Ahead of your visit
Biofilm-guided therapy
One appointment, explained before it starts.
If a past scaling appointment put you off booking a clean, you're not alone. Biofilm-guided therapy leans on warm water and a fine air-and-powder stream for most of the appointment, and a lot of patients find it noticeably easier than conventional scaling on its own. A disclosing agent shows your dentist or hygienist exactly where plaque sits, so time gets spent where it's needed instead of everywhere regardless of build-up. Ultrasonic scaling stays reserved for any hardened calculus polishing can't reach, and you'll be talked through each stage before it starts.
Why this matters
What this treatment aims to improve
Results depend on the starting condition, the treatment plan and how the mouth responds. Your dentist will explain what is realistic for your case before treatment begins.
Warm, not a cold shock
The polishing stream comes warm, which a lot of patients find far easier on sensitive teeth or gums than a cold rinse.
Less time under instruments
Because the disclosing agent shows exactly where plaque sits, scaling gets kept specifically for the areas that genuinely need it.
A comfortable option around sensitive spots
It suits teeth that are already sensitive, implant surfaces and the areas around braces, where a heavier instrument would feel like a lot more.
How it works
Step by step, from assessment to review
The disclosing agent shows what's there
The disclosing agent stains the plaque, and you'll be shown where build-up has formed before anything else happens.
We polish with warm air and water
The air-and-powder stream, delivered warm, lifts the stained plaque away steadily, checking in with you as it goes.
We scale only what's left
Any hardened calculus still there after polishing gets removed with gentle ultrasonic scaling, kept to the spots that need it.
Is it suitable for you?
Worth booking if a past scale and polish left you wary, or if you already know your teeth, gums, implants or braces need a lighter touch.
A previous scale and polish felt harsh
If instrument scraping has put you off cleaning appointments before, it's worth talking through the warm-water approach with your dentist.
You've got sensitive teeth or receding gums
Sensitive spots tend to respond better to a gentler polishing stream than to a lot of instrument contact.
You want implants or braces covered
Mention any implants, brackets or fixed retainers when you book, and the visit gets planned around them.
Getting ready
Small things that help before you arrive.
Bring anything relevant
Old X-rays, a list of medications or notes on what you've noticed all help, though you're welcome to come without them.
Flag what makes it harder
If anxiety, a sensitive spot or a rough past experience make visits difficult, tell the team early so they can plan around it.
Give it enough time
A first look needs room for questions and a proper explanation, not just a quick glance and a nod.
Biofilm-guided therapy questions
Questions patients often ask
The answers below cover what most patients experience. Your own dentist will tailor the advice to your examination, medical history and treatment plan.
A lot of patients say warm water feels far more comfortable than a cold spray, especially against teeth that are already sensitive to temperature, though everyone's own tolerance differs a little.
Have a different question?
Tell the clinic what you are concerned about. The team can explain the next sensible step before you decide on a visit.
Book when you're ready
Talk it through before you book.
Tell test what you've noticed and they'll help arrange the right appointment for it.
Bring whatever you're wondering about. Your dentist explains as you go, what's happening, why it matters and what comes next, so you leave with a plan that makes sense.