Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a newer, modern way to clean teeth that focuses on comfort, gentleness, and precision—especially for people who dislike scraping or feel anxious about dental visits.
At Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry, GBT is part of how we provide professional teeth cleanings for patients in La Jolla, CA. If you’ve ever put off a cleaning because you were worried it would hurt, this approach may feel very different.
What Guided Biofilm Therapy Is
The term “biofilm” can sound complicated, but it’s essentially the scientific word for plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky layer that forms on teeth every day. It contains bacteria, and if it isn’t removed regularly, it can lead to cavities, gum irritation, and gum disease.
Guided Biofilm Therapy is a step-by-step cleaning process that first shows where plaque is, then gently rinses it away using a warm-water airflow system—before focusing on any small areas of hardened buildup.
Why Plaque Matters for Teeth and Gums
Plaque doesn’t just sit on the surface of teeth—it can collect around the gumline and between teeth, even if you brush well. Over time, plaque can contribute to:
- Cavities
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
- Long-term tooth and bone problems
One reason GBT feels easier for many patients is that it helps clean more precisely while being gentle—because the cleaning starts by making plaque visible and rinsing it away.
The Guided Biofilm Therapy Experience Step by Step
Here’s what the GBT cleaning process looks like in simple terms.
Step 1 — Oral health check
A full oral health assessment screens for gum disease risks to support early detection and prevention.
Step 2 — Making plaque visible
An organic dye highlights plaque (also known as dental biofilm) so the hygienist can clean and remove it more accurately.
Step 3 — Motivate
Once plaque is revealed, you’ll receive personalized tips for at-home care and prevention—so you know exactly where to focus when brushing and flossing.
Step 4 — AIRFLOW® MAX
This step is what many patients notice most. AIRFLOW® MAX uses a gentle stream of warm water, air, and a very fine powder (erythritol) to rinse away plaque and lift surface stains from teeth and tissues. It feels more like a warm rinse than scraping.
Step 5 — PERIOFLOW® (if required)
If needed, PERIOFLOW® is used to carefully disrupt plaque from gum pockets below the gumline.
Step 6 — PIEZON® PS (only if needed)
By this point, most plaque has already been gently rinsed away. If there are small areas of hardened buildup (tartar), a water-based ultrasonic tool may be used—but only where necessary and only after the teeth are already clean.
For many patients, this step is very short or not needed at all, which can ease concerns if you dislike scraping.
Good to know: Because Guided Biofilm Therapy removes plaque first, many patients need little to no scraping at all during their cleaning.
Step 7 — Check
A final check ensures all plaque and deposits are fully removed.
Step 8 — Recall
Your ideal recall schedule is set for ongoing oral health and wellness.
Guided Biofilm Therapy vs Traditional Teeth Cleaning
Traditional cleanings often start with scraping. Guided Biofilm Therapy starts by showing where plaque is and rinsing it away gently first. Many patients report less sensitivity, less scraping, and a more comfortable experience overall.
| Feature | Guided Biofilm Therapy | Traditional Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| How it starts | Plaque is made visible, then gently rinsed away | Often begins with scraping |
| Comfort | Warm-water airflow rinse (often gentler) | May feel uncomfortable for sensitive patients |
| Stain removal | Effective at lifting surface stains | More limited |
| Scraping | Often reduced; only if needed for tartar | Often a larger portion of visit |
Does Guided Biofilm Therapy Hurt?
For most patients, Guided Biofilm Therapy is very comfortable. The warm-water airflow rinse is gentle, and because plaque is removed first, any tartar removal is typically smaller and more targeted. This can be especially reassuring if you have sensitive teeth or feel nervous during cleanings.
Patient review:
Painless cleaning. Thank you to Dr. Dains and also his team of Hygienists, who made my dental experience today very comfortable and the results speak for themselves. I got to be one of the first patients to try the new state of the art ‘ biofilm’ airflow GBT cleaning system. Its a game changer for several reasons, but just to name 2 : first, i was in and out of the chair much quicker than usual today. Second, normally, i am anxious sat in a dental chair having my clean. The new system made it possible for my teeth to be cleaned with virtually no pain at all. How is that even possible??? I dont know but I FINALLY WONT BE AFRAID to go to the dentist ANYMORE to have my teeth cleaned. Thank you all at Open Wide, La Jolla.
— Lee M.
Who Guided Biofilm Therapy Is Good For
GBT can be a great fit for many patients, including people who dislike scraping, have sensitive teeth or gums, feel anxious about cleanings, or want a more modern preventive approach. It can also be helpful for patients maintaining dental work like crowns, veneers, or implants.
How Often You May Need This Type of Cleaning
Many patients benefit from professional cleanings every six months, but your ideal schedule depends on your gum health and how quickly plaque and tartar build up. A personalized recall plan helps keep your teeth and gums stable long-term.
Guided Biofilm Therapy in La Jolla
Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry provides modern, preventive care with a focus on comfort. If you’d like to learn what a professional teeth cleaning looks like with Guided Biofilm Therapy, our team can walk you through what to expect and help you feel at ease.
Guided Biofilm Therapy FAQs
Q: Is biofilm just another word for plaque?
A: Yes. “Biofilm” is the scientific word for plaque—the soft, sticky bacteria layer that builds up on teeth daily.
Q: Is Guided Biofilm Therapy the same as a deep cleaning?
A: No. Guided Biofilm Therapy is used for routine preventive cleanings and maintenance. Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) are recommended when gum disease is present.
Q: Will I still need scraping during a GBT cleaning?
A: In many cases, very little or no scraping is needed. Because plaque is removed first with a warm-water airflow rinse, tartar removal—if needed—is usually smaller and more targeted.
Q: Can Guided Biofilm Therapy remove stains?
A: Yes. The airflow rinse step can help lift common surface stains from coffee, tea, and wine.
Q: Is this type of cleaning covered by insurance?
A: Many dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, but coverage varies by plan. Our team can help you understand your benefits.
Schedule a More Comfortable Teeth Cleaning
If you’ve been delaying a cleaning because of discomfort or anxiety, Guided Biofilm Therapy may change how you feel about going to the dentist. Schedule a visit with Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry to experience a modern approach to preventive care.