Guided Biofilm Therapy in Aurora, ON
The modern, gentle, and virtually pain-free way to professionally clean your teeth — now offered at Aurora Borealis Dentistry.
Aurora Borealis Dentistry is proud to be a Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) certified practice. GBT is a comprehensive, evidence-based protocol that removes harmful dental biofilm more thoroughly — and far more comfortably — than the traditional "scrape and polish" cleaning many of us grew up dreading.
Instead of relying on metal scrapers and gritty polishing paste, GBT uses a precisely controlled stream of warm water, air, and a fine erythritol powder to gently lift plaque, stain, and early tartar from your teeth, gums, implants, and braces — including the areas a toothbrush can never reach. The result is a cleaner mouth, healthier gums, and a treatment most patients describe as the most comfortable cleaning they've ever had.
The Science
What is biofilm — and why does it matter?
Biofilm is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth, gums, fillings, and dental work. Everyone has it, and it's invisible to the naked eye. Left undisturbed, biofilm hardens into tartar and drives the two most common dental diseases: tooth decay (caries) and gum disease (periodontitis). It's also the leading cause of bad breath.
The catch is that brushing at home removes only about half of the biofilm in your mouth — the rest accumulates in the grooves, along the gumline, and between teeth where bristles can't reach.1 That's the gap professional cleaning is meant to close. GBT closes it more completely by first making the biofilm visible, then removing it with technology designed to be both thorough and gentle.
Healthy gums matter beyond your smile. Research has linked untreated gum disease to broader health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory illness — which is why consistent, complete biofilm removal is an investment in your overall health, not just your teeth.
The Protocol
The 8 steps of a GBT appointment
GBT follows a consistent, internationally recognized clinical protocol developed by EMS in collaboration with universities and dental experts. Here's what your visit looks like:
Assess
We review your medical and dental history and examine your teeth and gums to tailor the treatment to your needs and comfort.
Disclose
A harmless dye makes the biofilm visible. Only what we can see can be removed completely — and it shows you exactly where to focus at home.
Motivate
Based on what the disclosing reveals, we give you personalized coaching on brushing, flossing, and the spots that need extra attention.
AIRFLOW®
A gentle jet of warm water, air, and fine powder removes biofilm, stain, and early tartar from tooth surfaces, gumline, and hard-to-reach areas.
PERIOFLOW®
For deeper gum pockets and around implants, specialized technology cleans below the gumline gently and thoroughly.
PIEZON®
Any remaining hardened tartar is removed with a targeted, minimally invasive ultrasonic instrument designed for comfort.
Quality Check
We confirm that all biofilm, stain, and tartar have been removed, and Dr. Khan examines your teeth for cavities and other concerns.
Recall
We schedule your next visit at the interval that's right for your risk level — because clean teeth are easiest to keep clean.
The Difference
How GBT differs from a conventional cleaning
Traditional professional cleaning hasn't changed much in decades — sharp hand instruments scraping below the gumline, followed by abrasive polishing paste. GBT takes a fundamentally gentler approach.
Conventional cleaning
- Metal scalers scraped along the roots and gumline
- Gritty polishing paste that can wear enamel over time
- Cold water and frequent sensitivity
- Biofilm often left behind in hard-to-reach areas
- Results vary from visit to visit
Guided Biofilm Therapy
- Warm water and a fine powder spray — no routine scraping
- No abrasive paste, preserving natural tooth structure
- Comfortable for sensitive teeth and anxious patients
- Disclosing dye ensures biofilm is removed completely
- A consistent, repeatable clinical protocol every visit
Who It's For
Who benefits most from GBT?
GBT is suitable for nearly everyone, and it's especially valuable if you fall into one of these groups:
Patients with dental implants
Plaque around implants can cause peri-implantitis, a serious condition that can lead to implant failure. GBT cleans around implants gently and effectively.
Braces & clear aligner patients
Brackets and aligner trays trap bacteria against the teeth. GBT reaches around orthodontic appliances far better than brushing alone.
Sensitive or anxious patients
No cold water, no scraping, no gritty paste. For patients who dread cleanings, GBT is often a genuine turning point.
Anyone with gum disease
Complete biofilm removal — including below the gumline — is the foundation of arresting and managing periodontal disease.
Coffee, tea & wine drinkers
The AIRFLOW spray lifts surface staining effectively, leaving teeth noticeably brighter without harsh polishing.
Crowns, bridges & fillings
Bacteria gathers at the margins of existing dental work. Regular GBT protects your restorations and the teeth around them.
Frequency
How often should you have GBT?
To keep biofilm under control, we recommend professional cleaning at least twice a year — but the right interval depends on your individual oral health. We'll recommend a schedule based on your gum health and risk factors at your visit.
For most patients with healthy gums and low cavity risk.
For patients with a history of gum disease or higher plaque buildup.
For active periodontal disease, dental implants, or risk factors such as diabetes or smoking.
Coverage
Is GBT covered by insurance and the CDCP?
GBT is performed as part of your professional hygiene appointment, using standard scaling, polishing, and preventive procedure codes. That means it's typically covered the same way a conventional cleaning is — most plans in Ontario include two professional cleanings per year, and many cover additional periodontal therapy when clinically required.
Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and provides direct billing to most major insurance providers, so you don't pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement. If you're unsure what your plan covers, our front desk team is happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Guided Biofilm Therapy hurt?
What is the powder used in GBT?
How is GBT different from a regular cleaning?
Is GBT safe for dental implants and crowns?
Will GBT remove coffee, tea, or wine stains?
How long does a GBT appointment take?
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
I haven't been to the dentist in years — is GBT still right for me?
Patient Resource
Take the full story home
Want to learn more before your visit? Our Guided Biofilm Therapy patient brochure explains how biofilm affects your health, what to expect during treatment, and how to keep your smile clean between appointments. Read it below or download a copy to share.
Book Now
Experience the best cleaning you've ever had
Whether you're due for your regular recall, overdue for a cleaning, or simply curious about a gentler way to care for your teeth — we'd love to welcome you to Aurora Borealis Dentistry.
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