Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
Guided Biofilm Therapy, commonly shortened to GBT, is a systematic approach to professional dental cleaning that focuses on identifying and removing dental biofilm from the teeth, gums and other hard-to-reach areas.
The treatment combines plaque-disclosing dye, warm water, fine-powder air polishing and targeted ultrasonic cleaning. This allows biofilm and deposits to be removed precisely while limiting unnecessary instrumentation of clean tooth surfaces.
What is dental biofilm?
Dental biofilm is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria that continually forms on the teeth, around the gums and between the teeth. It is often difficult to see without a disclosing product.
If biofilm is not removed effectively, it can contribute to tooth decay, bleeding gums, gingivitis, periodontal disease and inflammation around dental implants.
Why might GBT be recommended?
- Routine professional dental cleaning
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Management of gingivitis or periodontal disease
- Maintenance after periodontal treatment
- Cleaning around braces, bridges, crowns or implants
- Removal of surface staining from tea, coffee or smoking
- Improving difficult areas in your home-cleaning routine
What happens during treatment?
Your oral health will first be assessed so that the appointment can be adapted to your individual needs and level of risk.
A coloured disclosing solution is then applied to make areas of plaque biofilm clearly visible. This guides the treatment and allows you to see exactly where improvements may be needed when brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
Air polishing is used to remove the disclosed biofilm and many surface stains. Any remaining hardened calculus is then removed carefully using suitable ultrasonic or hand instruments.
What is air polishing?
Air polishing uses a controlled stream of warm water, air and fine cleaning powder to remove soft biofilm and external staining from the tooth surfaces.
The fine spray can reach areas that are difficult to clean with conventional polishing, including between the teeth and around some restorations, orthodontic appliances and dental implants.
Is GBT the same as a scale and polish?
No. A conventional scale and polish often focuses mainly on removing visible calculus and polishing the teeth afterwards.
GBT begins by identifying the biofilm first. Treatment is then guided by what is actually present, with air polishing used to remove soft deposits before remaining calculus is targeted more selectively.
Will GBT hurt?
Many patients find GBT comfortable because the air-polishing stage uses warm water and fine powder rather than relying entirely on scraping instruments.
You may still experience sensitivity, pressure or mild tenderness, especially if the gums are inflamed or deeper periodontal pockets require treatment. Local anaesthetic may be considered where more extensive subgingival cleaning is needed.
What can GBT help remove?
- Soft bacterial biofilm
- Plaque around the gumline
- Biofilm between the teeth
- Selected biofilm beneath the gumline
- Surface staining from food, drinks or smoking
- Remaining calculus when combined with ultrasonic instrumentation
GBT can remove external staining, but it does not bleach the natural colour of the teeth in the way professional tooth whitening does.
Is GBT suitable for dental implants?
GBT may be used to clean around suitable dental implants and implant-supported restorations using carefully selected equipment and treatment settings.
Implant maintenance must still be adapted to the health of the surrounding tissues, the design of the restoration and the depth of any pockets around the implant.
What can I expect afterwards?
Your teeth should feel smooth and thoroughly cleaned. Where staining was present, they may also appear brighter and fresher.
If your gums were inflamed, you may experience mild tenderness or bleeding for a short period. This should improve as biofilm levels reduce and your daily cleaning becomes more effective.
How can I maintain the results?
- Brush thoroughly twice each day using fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth daily using the recommended brushes or floss
- Use the disclosed areas as a guide for improving your technique
- Attend appointments at the interval recommended for your level of risk
- Reduce smoking and frequent sugary foods where possible
- Continue any personalised periodontal or implant-care routine
A precise and personalised approach to cleaning
GBT makes otherwise invisible biofilm easier to identify and removes it using a structured, targeted approach. The aim is to provide thorough professional cleaning while helping you understand exactly where your home-care routine can be improved.