Dental hygiene no longer has to mean uncomfortable mechanical tartar removal and lengthy polishing. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) focuses primarily on the key problem – dental biofilm. Using AIRFLOW® technology, it gently removes biofilm with a fine stream of warm water, air and erythritol-based powder. The result is thoroughly cleaned teeth, removal of surface stains and a more comfortable treatment experience. At Stomatologické centrum Anděl, GBT is the standard approach for every dental hygiene visit.
Why is biofilm such a problem?
Dental biofilm is a soft, sticky layer of microorganisms that constantly forms on the teeth. If it is not removed regularly and thoroughly, it can contribute to tooth decay and gum inflammation. Some of the plaque also gradually mineralises into tartar, which can no longer be removed with a regular toothbrush.
In susceptible patients, long-term gum inflammation can gradually progress to periodontitis – a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can eventually cause teeth to become loose and may lead to tooth loss.
One of the challenges with biofilm is that it is often almost invisible on the teeth. That is why GBT uses a special disclosing solution to make it visible. The hygienist can see exactly where plaque is present, while the patient immediately learns which areas need more attention during daily cleaning at home.
How does GBT work?
At the beginning of the treatment, we assess the condition of your teeth and gums and use a special disclosing solution to make the biofilm visible. This means the cleaning is not performed "blind" – we can see exactly which areas need attention.
This is followed by treatment with AIRFLOW® technology. A gentle stream of warm water, air and erythritol-based powder removes biofilm as well as most surface stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine or smoking.
The AIRFLOW® PLUS powder we use contains particles approximately 14 μm in size and is designed for gentle treatment of teeth, gums, implants, crowns and other sensitive surfaces.
If any tartar remains, we remove it using a PIEZON® ultrasonic device with gentle instruments. This means there is no need to mechanically treat the entire tooth surface – we focus only on areas where tartar is actually present.
The visit also includes an assessment of your home care routine and recommendations for a suitable toothbrush, interdental brushes and other oral hygiene aids. If appropriate, the treatment can be completed with a fluoride application.
It is this systematic approach – from assessment and visualisation of the biofilm to its targeted removal – that gives Guided Biofilm Therapy its name.
Does GBT dental hygiene hurt?
GBT is very well tolerated by most patients. AIRFLOW® uses warmed water and a fine powder, while tartar is subsequently removed only where necessary. This can make the treatment more comfortable than conventional dental hygiene based primarily on mechanical plaque and tartar removal.
For patients with particularly sensitive teeth or gums, we can adapt the treatment individually and use local anaesthesia if necessary.
A typical dental hygiene visit at our practice usually takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the amount of biofilm and tartar and the current condition of your gums.
How often should you have dental hygiene?
The ideal interval is not the same for everyone. For most patients, professional dental hygiene approximately twice a year is appropriate, while some patients benefit from more frequent visits.
Shorter intervals may be appropriate for patients with periodontitis, increased tartar formation, those who smoke, patients with insufficient home care or those undergoing treatment with fixed braces. Patients with dental implants also require particular attention.
Your hygienist will therefore recommend an individual interval based on the condition of your teeth and gums.
Regular dental hygiene is not just about professional cleaning. An important part of each visit is reviewing your home care technique and selecting the right interdental aids. Daily removal of biofilm at home is the foundation of long-term dental and gum health.
GBT with braces, implants and crowns
One of the major advantages of GBT is its ability to gently clean areas around implants, crowns, bridges and fixed braces.
Removing biofilm at home can be particularly difficult around orthodontic brackets, beneath bridge pontics and around implants. AIRFLOW® allows these areas to be cleaned thoroughly and, when used with the appropriate technique, is also suitable for the sensitive surfaces of dental restorations and implants.
Regular biofilm removal is particularly important around dental implants. Long-term accumulation of biofilm can initially cause inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding an implant and, in some patients, may progress to peri-implantitis associated with bone loss.
What are the benefits of GBT?
The main goal is not simply a "better-looking smile for a day", but healthier teeth and gums in the long term. Thorough biofilm removal helps prevent gum inflammation and, together with proper home care, reduces the risk of tooth decay and periodontitis.
A welcome additional benefit is the removal of surface stains, so teeth often look cleaner and brighter after treatment. However, this is not tooth whitening – AIRFLOW® removes accumulated surface staining and restores the natural appearance of the teeth.
At Stomatologické centrum Anděl, GBT is not a premium add-on service. It is the standard approach we use for dental hygiene.
You can book an appointment directly with one of our dental hygienists. If you are not sure which type of appointment is right for you, we will be happy to advise you.