What Sets Our GBT Cleanings Apart
Many patients are surprised by how different a GBT visit feels from a traditional cleaning. The difference comes from both the technology and the training behind it. Here are the points that make our approach stand out.
- GBT-certified practice. Our team has completed certification in the protocol, so you receive care delivered the way it was designed.
- Only 8 offices in New Hampshire. Few practices in the state offer Guided Biofilm Therapy, which makes it a true point of difference for our patients.
- The biggest hygiene change in 66 years. GBT represents a major step forward from the methods that dental hygiene relied on for decades.
- 40 percent more effective. Our hygiene therapy is reported to be 40 percent more effective than traditional cleaning methods.
- Healthier and more proactive. Because GBT finds and removes biofilm before it causes damage, it supports a prevention-first approach to oral health.
- High-quality, patient-centered care. Every visit includes personalized guidance, so you understand your mouth and know how to keep it healthy.
Why Biofilm Matters for Your Oral and Overall Health
Biofilm forms on your teeth every day, even when you brush and floss well. When it is not removed, it hardens into tartar and feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum inflammation. Over time, untreated buildup can lead to gum disease, which has been linked to broader health concerns. A healthy mouth supports a healthier body, and managing biofilm is at the center of that goal.
Traditional cleanings rely heavily on hand scraping and polishing paste. These methods can remove tartar, but they may miss biofilm in tight spaces between teeth and along the gumline. GBT is designed to reach those areas gently and completely, so the cleaning goes deeper without feeling harsh.
Benefits of Guided Biofilm Therapy
Patients choose GBT for a cleaner, fresher feeling and for a more comfortable visit. The therapy is minimally invasive and designed to protect your natural teeth and gums while removing what does not belong. Here are the benefits patients commonly notice.
- A more comfortable cleaning. The warm water and fine powder are gentle on teeth and gums, which can help patients with sensitive teeth feel more at ease.
- More thorough biofilm removal. The powder stream reaches areas that hand instruments can miss, including between teeth and just below the gumline.
- Fewer harsh sounds and sensations. Many patients find GBT quieter and less scratchy than traditional scaling.
- Fresher breath and a brighter smile. Removing biofilm and surface stains leaves teeth feeling smooth and looking cleaner.
- Protection for your dental work. GBT is gentle on natural teeth and can be used around dental implants, crowns, and orthodontic appliances.
- Better gum health. Thorough biofilm control helps reduce the inflammation that can lead to gum disease.
- A clear picture of your habits. The disclosing step shows exactly where plaque builds up, so you can improve your home care.
- Long-term savings. Preventing cavities and gum problems helps you avoid more complex and costly treatment later.
The Eight Steps of a Guided Biofilm Therapy Visit
GBT follows a clear, step-by-step protocol, so every cleaning is thorough and consistent. Each step has a purpose, and together they turn a routine cleaning into a complete preventive visit. Here is what you can expect from start to finish.
01
Assess
We review your health history, examine your teeth and gums, and measure the spaces around each tooth to check your gum health.
02
Disclose
A harmless disclosing solution temporarily stains the biofilm so it becomes visible. You can see exactly where plaque is hiding.
03
Motivate
We show you what we found and teach you simple ways to improve your daily brushing and cleaning between teeth.
04
AIRFLOW
A gentle spray of warm water, air, and fine powder removes biofilm, stains, and early tartar from the tooth surfaces.
05
PERIOFLOW
When there are deeper spaces along the gumline, a specially designed nozzle carries the same gentle cleaning into those hard-to-reach areas.
06
PIEZON
If any hardened tartar remains, a fine ultrasonic instrument removes it with precision and comfort.
07
Check
We inspect your teeth to make sure all biofilm and deposits are gone, and the result is a smooth, clean smile you can feel.
08
Recall
We recommend a follow-up schedule based on your needs, so your mouth stays healthy between visits.
Safe and Gentle for Teeth, Gums, and Dental Work
One of the most appealing parts of GBT is how kind it is to your mouth. The fine powder used in the AIRFLOW step is designed to remove biofilm and stains without wearing away the natural tooth surface. That makes GBT a good choice for protecting enamel, gum tissue, and the dental work you have invested in.
