Algarve — in Almancil, in the municipality of Loulé — we use a state-of-the-art Airflow system for a truly comfortable and effective oral hygiene experience.
We continually invest in advanced technology, such as the EMS Airflow Prophylaxis Master, one of the most advanced devices on the market. It allows us to apply Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), internationally recognised for removing biofilm effectively and with great gentleness.
As well as the technology, we have a highly qualified multidisciplinary team trained to adapt the Airflow protocol to each patient — including children, people with sensitive teeth, patients with dental implants or braces, and those being treated for gingivitis or periodontitis.
At Atelier do Sorriso we believe prevention should be comfortable, effective and attentive to detail. Airflow is our main ally for painless, fast dental hygiene with results you can see straight after the session.
Feel the Difference: Book Your Airflow Cleaning in the Algarve
If you are looking for a comfortable, fast and painless oral hygiene experience, Airflow is the ideal solution. More than a simple clean, it takes dental care to a new level, combining advanced technology with our team’s clinical commitment.
At Atelier do Sorriso we have already helped hundreds of patients — local and international — keep their smiles healthy with minimal discomfort. And we can help you too.
Book your appointment today and discover what it means to look after your oral health with comfort and precision.
Atelier do Sorriso Clinic is in Almancil, in the centre of the Algarve, easy to reach from Faro, Loulé, Quarteira, Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and the surrounding area.
📍 Address: Rua João de Deus, Lote 1C, Almancil, Algarve (See on Maps)