1. If You Prefer Traditional Oral Prophylaxis (Scaling and Polishing)

🦷 Every 6 Months

Traditional cleaning using hand and ultrasonic scalers is effective for removing calculus (tartar) and plaque from teeth and gums. Most patients are advised to return every 6 months for routine maintenance.

🔹 If you are prone to tartar buildup, have poor oral hygiene, or smoke, you may need to return every 3–4 months.

2. If You Get AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis

🦷 Every 4–6 Months

AIRFLOW® uses a gentle stream of warm water, air, and erythritol powder to remove biofilm and surface stains. It is:

• More comfortable and less abrasive
• Highly effective in biofilm disruption (which causes cavities and gum disease)
• Safe for implants, veneers, braces, and restorations

📌 Ideal for:

• Patients with sensitive teeth
• Teens and adults with aesthetic restorations
• Those who prioritize preventive care

🔹 Some patients return every 4 months for AIRFLOW, especially those with:

• High caries risk
• Periodontal maintenance needs
• Orthodontic appliances

3. If You Have Braces (Traditional or Self-Ligating)

🦷 Every 3–4 Months

Braces trap plaque and food debris, making it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly at home.

🧼 Frequent cleaning helps prevent:

• Decalcification (white spot lesions)
• Gingivitis
• Bad breath
• Cavities around brackets

📌 Tip: Combine AIRFLOW with gentle ultrasonic scaling for best results during orthodontic treatment.

4. If You Have Veneers or Crowns

🦷 Every 4–6 Months

While veneers and crowns don’t decay, the natural tooth underneath still can. Margins (edges) of restorations are vulnerable to plaque, which may cause:

• Gum inflammation
• Secondary cavities
• Crown failure

✅ AIRFLOW is highly recommended for these patients because it’s non-abrasive and gentle on porcelain or zirconia restorations.

5. If You Have Fixed Dental Bridges

🦷 Every 4 Months

Bridges are more challenging to clean at home. Bacteria can easily build up:

• Under the pontic (false tooth)
• Around the abutment teeth (supporting teeth)

📌 Regular professional cleanings help prevent:

• Gum disease under the bridge
• Tooth decay on abutments
• Bad breath

Tip: Your dentist may also show you how to use bridge floss or interdental brushes properly.

6. If You Have Lingual or Fixed Retainers

🦷 Every 4–6 Months

These retainers are glued behind your front teeth, making them hard to clean with regular brushing alone. They can trap:

• Plaque
• Calculus
• Food particles

🔍 Lingual retainers require close monitoring to avoid:

• Gum irritation
• Calculus buildup
• Cavities between the front teeth

📌 AIRFLOW is ideal here too—it’s less traumatic than traditional scaling in these tight spaces.

7. If You Have Dental Implants

🦷 Every 4 Months (or as advised)

Implants don’t get cavities, but peri-implantitis (gum and bone infection around implants) is a real risk.

🦠 Regular cleanings prevent:

• Inflammation
• Bone loss
• Implant failure

📌 AIRFLOW is safe for implants and the gold standard for implant maintenance.

8. If You Have Periodontal Disease (or History of Gum Disease)

🦷 Every 3–4 Months (Periodontal Maintenance)

You’re more vulnerable to gum infections. Standard cleaning intervals won’t be enough to prevent recurrence.

📌 Scaling and root planing may be required periodically. Your dentist may alternate deep cleaning and AIRFLOW depending on pocket depth and bleeding points.

9. If You’re a Heavy Coffee Drinker, Smoker, or Wine Enthusiast

🦷 Every 3–4 Months

These habits increase:

• Surface stains
• Plaque adhesion
• Tartar buildup

🪥 Cleanings help keep your teeth white, your gums healthy, and your breath fresh.

10. If You’re Undergoing Cosmetic Treatment or Smile Makeover

🦷 Before and After Major Procedures

Before procedures like:

• Whitening
• Veneers
• Smile design mockups

…your dentist will likely recommend a thorough cleaning to ensure accuracy and shade matching.

📌 Routine cleanings are also essential to maintain your new smile.