The gold-standard approach to professional tooth cleaning
At Form Dental, we don't offer a standard scale and polish. Instead, we use Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), an evidence-based, gold-standard hygiene protocol that delivers a significantly more thorough clean than traditional methods, while being considerably more comfortable.
GBT is the approach recommended by leading dental institutions worldwide, and it's the standard we believe every patient deserves.
Biofilm is the scientific term for plaque: the sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. Left unchecked, it leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and staining. The challenge with traditional cleaning methods is that they treat plaque without first identifying exactly where it is.
GBT changes this. We start by applying a harmless disclosing agent to your teeth that stains the biofilm, making it visible. Your hygienist can then see precisely where plaque and bacteria are present, including in areas that are easy to miss, and treat those areas specifically, rather than working blindly across the whole tooth surface.
The cleaning itself is carried out using a specialist airflow device that delivers a fine, controlled stream of warm water, air, and fine powder particles. This gently and thoroughly removes biofilm, staining, and early calculus, without any of the scraping and scaling associated with traditional hygiene.
A side-by-side look at how Guided Biofilm Therapy compares to a traditional scale and polish
★ At Form Dental
Traditional approach
One of the most noticeable differences with GBT is the use of warm water throughout the treatment. Traditional hygiene often involves cold water and metal instruments, which can be particularly unpleasant for anyone with sensitivity.
The warm water airflow is far more comfortable, making GBT the preferred choice for patients who have previously found hygiene appointments difficult or uncomfortable.
The airflow powder used in GBT is also highly effective at removing surface staining caused by tea, coffee, red wine, and other foods and drinks. Many patients notice their teeth look noticeably brighter after a GBT session.
Unlike whitening treatments, this is a by-product of thorough cleaning. It removes the external deposits that dull your natural tooth colour, rather than altering the shade of the tooth itself.
Because GBT avoids harsh scraping and metal instruments, it is suitable for a much wider range of patients than traditional hygiene, including: