Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a modern, systematic, and minimally invasive approach to preventive and professional oral hygiene. It is designed to remove dental biofilm (plaque) efficiently, comfortably, and safely, using advanced technology.
GBT is a protocol developed by the company EMS Dental and is based on the individual diagnosis of each patient, minimizing the use of traditional hand and rotary instruments.
💡 The Core Concept: Biofilm
Biofilm is the primary cause of tooth decay (caries), periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and peri-implant infections. The GBT philosophy focuses on removing the biofilm entirely before it can cause damage, and doing so gently.
🦷 The 8-Step GBT Protocol
The process typically involves eight standardized, sequential steps tailored to the patient’s needs:
1. Diagnosis and Assessment
The dental hygienist examines the patient’s mouth, assesses the risk for caries and periodontal disease, and records the findings.
2. Disclosing Solution (Biofilm Revelation)
A disclosing solution (dye) is applied to the teeth, which stains the biofilm bright colours (often red or purple). This makes the invisible plaque visible to both the patient and the clinician, acting as a guide (hence “Guided”).
3. Patient Motivation
The stained areas are shown to the patient. This visual feedback helps to educate and motivate the patient to improve their daily brushing technique and target the areas they missed.
4. Airflow (Subra- and Subgingival)
This is the main cleaning step. A handheld device uses a mix of warm water and a specialized low-abrasive powder(like Erythritol) to efficiently remove the disclosed biofilm from the teeth, gums, tongue, and palate.
- It’s extremely effective for cleaning in hard-to-reach areas and around implants or braces.
5. Perioflow (Deep Pockets)
If the patient has deeper periodontal pockets (up to 9mm), a different nozzle and powder are used to clean the root surfaces and within the pockets, managing the underlying infection gently.
6. Piezon (Calculus Removal)
Only after the biofilm is removed is the calculus (tartar, which is mineralized biofilm) addressed. A modern Piezon ultrasonic scaler is used, often in combination with warm water, to remove any remaining hard deposits minimally and precisely.
7. Final Check
The hygienist conducts a final check to ensure all biofilm and calculus are removed and that the teeth and gums are perfectly clean.
8. Recall and Prevention
Based on the individual risk assessment, the hygienist establishes a personalized recall schedule (usually 3, 4, or 6 months) and recommends appropriate home care products.
✅ Benefits Over Traditional Cleaning
| Feature | GBT Approach | Traditional Approach |
| Plaque Detection | Guided by disclosing dye; highly precise. | Relies mainly on touch/sight; less comprehensive. |
| Comfort | Warm water and soft powder; minimally invasive and generally pain-free. | Manual scraping and older ultrasonic tips can cause discomfort. |
| Efficiency | Cleans subgingivally and around restorations/implants quickly and safely. | More time-consuming and challenging around restorations. |
| Patient Education | High (patients see exactly where they failed to brush). | Low. |
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