Most dental practices take a traditional approach to dental cleanings. A hygienist uses manual tools, such as a scaler, to remove deposits of plaque and tartar (both of which are types of biofilm) from your teeth. This process works to prevent cavities, but have you ever wondered if anything better is available? Yes, it is! Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a fascinating evolution of professional dental hygiene. What is GBT, and why is it worth your time and money? This blog post explains.
GBT: The Basics
With GBT, your dental team uses a special dye that clings to bacteria-filled biofilm on your teeth. Then, they remove those deposits with special tools, such as Airflow technology and the Piezon ultrasonic device. The goal of GBT is to make dental cleanings as thorough and efficient as possible.
Why Is GBT Better than Traditional Dental Cleanings?
Whether or not GBT is “worth it” really depends on your personal preferences and values! However, many patients and dentists agree that it is superior to traditional dental cleaning techniques for a number of reasons:
- Patient education: The dye allows you to see plaque and tartar deposits on your teeth. You can use that information to improve your daily oral hygiene routine.
- Improved thoroughness: Because the biofilm is easy for your hygienist to identify, you can be confident that no deposits will get left behind to damage your teeth. Plus, the Airflow technology can easily remove bacteria from the first 4mm or so beneath your gumline.
- Increased comfort: If you find traditional dental cleanings to be uncomfortable, you may be pleasantly surprised by how gentle the Airflow technology is. Plus, this cleaning method is quieter than traditional approaches, so it can be wonderful for patients with anxiety.
- Faster appointments: Although GBT comes with a meticulous protocol, it is actually very efficient! Because this process is so targeted, it may actually take less time than a traditional dental cleaning.
- Economic: Even with the advanced technology involved in GBT, its cost is generally comparable to traditional cleanings.
- Evidence-based: GBT was developed in Europe in 2011, and in the years since then, a large body of evidence has been established that showcases its effectiveness.
The Bottom Line on GBT
GBT is not yet widely available, so you might have to make a bit of extra effort to switch to a dental practice that offers it. However, if you are interested in elevating your dental care experience and keeping your mouth as healthy as possible, GBT is certainly worth a try!
Meet the Practice
At Elevate Dental, our team is always looking for ways to improve the care we provide. That is why we were the first dental practice in Vermont to offer Guided Biofilm Therapy! If you are interested in experiencing this remarkable technique for yourself, we would be happy to welcome you into our practice. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our Colchester office at 802-658-4873.