Having your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year is crucial to maintaining your oral health. However, many people put off getting their teeth cleaned because they find the scraping and time spent in the chair uncomfortable or have overly sensitive teeth. If you dread the dentist’s chair, Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) might be for you. This advanced technology results in faster, more comfortable dental cleanings. In this post, we compare Guided Biofilm Therapy vs. traditional teeth cleanings to help you decide which is right for you.
Traditional Dental Cleanings: A Quick Overview
Traditional teeth cleanings are typically performed during your bi-annual dental checkup appointment. They involve several steps:
- Scaling: Dental hygienists use hand tools or ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains.
- Flossing and Polishing Paste: The hygienist flosses your teeth and uses a polishing paste to remove residual plaque and leave teeth feeling smooth.
- Checking Gums: The hygienist may assess gum health by measuring pocket depths around teeth.
A traditional teeth cleaning is a type of prophylaxis, meaning it’s preventative in nature. If you already have periodontal (gum) disease or another dental issue, prophylaxis is no longer possible. You need a more thorough cleaning to stop the disease in its tracks. This is where Guided Biofilm Therapy comes in.
What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
GBT utilizes advanced technology to make cleanings more precise, efficient, and comfortable. At Copper Creek Dental, we use the EMS Prophylaxis Master Hygiene unit to provide effective Guided Biofilm Therapy. This machine uses a high-pressure stream that combines air, water, and powder to remove the sticky layer of bacteria known as biofilm from teeth.
When it accumulates on teeth, biofilm becomes plaque, which contributes to teeth staining and oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease. Plaque hardens into tartar and does even more damage if not removed through regular brushing and flossing. Like traditional cleanings, Guided Biofilm Therapy can effectively remove both plaque and tartar. GBT takes less time than traditional cleanings while still providing a thorough clean that leaves your teeth bright and healthy.
Three Key Features of GBT
1. Disclosing Agents
Guided Biofilm Therapy begins with the application of a safe, colored dye that highlights biofilm on the teeth and gums. This step allows both you and the hygienist to see exactly where biofilm is accumulating so it can be effectively removed.
2. Airflow Technology
Instead of traditional dental tools, GBT involves an air-polishing device like the AIRFLOW® MAX Handpiece. This device uses a mix of warm water, air, and fine powder to remove biofilm and stains from teeth gently.
3. Comprehensive Approach
GBT is a comprehensive cleaning process that thoroughly removes biofilm on natural teeth, implants, and orthodontic appliances.
Guided Biofilm Therapy vs. Traditional Teeth Cleanings
1. Precision and Visualization
- Traditional Cleanings: These rely on the hygienist’s skill and visual assessment to identify areas of plaque and tartar buildup, making them less precise than GBT.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy: The use of disclosing agents ensures that every spot of biofilm is detected and treated, leaving no guesswork.
2. Comfort and Sensitivity
- Traditional Cleanings: Scaling can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy: Airflow technology is gentle, making the experience more comfortable for most patients. Sometimes minimal scaling is still used to address the most serious areas.
3. Effectiveness
- Traditional Cleanings: Effective for removing tartar but may not always target biofilm effectively.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy: Specifically designed to eliminate biofilm, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
4. Patient Engagement
- Traditional Cleanings: Patients are often passive participants in this cleaning process, meaning you have to trust the hygienist’s word on the state of your oral health.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy: The use of disclosing agents allows you to see problem hands firsthand, fostering better understanding and motivation for improved oral hygiene.
Is GBT Right for You?
Guided Biofilm Therapy is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their oral health routine. It’s especially beneficial if you have sensitive teeth or gums, dental implants, orthodontic appliances, or simply want to prioritize comfort and precision in your dental care.
Schedule Guided Biofilm Therapy in South Jordan
While traditional cleanings remain an effective tool for maintaining oral health, Guided Biofilm Therapy is a significant leap forward in dental technology. By combining precision, comfort, and patient education, GBT offers a more personalized and effective cleaning experience. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of Guided Biofilm Therapy, schedule an appointment with Copper Creek Dental today. We’re committed to using state-of-the-art technology to provide comfortable and effective dental care.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/6/2025). Photo by Marius Christensen on Unsplash