How does GBT cleaning work at Fábrica do Sorriso?

What is Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)?

GBT — Guided Biofilm Therapy — is a professional dental cleaning protocol developed by EMS in Switzerland. The key word is "guided": before cleaning, a disclosing dye is applied that makes the biofilm (dental plaque) visible. The removal is then directed exactly at the areas where the plaque is, and the patient sees — literally — what was on their teeth and where their brushing needs to improve.

Removal is done with the AIRFLOW® system: a controlled jet of air, warm water and an extremely fine powder that eliminates plaque, stains and biofilm from teeth, gums, implants and braces — without scraping the enamel. Any remaining calcified tartar is removed at the end, precisely and gently, with a piezoelectric instrument.

How is it different from traditional cleaning?

Conventional cleaning uses hand instruments and ultrasound to remove deposits. It is effective; comfort depends on sensitivity, inflammation and the instruments needed. In GBT, we first identify biofilm and adapt the cleaning sequence to what we find.

With GBT, biofilm and staining are removed first with AIRFLOW®. When indicated, the team then uses instruments to remove remaining tartar. The protocol does not mean ultrasound is never used:

• Much less scraping

  the bulk of the cleaning is done by the jet, not by instruments scraping the enamel.

• Less sensitivity

  the water is warm and the erythritol powder is so fine (around 14 microns) that it cleans without causing harm.

• More thorough

  the jet reaches where curettes cannot: grooves, interdental spaces, around brackets and implants.

• More educational

  the disclosing dye shows you exactly where your brushing is falling short.

• No "dental surgery" taste

  the erythritol powder has a neutral, slightly sweet taste.

How does a GBT session work, step by step?

The GBT protocol follows eight systematic steps — that is what makes it a protocol, and not just a piece of equipment:

• 1. Assessment

  examination of the mouth, teeth and gums.

• 2. Disclosing

  a dye that makes the biofilm visible.

• 3. Motivation

  we show you where your brushing needs to improve.

• 4. AIRFLOW®

  removal of biofilm and stains with air, warm water and fine powder.

• 5. PERIOFLOW®

  cleaning of deeper gum pockets and implants, when indicated.

• 6. Instrumentation

  targeted removal of any remaining calcified tartar.

• 7. Final check

  verifying nothing has been left behind and screening for cavities.

• 8. New appointment

  setting the right interval until your next cleaning.

Does GBT cleaning hurt? What if I have sensitive teeth?

It is precisely in patients with sensitivity that the difference is most noticeable. Because the method eliminates most of the scraping and uses warm — not cold — water, most patients describe the session as comfortable, some even as pleasant. That makes it an excellent option for anyone who has put off cleanings for years because of bad experiences.

For people with implants, GBT has another important advantage: the fine powder cleans the implant surface without scratching it — essential in preventing peri-implantitis, the inflammation that most threatens the longevity of implants. The same goes for anyone with fixed braces: the jet cleans around brackets and wires without damaging them.

Does GBT also whiten teeth?

GBT removes extrinsic stains — coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco — and restores teeth to their natural colour, which often already means a visibly brighter, more polished smile at the end of the session.

It does not, however, replace teeth whitening: that is a separate treatment, which lightens the intrinsic colour of the tooth. In fact, the ideal sequence is to have the GBT cleaning first and only then the whitening — on clean teeth, the gel works evenly.

Where can I get a GBT cleaning in Almada, Fernão Ferro or Baixa da Banheira?

At all three Fábrica do Sorriso clinics, professional dental cleaning follows the GBT protocol with AIRFLOW® equipment from EMS — in Almada, Fernão Ferro and Baixa da Banheira, Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 19:00.

We welcome patients from across the south bank of the Tagus (Margem Sul) — Seixal, Corroios, Cacilhas, Feijó, Sesimbra, Quinta do Conde, Moita, Barreiro and neighbouring towns. Many insurance plans and health subsystems we work with cover the cleaning — bring your plan details and we will check before your appointment.

What does GBT oral hygiene cost at Fábrica do Sorriso?

GBT oral hygiene costs €75 per session at Fábrica do Sorriso, including assessment of teeth, gums and implants as part of the protocol, even on your first visit. You do not need a separate assessment consultation before cleaning. With insurance or an agreement, confirm the amount with reception.

• Price and preparation for your first GBT session

The most common questions

What does GBT mean and how is it different from a normal cleaning?

GBT stands for Guided Biofilm Therapy. It reveals biofilm with a disclosing dye and removes it with AIRFLOW®, followed by residual tartar removal when needed. Assessment, hygiene guidance and planning the next visit are also part of the protocol.

Is GBT cleaning suitable for people with dental implants?

Yes — it is one of its strongest indications. The fine AIRFLOW® powder cleans the implant surface without scratching it, and PERIOFLOW® reaches the areas around the implant, helping to prevent peri-implantitis. That is why it is the protocol we use in implant maintenance appointments.

Can I have a GBT cleaning with orthodontic braces?

You can — and you should. With brackets and wires, plaque builds up more easily and conventional cleaning is laborious. The AIRFLOW® jet cleans around the braces without damaging them, making the cleaning faster and more thorough.

What powder is used in AIRFLOW® and is it safe?

The usual powder is erythritol, a plant-derived sugar alcohol with extremely fine particles — around 14 microns. It is gentle on the enamel and the tissues, has a neutral taste and is used precisely because it cleans effectively without aggressive abrasion.

How often should I have a GBT cleaning?

Six months may suit many people, but it is not a rule for everyone. Assessment of your gums, disease risk and home care helps define an interval that makes sense for you.

Do I need a separate consultation before GBT cleaning?

No. The protocol starts with assessment of teeth, gums and implants, included in the €75 session even on your first visit. Other examinations or treatments needed are explained and quoted separately.