Guided Biofilm Therapy | CHV Dental

Cleaning with Purpose: Guided Biofilm Therapy

Traditional dental cleanings often follow the same process: scraping, scaling, and polishing. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) offers a new approach—one that uses technology to identify exactly where bacteria have built up, so nothing gets missed.

Think of it like colour-coding your plaque, so we can see where to clean, and you can learn where to improve your brushing at home. Instead of scraping tools, we use Airflow technology—a mix of warm water, air, and cleaning powder—to clean tooth surfaces more gently.

Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy, starting with your next visit.

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What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?

Guided Biofilm Therapy is a professional cleaning method that helps us find and remove plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on your teeth and gums. That biofilm is a key cause of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

GBT follows a step-by-step process that helps guide our work and gives you clearer feedback. It includes:

A disclosing agent that highlights where plaque has built up, showing spots you might be missing during your regular brushing and flossing

Air polishing to gently clean plaque and surface stains

Ultrasonic tools to remove hardened deposits (calculus) as needed

This helps us clean more thoroughly and show you what to focus on between visits.

See What We See During Your Cleaning

One of the interesting things about GBT is that you can actually see what we’re cleaning. We apply a harmless, temporary dye to your teeth that shows where plaque is hiding, especially in spots you might be missing when brushing or flossing.

It helps us:

Focus our cleaning efforts where they’re really needed
Show you areas to pay more attention to at home
Track changes in your oral hygiene over time

GBT turns your cleaning into a learning opportunity!

Who Can Benefit from GBT?

Guided Biofilm Therapy is suitable for nearly everyone and can be customized to your needs, just like your traditional teeth cleaning.

It can be an especially good option if you:

Prefer a more visual, step-by-step approach to cleanings
Have braces, implants, crowns, or bridges
Struggle with gum sensitivity or inflammation
Want to avoid traditional hand scraping tools

A Step-by-Step Approach to Cleaner Teeth

Once the biofilm is made visible, your hygienist will begin cleaning using Airflow—a tool that combines air, water, and fine powder. It helps remove soft buildup and stains from your teeth, restorations, or orthodontic appliances.

To clean below the gumline, we use a Perioflow nozzle that fits into periodontal pockets to flush out plaque in harder-to-reach areas without traditional scraping methods.Any remaining buildup is then removed using ultrasonic scaling, which uses vibration and water instead of other tools. This approach supports a thorough clean—above and below the gumline.

Experience the Future of Dental Hygiene with GBT

Plaque and biofilm can collect in places that are hard to reach, even with good brushing. GBT helps remove what’s hiding around the gums, braces, or dental work, so it doesn’t lead to:

Tooth decay
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
Inflammation around implants or restorations

Over time, consistent cleanings with GBT can support better long-term results for your oral health.

Keeping Your Dental Hygiene on Track

After your GBT cleaning, your hygienist may offer brushing or flossing tips based on what the disclosing dye revealed. Based on your unique needs, you’ll also receive a recommended timeline for your next visit.

If you’re due for a dental cleaning, book your next cleaning appointment with us and experience a thorough, gentle cleaning with Guided Biofilm Therapy.

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Come Visit Us in NE Calgary

Doctors Gilbert Ng, Hilarie Ng, and Matthew Ng, along with our team, offer same-day emergency treatment, convenient Saturday appointments, and flexible hours upon request.