Guided Biofilm Therapy
Technology at the service of Oral Hygiene
Biofilm, or bacterial plaque, is the leading cause of tooth decay, gum disease and mouth infections.
Removing bacterial plaque can be very challenging, mainly because it is extremely adherent to the surface of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Incorrect or inefficient teeth brushing allows much of the biofilm, invisible to the naked eye, to remain accumulated on the teeth, undetectable to patients when they look in the mirror. Consequently, if the biofilm is not properly identified and eliminated by a qualified professional, it will continue to cause damage and potentiate the appearance of oral diseases.
Better known as GBT, Guided Biofilm Therapy is an innovative method that has enabled Oral Hygienists to transform the patient experience at the consultation while effectively eliminating biofilm.
The most innovative solution today
GBT consists of a sequence of treatment steps adaptable to each patient’s specific needs. Conventional methods, generally associated with sensitivity, vibration, cold, unpleasant taste and the sound of the instruments, have been replaced by a revolutionary and modern system related to durable and painless Oral Health.
This allows us to offer the highest treatment standard in a minimally invasive approach, avoiding unnecessary discomfort for the patient.
In addition, all the studies already carried out show that the GBT protocol enables the treatment to be conducted without damaging the teeth, crowns, implants or soft tissues.
How does it work?
As in conventional methods, GBT aims to remove bacterial plaque and tartar, as well as to remove extrinsic stains. However, to ensure this process becomes more pleasant and effective, GBT distinguishes itself by being less invasive, using as few manual and ultrasonic instruments as possible.
- Examination and diagnosis
All the mouth structures are observed: teeth and supporting structures; gums; bone around the teeth; and all oral soft tissues.
- Biofilm exposure
As the biofilm is not visible to the bare eye, a sort of colouring ink is applied to the teeth, revealing all the existing biofilm in the mouth. With the help of the colouration that the biofilm has acquired through the ink, the Oral Hygienist can identify the most problematic areas. In this way, the patient can also identify the areas with a greater propensity for the accumulation of bacterial plaque, encouraging them to conduct their oral hygiene at home with particular attention to these areas.
When the patient wears orthodontic braces, this biofilm-revealing agent is beneficial. With conventional protocols, finding all the existing stains was considerably more difficult. Using GBT, these spots are easier to identify. It is possible to prevent caries more effectively when using an orthodontic appliance.
- Hot Air Jet – Erythritol
This new formula allows for stains and plaque to be removed through a flow of warm air, which is much more comfortable for the patient. In addition, unlike the bicarbonate jet used in the conventional method, GBT uses a finer and softer powder, capable of reaching areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, such as fissures and spaces between teeth.
Besides being more comfortable, this type of jet has a more pleasant taste, and the whole procedure is carried out with heated water so that you do not feel any sensitivity.
- Tartar removal
A new quieter instrument performs Tartar removal with a much gentler vibration.
- Remineralisation therapy
Once the previous phases have been completed, the entire mouth is re-evaluated; Any signs of dental decay, previously covered by biofilm, may now be visible.
This is followed by remineralisation therapy to repair early decays (dental caries) and prevent dental hypersensitivity.
Apart from using air and hot water, the various powders used are clinically proven to be the best in removing biofilm and preventing it without causing damage to the tooth, implant or soft tissues.
References
- Axelsson P, Nystrom B, Lindhe J. The long-term effect of a plaque control program on tooth mortality, caries and periodontal disease in adults. Results after 30 years of maintenance. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2004 Sep;31(9):749–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051x.2004.00563.x
- Janiszewska-Olszowska J, Drozdzik A, Tandecka K, Grocholewicz K. Effect of air-polishing on surface roughness of composite dental restorative material – comparison of three different air-polishing powders. BMC Oral Health. 2020 Jan 30;20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-020-1007-y
- Worthington HV, Clarkson JE, Bryan G, Beirne PV. Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013 Nov 7; https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004625.pub4