A scale and polish is a traditional form of professional dental cleaning. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a modern approach that focuses specifically on identifying and removing dental biofilm.
Understanding the difference can help you understand what happens during a hygiene appointment and why Dental House Pinner provides Guided Biofilm Therapy as its professional hygiene treatment.
What is a scale and polish?
A scale and polish is a traditional professional dental cleaning treatment.
Scaling involves removing hardened deposits, such as tartar or calculus, from the teeth. This is usually carried out using dental instruments. The teeth are then polished to help remove surface staining and leave them feeling smooth and clean.
A scale and polish can remove deposits that cannot be removed effectively through brushing alone.
However, a traditional scale and polish does not specifically involve identifying biofilm before treatment.
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Guided Biofilm Therapy is a modern approach to professional dental hygiene that focuses on the removal of dental biofilm.
Biofilm is the layer of bacteria that builds up on the teeth and around the gumline. If it is not removed effectively, it can contribute to gum inflammation and dental problems.
During a GBT appointment, a disclosing solution is used to highlight areas of biofilm. This makes the biofilm visible to the dental professional and helps guide the cleaning process.
Airflow technology is then used to remove the biofilm and surface staining using a combination of air, water and fine powder. Where necessary, dental instruments can also be used to remove harder deposits such as calculus.
How is GBT different from a scale and polish?
Both treatments are designed to remove deposits from the teeth, but the approach is different.
Scale and polish
A traditional scale and polish generally involves:
- Removing tartar and calculus using dental instruments.
- Polishing the teeth to help remove surface staining.
- Focusing on removing visible and hardened deposits.
Guided Biofilm Therapy
GBT involves:
- Identifying biofilm using a disclosing solution.
- Visually showing where biofilm is present.
- Using Airflow technology to remove biofilm and surface staining.
- Using instruments where required to remove harder deposits.
- Providing personalised oral hygiene advice.
The aim is to make biofilm removal more targeted and allow the treatment to be tailored to the individual patient.
Why is biofilm important?
Dental biofilm is a natural accumulation of bacteria that forms continuously in the mouth.
If it is not removed effectively, it can contribute to plaque buildup and gum inflammation. Over time, this can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
Daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth are essential for controlling biofilm at home. Professional hygiene treatment provides additional support by removing deposits that can be difficult to manage with routine home care.
What happens during a Guided Biofilm Therapy appointment?
GBT follows a structured treatment process.
Your appointment may include:
1. Assessment – Your oral health and existing deposits are assessed.
2. Disclosure – A disclosing solution highlights areas where biofilm is present.
3. Airflow treatment – Airflow technology removes biofilm and surface staining.
4. Targeted cleaning – Instruments are used where necessary to remove remaining calculus.
5. Final assessment – The teeth and gums are checked to ensure the treatment has been completed effectively.
6. Oral hygiene advice – You may receive personalised advice to help maintain your oral health at home.
The exact treatment will depend on your individual needs.
Is Guided Biofilm Therapy suitable for everyone?
GBT can be used for a wide range of patients and can be particularly useful for patients with different types of dental restorations and appliances.
It can be used around:
- Natural teeth.
- Dental implants.
- Crowns and bridges.
- Dentures.
- Orthodontic appliances.
Your dental professional will assess your individual needs and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Does GBT replace a dental check-up?
No. A hygiene appointment and a dental examination have different purposes.
A hygienist focuses on professional cleaning, biofilm removal and supporting gum health. A dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth to identify problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health concerns.
Regular dental examinations should continue alongside professional hygiene appointments.
Why does Dental House Pinner offer Guided Biofilm Therapy?
At Dental House Pinner, we use Guided Biofilm Therapy as our professional hygiene treatment.
The treatment provides a structured approach to identifying and removing biofilm, while allowing the cleaning process to be adapted to each patient’s individual oral health needs.
GBT can also help remove surface staining, leaving the teeth feeling clean and smooth. It is important to remember that this is different from teeth whitening, which is a separate cosmetic treatment designed to lighten the colour of natural teeth.
Book Guided Biofilm Therapy in Pinner
If you would like to improve your professional hygiene routine or have concerns about plaque, tartar, staining or gum health, a Guided Biofilm Therapy appointment can help support your ongoing oral care.
You can learn more about Guided Biofilm Therapy at Dental House Pinner or book a consultation with our team to discuss your options.
To book an appointment, contact Dental House Pinner today.
