Guided Biofilm Therapy: A Gentle Approach to Dental Cleanings

Are you due for a teeth cleaning appointment? Experience dental cleaning like no other with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Unlike conventional dental cleaning, GBT uses state-of-the-art technology to detect and remove harmful biofilm from your mouth. 

As a dental office that wants the best for your smile, KB Family Dentistry is thrilled to introduce GBT to our patients. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Katie Burggraaf today and discover the best oral hygiene experience you’ll ever have. 

What is biofilm anyway?

Think of biofilm as a sticky, invisible layer of bacteria that clings to your teeth, gums, and even under the gum line. Although invisible, oral biofilm doesn’t just sit there. If left undisturbed, this bacteria builds up and causes cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Worse yet, biofilm can increase the risk of systemic issues like heart disease, pregnancy complications, respiratory problems, etc. 

Removing oral biofilm is the first step towards a healthy smile. Traditional cleanings scrub it away, but GBT does it better.

What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?

Traditional dental cleaning involves manual instruments or ultrasonic scalers. Although they are more effective than at-home dental tools, conventional dental cleaning may miss hidden pockets of biofilm, and some patients may find them uncomfortable. 

GBT is a modern, evidence-based approach to dental cleanings. It combines advanced ultrasonic cleaning, gentle air polishing, and laser fluorescence technology to detect and remove harmful biofilm, even from the most hard-to-reach corners of your mouth. 

The experience is completely painless, non-invasive, and gentle on enamel. Many patients describe it as feeling more like a spa treatment than a dental appointment. GBT leaves you refreshed, comfortable, and with a noticeably cleaner smile.

How does Guided Biofilm Therapy work?

Guided Biofilm Therapy follows a carefully curated, multi-step process that personalizes your cleaning and keeps you comfortable from start to finish:

  1. Assess: We examine your gums and teeth to tailor the treatment to your needs.
  2. Disclose: Biofilm is nearly invisible to the naked eye. The dentist uses a disclosing agent to reveal biofilm buildup for effective removal. 
  3. Motivate: We emphasize prevention and give tips to level up your home care. We’ll encourage you to keep your smile healthy with diligent flossing and brushing.  
  4. Airflow®: This technology uses a warm, flavored powder mixed with air and water to gently remove biofilm from your teeth, gums, tongue, and around implants and orthodontics appliances.
  5. Perioflow®: This advanced technology reaches deep below the gumline—far beyond what your toothbrush can access—flushing out harmful bacteria from periodontal pockets around teeth and implants.
  6. Piezon® Scaling: If there’s any tartar left, we use a smart ultrasonic scaler to clean your tooth surfaces gently. 
  7. Check: We’ll do another round of inspection to ensure all biofilm is removed from your mouth. 
  8. Recall: We schedule your next visit based on your needs, not a one-size-fits-all timeline.

Biofilm is the primary etiological agent for periodontal disease, decay, and implant infections. Effective cleanings with GBT keep biofilm under control, enhancing your oral-systemic health. 

Book your dental cleaning today!

KB Family Dentistry is one of Grand Rapids, Michigan's few dental offices that offer Guided Biofilm Therapy. Ready to experience the difference of GBT? Call (616) 219-2659 and reserve your appointment with Dr. Burggraaf.Â