Ultra-comfortable cleaning
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy, our ultra-comfortable cleaning?
Guided Biofilm Therapy is our ultra-comfortable cleaning. A disclosing gel shows exactly where plaque is, then gentle warm-water air-polishing powders remove it with far less scraping than a traditional scale and polish. It is R1 400.
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Guided Biofilm Therapy — GBT — is a modern, guided way of cleaning teeth. “Biofilm” is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria (dental plaque) that builds up on teeth and, left alone, hardens into tartar and drives gum disease and decay. GBT is a defined sequence for removing it thoroughly and gently.
The “guided” part is what makes it different. Before anything is cleaned, a harmless disclosing gel is applied that stains the biofilm so both you and the clinician can see exactly where it is — including the spots a routine clean tends to miss. Nothing is removed blindly; the clean is directed by what the disclosing actually shows, and checked against it at the end.
Why is it better than a normal scale and polish?
A traditional scale and polish relies on scraping every surface with a metal instrument whether or not there is anything there, which is what makes cleanings feel uncomfortable and can be rough on enamel and gums over time. GBT flips that around.
Because the biofilm is made visible first, the clean is targeted rather than blanket. The bulk of it is then removed with air-polishing — a stream of warm water and very fine powder — instead of scraping, so it is far gentler on the tooth surface and the gums, and it reaches around brackets, implants and tight spaces that instruments struggle with. Only genuine hardened tartar is touched with a fine ultrasonic. The result is a more thorough clean that most people find dramatically more comfortable.
- Guided — disclosing shows exactly where the plaque is before anything is removed
- Gentle — warm-water air-polishing powder instead of scraping across every surface
- Kinder to teeth and gums — less mechanical instrumentation, less wear
- Reaches more — around braces, implants and tight contacts a scaler struggles with
- Thorough — the mouth is re-checked against the disclosed map at the end
How do the comfortable powders work?
The heart of GBT is air-polishing. A handpiece delivers a controlled jet of warm water and an ultra-fine powder that lifts biofilm and surface stain off the tooth without the scratching sensation of a scaler. The powders used are fine and low-abrasive — designed to be gentle on enamel, on exposed root surfaces and on gum tissue — which is exactly why the treatment feels so much softer than people expect from a clean.
For most people that means little or no discomfort, warm rather than cold water, and no drawn-out scraping. It suits sensitive teeth particularly well, and it is safe and effective around dental implants and orthodontic brackets, where a gentle, reaching clean matters most.
How much is the ultra-comfortable cleaning?
Guided Biofilm Therapy — the ultra-comfortable guided clean — is R1 400. A standard scale and polish, where that is all a mouth needs, is less. Which is right for you is decided at the assessment, based on what the disclosing shows and the state of your gums.
As with any treatment here, if there is decay or gum disease to deal with, that is a separate matter and is quoted after an examination.
Common questions
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
A modern, guided professional clean. A disclosing gel makes the plaque visible, then gentle warm-water air-polishing powder removes it, and only genuine tartar is taken off with a fine ultrasonic — a more thorough, far more comfortable clean than traditional scaling.
Why is Guided Biofilm Therapy better than a normal cleaning?
It is targeted rather than blanket scraping: the plaque is made visible first, most of it is removed with gentle air-polishing instead of a scaler, and the clean reaches around implants and braces. It is kinder to enamel and gums and much more comfortable.
Is the ultra-comfortable cleaning actually comfortable?
For most people, yes — warm water, very fine low-abrasive powders and little to no scraping. It suits sensitive teeth well and is gentle around implants and orthodontic brackets.
Does a cleaning hurt, or is it painful?
A cleaning here is designed to be comfortable. Our Guided Biofilm Therapy uses warm water and very fine air-polishing powders instead of scraping every surface, so most people feel little or nothing — it suits sensitive teeth especially well. If you feel nervous about it, tell us and we take extra care.
How much is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
The Guided Biofilm Therapy ultra-comfortable clean is R1 400. A standard scale and polish, where that is all that is needed, costs less — which one suits you is decided at the assessment.