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 issues such as gum disease, tooth loss, and even impact broader health concerns like arthritis, diabetes, strokes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness. 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 dentist may use AirFlow® Classic Comfort Powder.

For gum pockets as deep as 9 mm, the PerioFlow® device is used to remove plaque and calculus. Its specialized tip can reach deep pockets, yet it is gentle enough to prevent sensitivity.

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

When pockets deeper than 10 mm need cleaning, or when calculus is located near implants, Piezon® technology is employed. This system uses ultrasonic tips with dynamic response features to remove tartar precisely and comfortably.

Piezon® eliminates up to 95% of biofilm both above and below the gum line, often replacing the need for multiple instruments. Its gentle approach ensures a comfortable experience while preserving your dental structures.

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.