Dental biofilm (plaque) is the primary cause of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and peri-implantitis.
Flow Dental Care is proud to offer Guided Biofilm therapy, a non-invasive and gentler method of removing dental biofilm through the use of airflow, warm water, and powder on all hygiene appointments!
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)?
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a new Swiss innovation that has allowed dental hygienists to transform the patient experience by exchanging traditional methods for a revolutionary system that offers a lifetime of pain-free and fear-free oral healthcare for all ages.
Traditional methods of biofilm management involve rubber cups, brushes, and abrasive pastes. However, with this modern advancement in dentistry supported by scientific evidence, airflow technology and powder are used to remove biofilm more thoroughly, efficiently, more gentle, and also minimally invasive, meaning that people with gum disease, braces, crowns, bridges, veneers and implants are eligible for treatment. These procedures are so gentle they can be used on natural teeth, restorations, orthodontic braces, implants, the tongue and gums.
Our teeth are covered in a sticky and colourless film made up of bacteria, known as biofilm. If this biofilm is not removed, it can build up around the area between the teeth and the gums, resulting in gum disease (the first sign of which is bleeding gums). The bacteria in biofilm can also break down enamel when it meets sugary foods and drinks, ultimately causing tooth decay.
GBT is highly effective, minimally invasive and gentle, meaning that people with gum disease, braces, crowns, bridges, veneers and implants are eligible for treatment. These procedures are so gentle they can be used on natural teeth, restorations, orthodontic braces, implants, the tongue and gums.
GBT is a great option for those who want to remove all stains resulting from coffee, tea, wine and tobacco consumption, and should be done before receiving tooth whitening to achieve better results.
How does Guided Biofilm Therapy work?
1. The mouth is checked to identify any dental decay or gum disease. This allows the hygienist to assess your treatment needs.
2. Teeth are disclosed with a dye that makes biofilm visible. You are then shown any problem areas, which will help to personalize your oral hygiene routine. The colour will also guide the biofilm removal.
3. Depending on your needs, a combination of up to three cleaning systems are used to gently remove biofilm, staining and light deposits. These procedures are so gentle they can be used on natural teeth, restorations, orthodontic braces, implants, the tongue and gums.
4. The final check ensures all biofilm and deposits have been removed and screens one last time for any decay. Teeth are then protected with a fluoride seal.
5. Based on your oral hygiene and a risk assessment, your next appointment will be scheduled. This is usually between 3 to 6 months.
Benefits of GBT
Guided Biofilm Therapy is a modern approach to dentistry that replaces outdated metal tools and abrasive pastes which are too harsh and abrasive to the gum tissue and tooth restorations such as porcelain crowns/veneers and dental implants. Some of the biggest benefits of GBT are that it:
Prevents cavities
Preserves healthy teeth
Safe and pain-free procedure
Non-abrasive
Won’t damage tooth restorations and implants
Reduced treatment times
More comfortable
Non-invasive
Child-friendly treatment
Prevents periodontal and peri-implant disease
Early detection of white spots and dental caries
Cleans more effectively than traditional scaling
Want to learn more? Click here to read more about why GBT is a game-changing technology.