Airflow Polishing and Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) use precise air, water, and fine powder technology to gently remove plaque, biofilm, and stains — even below the gumline — without the scraping of traditional cleanings. It’s a more comfortable way to protect your enamel, support gum health, and brighten your smile, available now at our Wicker Park practice.
Most people leave a dental cleaning feeling like their teeth are cleaner, but not knowing whether anything fundamental changed for their long-term oral health. Standard polishing methods have been around for decades, and while they do the job, they were never designed to eliminate the microscopic biofilm that sits at the root of gum disease, cavities, and chronic inflammation. There is a better way, and patients are actively seeking it out.
At Lumiere Dental, we have built our entire hygiene program around it. As one of only a handful of GBT-certified practices in Chicago, and the second office in the city to earn that certification, we offer Airflow polishing powered by Guided Biofilm Therapy as our standard of care. This is not an upgrade or an add-on. Every patient who comes to us for a cleaning receives this level of care, at no additional cost. Dr. Ryan Woitas, our doctor-owned and family-run practice’s lead dentist, invested in this technology because it represents the most effective, minimally invasive approach to professional prophylaxis available today.
Our commitment to preventive care extends across everything we offer in family dentistry — GBT is the foundation of that promise.
Guided Biofilm Therapy is a systematic, science-backed protocol for removing oral biofilm, the thin layer of bacteria that coats teeth and gum tissue and that traditional brushing and cleaning methods can only partially address. The protocol was developed by EMS and has been adopted by certified practices worldwide. At its core, GBT uses a combination of warm water, fine erythritol powder, and gentle air pressure, delivered through an Airflow handpiece, to dislodge and flush away biofilm from all accessible oral surfaces, including areas that metal instruments and rubber polishing cups cannot consistently reach.
The process begins with a disclosing step, where a specialized dye is applied to make biofilm visible. This is not a gimmick. It is a quality-control measure that guides the hygienist toward areas of concern and confirms that the biofilm has been fully removed before the appointment ends. Only after the Airflow step is complete does any ultrasonic instrumentation come into play, and only to address calculus that has already been separated from the underlying biofilm. The result is a cleaning that is more thorough, gentler on enamel and soft tissue, and significantly more comfortable than what most patients have experienced before.
A traditional dental cleaning relies on metal curettes, ultrasonic scalers, and a rubber cup with polishing paste. These tools are effective at removing hardened tartar and surface stains, but they are not optimized for biofilm removal. Rubber cup polishing, in particular, adds no measurable benefit to tooth surface smoothness once biofilm has been addressed, and the abrasive pastes used can be harsher on enamel than necessary.
Airflow takes a different approach entirely. Because the powder-and-water stream reaches into sulcular spaces, around implants, beneath the gumline, and between teeth, it removes biofilm from zones that are mechanically difficult to treat with hand instruments. This matters for our family dentistry patients across every age group, since biofilm accumulation is the common thread running through cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. A published 2024 article in BDJ Team, part of the Nature Publishing Group, reported that in a survey of over 278,000 patients, 94% preferred GBT to their previous cleaning method, with over 93% rating the experience as comfortable or pain-free.
Our hygiene appointments at Lumiere Dental follow the full eight-step GBT protocol, which means every visit is structured and intentional, not rushed or improvised. Here is what the process looks like:
This process is personalized to you. Because our biomimetic approach to dentistry prioritizes minimal intervention and preservation of healthy tooth structure, GBT aligns perfectly with how we think about patient care overall. We are not removing more than we need to. We are being precise.
Airflow is appropriate for nearly every patient, including those who have never had any periodontal concerns. That said, certain patients see especially significant benefits. Anyone managing gingivitis or early-stage periodontitis benefits from the subgingival reach of the Perioflow handpiece. Patients with dental implants benefit from the fact that Airflow does not damage implant surfaces the way metal instruments can. Patients who have traditionally found cleanings uncomfortable often find GBT to be a noticeably gentler experience.
Our patients who are enrolled in the Lumiere Care+ membership plan receive GBT cleanings as part of their preventive package, making it easier to stay consistent with the recall intervals that matter most for long-term oral health. And because GBT is particularly effective at removing the surface staining that builds up from coffee, tea, and everyday life, many patients notice their teeth look brighter after their appointment as well. If you are curious about what a professional teeth whitening treatment can add on top of that, we are happy to discuss options at your visit.
Becoming a GBT-certified practice is not a marketing decision. It requires formal training, investment in EMS technology, and a commitment to integrating the full protocol into every hygiene appointment. Dr. Woitas pursued that certification because he believes the standard cleaning experience most patients have accepted as normal does not reflect what dentistry is actually capable of. We are a doctor-owned, non-corporate practice with no incentive to cut corners on the technology or time we invest in your hygiene care.
Our entire team is trained in the GBT protocol, which means the quality of your experience is consistent regardless of which hygienist you see. We are genuinely proud to be among the first practices in Chicago to offer this standard of care, and we hear regularly from patients that their cleaning at Lumiere felt unlike anything they had experienced at a previous office. If you are ready to see what a cleaning can actually feel like, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us and experience the difference for yourself.
Dr. Ryan Woitas is the owner and lead dentist at Lumiere Dental, where he combines advanced dental techniques with personalized patient care. As both practitioner and practice owner, Dr. Woitas ensures every aspect of your dental experience meets the highest standards of excellence. Specializing in biomimetic dentistry, Dr. Woitas uses minimally invasive techniques that preserve your natural tooth structure while providing lasting results. This innovative approach, combined with his expertise in implant dentistry and cosmetic enhancements, allows him to create treatment plans that are both functional and aesthetically exceptional.
Located in the heart of Chicago, Lumiere Dental combines state-of-the-art technology with a warm, patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional dental care for the whole family. Our owner-operated practice offers over 20 comprehensive dental services, from preventive care to advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry, all designed to keep your smile healthy and confident.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with our qualified dental professionals at Lumiere Dental for personalized care recommendations based on your specific oral health needs.
For most patients, the experience is noticeably more comfortable than a traditional cleaning. The warm water temperature and the fine erythritol powder are much gentler on gum tissue than metal instruments, and there is no scraping sensation.
We accept Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and other major PPO plans. Coverage for hygiene visits, including those using the GBT protocol, varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits before your appointment.
Yes. One of the advantages of Airflow over traditional metal-tipped instruments is that it does not damage implant surfaces. GBT is considered one of the safest options for patients with implants.
Recall intervals are personalized based on your periodontal risk level. Some patients do well on a standard twice-yearly schedule, while others with higher risk factors benefit from more frequent visits. We assess this at every appointment.
No special preparation is needed. Just come in as you normally would for a cleaning. The disclosing step at the start of the appointment gives us everything we need to tailor the session to your specific needs.
Yes. Airflow is appropriate for patients of all ages and is particularly well-suited to young patients due to its gentle approach and effectiveness on biofilm in hard-to-reach areas.
