What is Airflow© and Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Our team is very excited to announce two new offerings at The Bristol Dental Practice: Airflow and Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). These innovations are reshaping our approach to oral hygiene, offering our patients in Bristol cleaner, healthier smiles, and unmatched comfort during their hygienist visits.
Curious about how these methods differ from traditional hygiene practices? Read on to discover more about these exciting new additions to our services and why they should be part of your next hygiene appointment with us.
Overview
Airflow is a cutting-edge teeth cleaning system designed to effectively remove biofilm, plaque, and stains from teeth and gums to improve oral health. Biofilm is a sticky buildup of bacteria that adheres to teeth and dental surfaces, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. By incorporating Guided Biofilm Therapy, which involves applying a dye to highlight usually colourless biofilm, we can combine both treatments to provide our patients with a thorough cleaning and healthier smiles. This dual approach not only enhances oral hygiene but can also remove dental stains, ensuring comprehensive dental care and improved aesthetics.
Airflow Polishing
In the past, dental cleanings involved scaling followed by polishing with a rubber cup and abrasive paste to remove stains and plaque. While sufficient, this method was sometimes uncomfortable for patients with sensitivity and often missed hard-to-reach areas.
With Airflow, we are now able to employ a precise mixture of compressed air, water, and fine powder particles to gently yet thoroughly clean tooth surfaces stained by substances like tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco. This method enhances cleaning efficiency and significantly reduces discomfort since no direct contact or pressure is applied to the teeth. Airflow reaches areas that manual cleaning often misses, providing a more comprehensive clean and leaving teeth smoother and brighter.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
Guided Biofilm Therapy aids the cleaning process by using disclosing agents to identify areas of biofilm accumulation, which are typically invisible to the naked eye. Combined with Airflow technology, which gently removes biofilm and stains, Guided Biofilm Therapy ensures a meticulous cleaning process that traditional methods cannot match. By targeting and eliminating biofilm—the root cause of many dental issues—GBT promotes healthier gums and teeth, preventing future dental problems.
Why Choose Airflow & Guided Biofilm Therapy at Your Next Dental Visit?
1) Comprehensive Cleaning: Our integration of Airflow and Guided Biofilm Therapy ensures a thorough cleaning experience that surpasses traditional methods. This dual approach reaches areas often overlooked by conventional cleaning techniques.
2) Enhanced Comfort: Patients appreciate the gentle nature of Airflow technology, which reduces discomfort during cleaning. It generates no heat and involves no direct contact or pressure against the teeth, ensuring a comfortable experience. This makes it an ideal choice for patients with sensitive teeth and gums, and it can even help reduce tooth sensitivity over time!
Please speak to one of our team if tooth sensitivity is something you struggle with; we’re happy to help! We can provide expert advice, such as recommending mouth rinses that help reduce sensitivity and sealants that can cover exposed tooth roots.
3) Advanced Stain Removal: Airflow excels in removing surface stains, leaving teeth noticeably brighter and more polished after just one session.
4) Safe for Dental Implants: Safe for use on dental restorations and implants.
5) Preventive Care: By identifying and removing biofilm, Guided Biofilm Therapy helps prevent the onset of cavities and gum disease, contributing to long-term oral health and reducing the need for extensive treatments.
What to Expect at Your Appointment?
Preparation with Guided Biofilm Therapy: A disclosing agent is applied to your teeth to highlight areas where biofilm has accumulated, making it visible. This helps us assess the extent of biofilm present and plan the treatment accordingly. During this time, we will also point out any areas you are missing when cleaning at home and give tailored oral hygiene advice to maximise the effectiveness of your brushing at home.
Thorough cleaning with Airflow: Using the Airflow device, a fine jet of compressed air, water, and fine powder particles is directed onto your teeth and gums. The stream effectively removes biofilm, plaque, and surface stains from all tooth surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas. This process is gentle and comfortable, minimising any potential discomfort.
Results: After the treatment, you can expect visibly cleaner teeth and a refreshed feeling in your mouth. Airflow leaves your teeth with a polished appearance and a smoother texture, enhancing both oral hygiene and overall dental aesthetics.
How Often Should You Have Airflow?
We recommend visits to your dental hygienist regularly for routine check-ups, typically every 6 months. During these visits, your hygienist will assess your oral health and determine if Airflow and Guided Biofilm Therapy are necessary. Some patients may benefit from more frequent Airflow and GBT treatments depending on their oral health condition. For instance, individuals with a history of gum disease or those prone to plaque buildup may require more frequent sessions.
Final Word
At The Bristol Dental Practice, we are committed to offering exceptional dental care using the latest in dental technology. Our services now include Airflow polishing and Guided Biofilm Therapy, which effectively and comfortably removes biofilm and stains while promoting long-term oral health and hygiene.
Whether you are looking to improve your oral health routine, have a history of gum disease, or are seeking a more comfortable dental cleaning experience, experience the benefits of these advanced technologies firsthand at your next hygiene appointment and enjoy a brighter, healthier smile with minimal discomfort and maximum effectiveness.
Call us today at 0117 910 5929 or book online to see our Bristol dental team. We look forward to meeting you!