At Form Dental, we use Guided Biofilm Therapy, not a traditional scale and polish. GBT is an evidence-based, gold-standard hygiene protocol that is more comfortable, more thorough, and more effective than conventional cleaning methods.
This treatment is ideal if you
- ✓Anyone who finds traditional hygiene uncomfortable
- ✓Patients with sensitive teeth or gums
- ✓Those with dental implants, crowns, or veneers
- ✓Patients wearing orthodontic appliances
- ✓Anyone with early signs of gum disease
- ✓Those who simply want the most thorough clean available
How it works
Assessment
We start with a full assessment of your gum health, checking pocket depths and identifying any areas of concern.
Biofilm disclosure
A special disclosing dye is applied to reveal exactly where biofilm (plaque) is present, so we clean with precision, not guesswork.
Airflow cleaning
A warm water and bicarbonate powder spray removes biofilm, surface stains, and early calculus from all tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
Polishing and review
We finish with a final quality check and personalised advice on maintaining your results at home.
How we do it differently
★ At Form Dental
Guided Biofilm Therapy
- ✓Discloses biofilm before cleaning: precision over guesswork
- ✓Warm-water airflow removes plaque without metal scrapers
- ✓Comfortable with no sharp instruments on teeth or gums
- ✓More effective at reaching between teeth and below the gumline
- ✓Removes surface stains as part of the process
- ✓Safe for implants, braces, veneers, and sensitive teeth
- ✓Clinically proven to be more thorough than traditional cleaning
Traditional approach
Traditional Scale & Polish
- –Cleaning without first identifying where plaque is present
- –Metal scalers which can feel harsh on teeth and gums
- –Can cause sensitivity, especially around the gumline
- –Less effective at accessing hard-to-reach areas
- –Surface stains may not be fully addressed
- –Not always suitable for those with implants or sensitive teeth
Why not a scale and polish?
Traditional scaling removes plaque without first identifying where it is. Metal instruments can cause discomfort and are less effective at reaching between teeth and below the gumline. GBT targets biofilm precisely, resulting in a more complete clean with greater comfort.
How often should you visit?
Most patients benefit from a hygiene appointment every 6 months. If you have a history of gum disease, implants, or are prone to heavy calculus build-up, we may recommend 3–4 monthly visits.
Common questions
Is Guided Biofilm Therapy painful?+
Can I have GBT if I have implants?+
How long does a hygiene appointment take?+
Is it available on the NHS?+
Why choose Form Dental
Independent and unhurried
We're a private, family-run practice, not a corporate chain. Every appointment is given the time and attention it deserves.
Now open
Book your first appointment at our brand-new practice in Stapleford, South Cambridgeshire.
Led by a local dentist
Dr Lara Phillips grew up in the area and founded Form Dental to offer the kind of care she believes every patient deserves.