Patients with dental implants, bridges, veneers, and other restorations often appreciate this gentler approach. If you are considering dental implants or already have them, keeping the area clean with careful, minimally invasive care is an important part of long-term success.
Who Is a Candidate for Guided Biofilm Therapy?
GBT is suitable for most patients, and it can be adapted to different needs and levels of oral health. Our team will review your history and exam findings to build the right approach for you. You may especially enjoy GBT if you fall into any of these groups.
- Patients who want a gentler, more comfortable cleaning experience
- People with sensitive teeth or gums
- Anyone who wants to prevent cavities and gum disease with proactive care
- Patients with dental implants, crowns, veneers, or other restorations that need careful cleaning
- Those who struggle with stains from coffee, tea, or wine
- Families who want modern preventive care for every age, including children
If your exam shows more advanced gum disease, we may recommend added treatment such as scaling and root planing or other periodontal care alongside your hygiene visits.
How GBT Fits into Your Preventive Care
Guided Biofilm Therapy is part of a complete approach to oral health. It works hand in hand with your comprehensive exam, digital images when needed, and an oral cancer screening. Together, these visits help us find concerns early and keep your teeth and gums strong. Learn more about what happens at a routine visit on our cleanings and exams page.
GBT is also a wonderful fit for families, and it pairs well with our family dentistry services. If you are new to our practice, our New Patients page shares what to bring and how to get started. You can also read about the standards we follow on our Patient Safety page.
Experience the Difference of a GBT Certified Practice
If you have been putting off a cleaning because you dread the scraping, or you simply want the most advanced preventive care available, Guided Biofilm Therapy may be exactly what you are looking for. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to welcome you with a gentle, thorough cleaning and clear guidance for a healthier smile. Schedule your visit today and feel the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Guided Biofilm Therapy
Guided Biofilm Therapy, or GBT, is a systematic approach to professional teeth cleaning that makes biofilm visible and then removes it gently and thoroughly. It uses a disclosing solution to show where plaque is hiding, followed by a spray of warm water, air, and fine powder to clean the teeth. It follows an eight step protocol that includes assessment, education, and follow up care. The goal is a more comfortable, more complete cleaning that supports long term oral health.
A traditional cleaning relies mostly on hand scrapers, ultrasonic tools, and polishing paste. GBT begins by staining the biofilm so it can be seen, then uses a gentle powder and water spray to remove it, with fine ultrasonic instruments used only where tartar remains. Many patients find GBT quieter, gentler, and less scratchy. Our hygiene therapy is reported to be 40 percent more effective than traditional cleaning methods, which is one reason we offer it as our standard hygiene approach.
Most patients find GBT comfortable, and many describe it as gentler than the cleanings they have had before. The warm water and fine powder are designed to be kind to teeth and gums, which can be helpful for people with sensitive teeth. You may feel a light spray and notice a mild taste from the powder. If you ever feel discomfort, let your hygiene team know and we will adjust right away.
The length of a visit depends on your oral health, the amount of buildup, and whether an exam is included. Many GBT cleanings take about the same amount of time as a traditional cleaning, and some patients find the process efficient because each step is clear and organized. Our team will let you know what to expect when you schedule. If you are a new patient, your first visit may be longer because it includes a comprehensive exam.
Yes. GBT is minimally invasive and is designed to clean without damaging natural teeth or dental work. The gentle powder can be used around implants, crowns, veneers, and orthodontic appliances. This makes it a thoughtful choice for patients who want to protect their dental investments and keep restorations looking and feeling their best.
GBT removes surface stains from things like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, so teeth often look cleaner and brighter after a visit. It does not change the natural color of the tooth the way professional whitening does. If you would like a noticeably whiter smile, ask us about teeth whitening options after your GBT cleaning.
Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning and exam about every six months, which matches the recall step of the protocol. Some patients, including those with a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or heavy buildup, may need more frequent visits. We will recommend a schedule that fits your needs so your mouth stays healthy without extra visits you do not need. Keeping regular appointments is the best way to prevent problems before they start.
Coverage depends on your plan, and many dental plans cover preventive cleanings at a high level. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, and we are in network with Delta Dental Premier. Our team will review your benefits and explain any costs before your visit so there are no surprises. You can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
