Hygiene care
that actually works
Our hygiene appointments are a step above the traditional scale and polish. Using air polishing technology, we clean more thoroughly and more comfortably — and we take the time to explain what we find.
A different kind
of hygiene visit
Our hygiene appointments follow a four-stage process designed to be as gentle and effective as possible. Rather than working over every tooth surface as a matter of routine, we use air polishing technology combined with ultrasonic treatment only where it is genuinely needed.
The result is a cleaner, healthier mouth with considerably less discomfort, less disruption to healthy tooth structure, and a personalised approach that responds to your specific oral health needs.
Hygiene appointments are included in our Denplan plans (one to four per year depending on plan level) and are available to all patients at £99 per 30-minute session.
The four stages of
your appointment
Disclosing & plaque scoring
We apply a harmless disclosing solution that temporarily stains plaque, giving us an objective score of your current levels. This helps us tailor advice to your specific habits and track improvement over time.
Air polishing
A fine stream of air, water and powder removes plaque, soft deposits and surface staining without mechanical scraping. Most patients find this considerably more comfortable than a traditional scale and polish — and the results are more thorough too.
Targeted calculus removal
After air polishing, we assess whether any calculus (tartar) remains. We use the ultrasonic scaler only where calculus is genuinely present — not as a routine sweep across all surfaces. This minimises disruption to healthy tooth structure and reduces sensitivity.
Review & home care advice
We finish by reviewing your plaque score, discussing what we found, and providing personalised guidance for home care — brushing technique, interdental cleaning and specific product recommendations where helpful. Every appointment should leave you better equipped than before.
Why the fee reflects
what’s included
Our hygiene appointments are £99 for 30 minutes. Here is what that fee reflects:
- The equipment. Air polishing technology requires a significant ongoing investment in both equipment and materials. This is not a standard hygiene setup.
- The approach. Your appointment includes plaque scoring, objective tracking of your results over time, and a full clinical assessment of your periodontal status — not just a clean.
- The outcome. This protocol delivers better plaque removal, less disruption to healthy tooth structure, and a meaningful contribution to your long-term periodontal health. We believe that is worth the fee — and we’d rather explain why than simply charge less for less.
Denplan plan members
If you are on one of our Denplan monthly plans, hygiene appointments are included — one to four per year depending on your plan level. You will not be charged separately for included appointments.
What patients tell us
“What’s not to love about the new sandblasting? It was so much nicer. Quieter and much more comfortable. I used to be so scared of the hygienist as they hurt. They don’t at Pont Steffan.”
Fiona J — ★★★★★ Google Review
Routine hygiene versus
periodontal treatment
A routine hygiene appointment and a periodontal treatment session may look similar from the outside, but they have fundamentally different purposes, techniques and clinical outcomes.
Routine hygiene appointment
Designed for patients with healthy gums or well-controlled gum disease. Treatment is above the gumline, covering routine plaque and calculus in healthy patients. No local anaesthetic is required. The four stages described above apply to every routine visit.
Periodontal treatment — root surface debridement
An active clinical intervention for patients with diagnosed periodontal disease. Bacteria colonise inside pockets that form when the gum detaches from the tooth — areas inaccessible to routine cleaning or air polishing. Root surface debridement uses fine instruments to clean these pockets under local anaesthetic. It is carried out in quadrants over multiple sessions. Following successful treatment, patients are placed on a Supportive Periodontal Therapy programme with appointments every 3–4 months.
Plaque scores and periodontal treatment
Before beginning active periodontal treatment, we need to see evidence that you can achieve and sustain a low plaque score at home.
Treatment not yet appropriate
Borderline
Target range
“What’s not to love about the new ‘sandblasting’? It was so much nicer. Quieter and much more comfortable. Really pleased. I used to be so scared of the hygienist, as they hurt. They don’t at Pont Steffan.”
Fiona J — ★★★★★ Google Review
“The hygienist and nurse were great and extremely informative, especially on the newly acquired power tooth wash cleaner. All was an extremely pleasant visit as usual.”
Doreen S — ★★★★★ Google Review
“I obviously don’t like coming to the dentist but I couldn’t wish for a better service from both dentist and hygienist. I’m looked after so well.”
Hilary K — ★★★★★ Google Review
Meet your
hygiene team
Our skilled hygienists and therapists are dedicated to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Each member of the team is trained to deliver thorough, gentle, and effective hygiene care.
Dea Saddington
Dental Hygienist
Natasha Dennis-Martin
Dental Hygienist
Nicola Barber
Dental Therapist
Lynwen Thomas
Dental Therapist
Questions about your hygiene care?
Our team is happy to talk through what to expect, or to discuss whether a routine hygiene visit or periodontal assessment is right for you.
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026