As anyone who has ever worn braces can attest, maintaining good oral hygiene can be a challenging task. The bracket and wire structure of braces makes it difficult to clean all areas of the teeth and gums, which can leave patients vulnerable to the accumulation of biofilm.
Biofilm is a community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces in the mouth, including teeth, gums, braces, and orthodontic wires. When biofilm is left unchecked, it can lead to a number of problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Fortunately, there is now a solution for patients with braces who are struggling to maintain good oral hygiene – Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT).
GBT is a comprehensive oral hygiene treatment that uses state-of-the-art technology to remove biofilm from all areas of the mouth. The treatment includes several steps, each of which is designed to address a specific aspect of oral hygiene:
Step 1: Professional cleaning
The first step in GBT is a professional cleaning, which involves the use of specialized tools and techniques to remove biofilm from all areas of the mouth. This includes removing biofilm from between the teeth, along the gumline, and guided biofilm therapy around the brackets and wires of braces.
Step 2: Air polishing
Air polishing is a non-invasive dental cleaning technique that uses a fine powder to remove stains and biofilm from the teeth. This technique is particularly effective at removing biofilm from hard-to-reach areas, such as the nooks and crannies of braces.
Step 3: Fluoride treatment
After the teeth have been cleaned, a fluoride treatment is applied to help strengthen the enamel and protect against tooth decay. This is particularly important for patients with braces, who are at an increased risk of developing cavities due to the difficulty of cleaning around the brackets and wires.
The benefits of GBT for patients with braces
There are numerous benefits of GBT for patients with braces. These include:
1. Improved oral hygiene
GBT is an effective way to remove biofilm from all areas of the mouth, including those that are difficult to reach with a traditional toothbrush. This means that patients with braces can maintain better oral hygiene, which can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
2. Reduced risk of cavities
Patients with braces are at an increased risk of developing cavities due to the difficulty of cleaning around the brackets and wires. GBT can help reduce this risk by removing biofilm from the teeth and applying a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel.
3. Better overall health
Oral health is closely linked to overall health, and poor oral hygiene can contribute to a number of systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By improving oral hygiene with GBT, patients with braces can improve their overall health and wellbeing.
4. A more comfortable orthodontic experience
Biofilm can contribute to discomfort and irritation in the mouth, particularly for patients with braces. GBT can help reduce this discomfort by removing biofilm and promoting a healthy oral environment.
In summary, Guided Biofilm Therapy is an effective oral hygiene treatment that can benefit patients with braces by improving oral hygiene, reducing the risk of cavities, promoting overall health, and enhancing the orthodontic experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with oral hygiene while wearing braces, consider asking your dentist or orthodontist about GBT.