AIRFLOW® vs. traditional dental hygiene — why patients don't want to go back

Almost every patient arriving at the practice for the first time remembers what they call "the old-school hygiene": manual scaling with hooks, an ultrasonic scaler that vibrated unpleasantly, sensitive gums for the next couple of days. Then they experience GBT with AIRFLOW® — and cannot quite believe it is the same treatment.

Traditional hygiene — what it used to be

Historically, hygiene relied on manual scalers, aggressive ultrasound and high-abrasive polishing pastes. Effective, but often uncomfortable — especially around exposed root surfaces and below the gumline. Staining was removed by mechanical polishing, which further thinned the enamel over time.

EMS AIRFLOW® — gentle powder-based cleaning

AIRFLOW® is a Swiss method by EMS. The handpiece combines warm water, compressed air and a very fine erythritol powder (14 µm). It gently removes biofilm and surface staining without damaging enamel or exposed dentine. Hardened tartar that AIRFLOW® cannot lift is then removed with the PIEZON® ultrasonic system.

Immediate differences patients notice:

• no mechanical scraping across the tooth surface,
• treatment below the gumline is far more comfortable,
• ideal around crowns, bridges, implants and fixed braces,
• little or no post-treatment sensitivity,
• stains from tea, coffee and red wine disappear without polishing,
• the appointment is faster overall.

GBT — the protocol that makes AIRFLOW® work

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is the clinical protocol built around AIRFLOW®. In simple terms: we first make the biofilm visible with a gentle disclosing dye so we know exactly where it is. We then remove it precisely with AIRFLOW®. Any remaining hard tartar is addressed with PIEZON® NO PAIN ultrasound. The visit finishes with polishing, fluoride treatment and a personalised recall plan.

Is AIRFLOW® suitable for everyone?

For the vast majority of patients, yes — including those with sensitive teeth, exposed root surfaces, dental implants and fixed orthodontics. A small number of medical contraindications exist (certain respiratory conditions, salt-restricted diets); we ask about these during the intake. If you are anxious about discomfort, our companion article on what you actually feel during a hygiene appointment may help.

And the price?

At Dental Hygiene PLUS AIRFLOW® is part of every hygiene visit — first appointment or recall, no surcharge. First visit 2 490 CZK, recall 1 990 CZK (55 min) or 1 490 CZK (25 min). Consultation and examination are always included in the treatment price.