Introducing GBT Therapy

Unlike traditional polishing, GBT cleans without damaging teeth. While conventional methods may overlook hidden biofilm, GBT uses a special dye, or disclosing agent, to highlight biofilm and guide our clinicians in removing it. Advanced tools, including AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW®, and PIEZON®, utilize warm water mist, air, and AIRFLOW® PLUS erythritol powder, reducing the need for traditional hand or ultrasonic scaling tools.

Removing biofilm from your teeth and gums is essential for oral and overall health. This nearly invisible layer of bacteria grows daily and produces acids that can cause tooth decay. Left unchecked, biofilm can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, and gum disease has been linked in research to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Removing biofilm is key to protecting your health.

A vital step in the GBT process is making biofilm visible on your teeth and gums, a step we’ll show you right in your appointment! With the biofilm clearly visible, we can efficiently remove it using air, warm water, and powder, leaving your teeth clean without the gritty, traditional polish at the end. 

The GBT process starts with a thorough dental check-up and an oral cancer screening. Your dental team will also assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and any existing dental work or appliances.

To proceed with GBT, the soft tissues in your mouth must be in good health.

Next, you'll rinse with a pre-treatment mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth and limit aerosol contamination during the procedure.

Your hygienist will then apply the EMS Biofilm Discloser. This special dye highlights areas of plaque that are otherwise difficult to see.

Using the dye as a guide ensures no areas are missed during cleaning. Once the plaque is removed, the dye will also disappear, leaving your teeth cleaner.

The application of the dye identifies hard-to-clean areas in your mouth.

Your dental team will show you photos or look with you in the mirror to illustrate where plaque was present and explain why cleaning these areas is essential. Seeing the before-and-after results can motivate you to stay engaged during the procedure and maintain good oral hygiene practices.

The AirFlow® handpiece is used to clean and polish your teeth, removing deposits as deep as 4 mm below the gum line.

This tool is safe for individuals with braces, implants, or other dental restorations and can even clean your tongue. AirFlow® effectively reaches tight spaces, such as around orthodontic brackets, misaligned teeth, and the edges of crowns, while preserving your natural tooth structure and dental work.

To remove stubborn stains from substances like coffee and tobacco, your hygienist may use AirFlow® Classic Comfort Powder.

For deeper gum pockets (more than 4 mm, up to 9 mm), the PERIOFLOW® nozzle gently removes biofilm below the gumline while protecting the root surface.

This minimally invasive tool protects the dentin (the layer under your enamel) and the cementum (the protective covering over tooth roots) while effectively cleaning.

Any remaining hardened tartar is removed with the PIEZON® No Pain ultrasonic instrument, above and below the gumline. Very deep pockets may be finished with a small hand instrument. This system uses ultrasonic tips with dynamic response features to remove tartar precisely and comfortably.

A single slim PIEZON® PS tip can handle about 95% of cases on its own, so fewer instruments are needed. Its gentle approach is designed for comfort while preserving your natural teeth and dental work.

After cleaning, your dentist will inspect for any remaining deposits or decay that may have been hidden by tartar.

During this quality control step, fluoride is applied to strengthen your teeth. The earlier stages of the procedure ensure your teeth are cleaned and polished simultaneously.

Finally, your dental team may take photos of your smile so you can see the before-and-after results of the procedure.

Your dentist will recommend follow-up appointments based on your individual risk factors. They will also address any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health.

Regular hygiene visits—typically every 6 months—can help maintain your teeth and gums, reducing the need for more intensive procedures. Those with a higher risk of tartar buildup, tooth decay, or gum disease, as well as individuals with orthodontic appliances, may need more frequent visits.

No. GBT is included in your regular hygiene visit at no additional cost to you, and it's billed to insurance just like a standard cleaning. We file your insurance for you and are happy to check your benefits before your visit. No dental insurance? Ask us about our Wellness Program.