Prophy Powder

Put most basically, tooth polishing is the process of smoothing the teeth and removing stains and plaque. In reality, the procedure is far more nuanced with variables that can either enhance or diminish patient outcomes.

Technique and equipment aside, the absolute key to a quality polish is choosing the right prophylaxis (prophy) powder or paste. This is especially true when it comes to protecting the teeth and minimising the chances of damaging tooth structure.

Powder or paste – that is the question

Both prophy powder and prophy paste are widely used in dentistry. Many practices will stock both materials to accommodate different clinical cases. One of the main reasons why prophy paste remains popular is because the initial costs involved are less compared with air polishing. While true, this could be viewed as a short-sighted approach that does not factor in the long-term advantages of using powder over paste.

For example, research has shown that air polishing is approximately one-third less time-consuming when compared with hand instrumentation and rubber cup polishing. This is highly beneficial for patient and clinician alike. The same study also found that using an air polisher can also cause less fatigue because there is no need to apply any pressure across dozens of surfaces, unlike with a rubber cup polisher.

The evolution of Prophy Jet Powder

In the past, prophy powder and paste had a reputation for being too abrasive and therefore potentially damaging for tooth structure. However, prophy powders have come a very long way since the days of notoriously salty-tasting, highly abrasive sodium bicarbonate powders. Modified sodium bicarbonate powders of today are now a lot kinder to teeth, with a more tolerable taste.