The process
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Guided Biofilm Therapy with EMS Airflow
Guided Biofilm Therapy, or GBT, is a professional clean that makes plaque visible with a dye, then removes it with EMS Airflow, a controlled stream of warm water, air and fine powder. It suits stained teeth, implants, braces, veneers and sensitive teeth. It is completed in one appointment with our hygienist and therapist, Sarah Waters. Guide fee £200.
Guide fee
£200
Visits
One
With
Sarah Waters
Technology
EMS Airflow
Who it is for
Who it suits
Coffee, tea and red wine stain
Airflow lifts surface stain from the whole tooth, including the grooves and the gaps between teeth that a polishing cup does not reach well. Teeth usually look brighter afterwards.
Implants, veneers and crowns
The fine, low-abrasive powder is designed to clean around implants and over ceramic and composite surfaces gently. Keeping the gum around this work clean is what protects it.
Braces and aligner attachments
Brackets, wires and aligner attachments trap plaque where a brush struggles. The spray reaches around them, which helps reduce the risk of marks on the enamel and inflamed gums during treatment.
Sensitive teeth
The water is warm and there is less contact and vibration than with conventional scaling alone. Most people find it more comfortable than traditional scaling, though sensitive areas can still be felt.
The difference
Why the method matters
Biofilm is the cause
Biofilm is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth, gums and dental work every day. Left in place it drives decay and gum disease, and hardens into tartar.
You can see what is removed
A disclosing dye colours the biofilm so it shows up. Sarah cleans until the colour has gone, which leaves less to guesswork, and you see where your brushing misses.
Biofilm first, tartar second
Traditional cleaning starts with scaling. GBT removes the soft biofilm first, which leaves any hard tartar exposed and easy to find. Less instrument time is usually needed as a result.
Below the gumline, where needed
Where gum pockets are deeper, a slim Perioflow nozzle delivers the powder gently beneath the gum margin. This is the area that matters most in gum disease and around implants.
01
Assess and disclose
Sarah checks your teeth, gums and any implants, then paints on a dye that colours the biofilm. Areas that have been missed at home show up clearly.
02
Coach
With the dye in place, you can see where plaque is being left behind. Sarah shows you how to reach those areas at home and which brushes to use.
03
Airflow and Perioflow
Warm water, air and fine powder remove biofilm and stain from the teeth and along the gumline. Where pockets are deeper, the Perioflow nozzle cleans just beneath the gum.
04
Piezon for what remains
Any hardened tartar left behind is removed with the Piezon ultrasonic instrument, a fine tip used with light pressure. Hand instruments are kept for the few places that need them.
05
Check and recall
A final check confirms that the dye and the deposits have gone. We then agree when you should return, based on your gum health and how quickly stain builds up.
Afterwards
Aftercare
Your teeth will feel very smooth. Gums may be slightly tender for a day, particularly if they were inflamed. Keep up the routine Sarah has shown you: brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily. Biofilm starts to re-form within hours, so the result lasts as long as the home care does. Return at the interval we agreed.
Guide fees
Guided Biofilm Therapy with hygienist£200
Hygienist treatment appointment£200
Hygienist maintenance appointment£135
Guide fees. You receive a written plan with exact costs before treatment starts. See all fees
Common questions
Questions, answered
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?+
It is a step-by-step method of professional cleaning developed by EMS, the maker of Airflow. A dye shows where biofilm is, Airflow removes it with warm water and fine powder, and an ultrasonic instrument removes any tartar that remains. Coaching on home care is part of every visit.
How is Airflow different from a traditional scale and polish?+
Airflow removes biofilm and stain with a spray of warm water and powder, reaching areas a polishing cup does not. Hard tartar still needs an ultrasonic or hand instrument, so GBT uses both. The difference lies in the order of the steps and in how much instrument work is needed.
How much does Airflow cost?+
Guided Biofilm Therapy with EMS Airflow is £200 with our hygienist. You can book it direct online.
Does Airflow hurt?+
Most people find it more comfortable than traditional scaling. The water is warm and the powder is very fine. Exposed root surfaces and inflamed gums can still feel sensitive, so tell Sarah and she will adjust.
Is Airflow safe for implants, veneers and braces?+
Yes, in most cases. The low-abrasive powder used in GBT is designed for use on enamel, implants, ceramic and composite, and around orthodontic brackets and aligner attachments. Sarah checks your dental work first and adapts the clean to it.
Will Airflow whiten my teeth?+
It removes surface stain from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, so teeth usually look brighter. It does not change the natural shade of the tooth. If you want a lighter shade, ask us about teeth whitening.
Is there anyone Airflow is not suitable for?+
Tell us before your appointment if you have a respiratory condition such as severe asthma, or any allergies. In a small number of cases we adapt the clean or use conventional instruments instead. Sarah will confirm what is suitable for you on the day.