If you searched for the GBT machine AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master by EMS, here is the short answer. It is EMS's Swiss-made 3-in-1 prophylaxis unit. It combines AIRFLOW® MAX (air-polishing), PERIOFLOW® MAX (subgingival air-polishing) and PIEZON® NO PAIN (ultrasonic scaling) in a single device, and it is designed around EMS's Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol. This guide covers what the unit does, how the 8-step GBT workflow fits together, what affects the price of an EMS GBT machine, and which accessories practices usually add.
What Is the EMS AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master?
EMS calls the AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master its "GBT machine". Rather than buying separate units for air-polishing and scaling, the clinician works with one device and switches between three handpieces:
- AIRFLOW® MAX for supra- and subgingival biofilm removal with powder
- PERIOFLOW® MAX with a slim, flexible nozzle for deeper pockets
- PIEZON® NO PAIN for calculus removal
The unit is made in Switzerland. EMS states that the system went through more than 100,000 hours of testing at its research centre in Nyon, and that its handpieces are rated for more than 1,000 sterilization cycles.
Key features stated by EMS
- Laminar AIRFLOW® Technology (LAT): EMS says the AIRFLOW® MAX handpiece produces a laminar flow that gives clearer visibility and reduced aerosol.
- PIEZON® NO PAIN: 32,000 linear oscillations per second, with a dynamic power-response feature that EMS says adapts output power to the applied force.
- Water temperature control: five levels (unheated, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C / 77–104 °F).
- Wireless pedal: Bluetooth foot pedal with a Boost mode.
- Built-in NIGHT CLEANER system: for daily waterline cleaning and disinfection.
- Clear powder chambers: you can see powder levels during treatment.
Technical data at a glance
| Specification | EMS stated value |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 4 A max |
| Water inlet pressure | 2–5 bar |
| Compressed air inlet pressure | 4.5–7 bar |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 260 × 290 × 245 mm |
| Weight | approx. 5 kg |
| Treatment modes | AIRFLOW® MAX, PERIOFLOW® MAX, PIEZON® NO PAIN |
The GBT Workflow: 8 Steps in Practice
Guided Biofilm Therapy is EMS's systematic protocol for professional prophylaxis. The Prophylaxis Master is built so that one device covers the instrumentation steps. EMS's published GBT protocol has eight steps:
- Assess and protect: assess the patient and start infection control, with a pre-procedural rinse (EMS references BacterX® Pro).
- Disclose: make the biofilm visible with a disclosing agent.
- Motivate: use the disclosed biofilm to explain oral hygiene to the patient.
- AIRFLOW® MAX: remove biofilm supra- and subgingivally up to 4 mm using AIRFLOW® PLUS 14 µm powder. EMS lists CLASSIC Comfort powder for remaining stains on enamel.
- PERIOFLOW®: remove biofilm in pockets deeper than 4 mm and up to 9 mm.
- PIEZON® PS: remove remaining calculus supra- and subgingivally up to 10 mm. EMS lists the PI MAX instrument for use around implants, up to 3 mm subgingivally.
- Check: re-check for any remaining biofilm and calculus. EMS's protocol notes "no polishing" at this stage.
- Recall: schedule the next visit based on risk assessment.
For structured training, EMS offers GBT courses through the Swiss Dental Academy (SDA).
What Comes in the Box?
According to our product listing, the EMS GBT AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master device ships with:
- AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW® and PIEZON® handpieces
- Boost wireless foot pedal
- PLUS and CLASSIC powder chambers
- PIEZON® bottle (800 ml) and NIGHT CLEANER bottle (800 ml) with solution
- 2 × CLASSIC powder (300 g) and 12 × PLUS powder (120 g)
EMS notes that some included items depend on availability in your country, so check the listing for your configuration.
EMS AirFlow Price: What Affects the Cost of a GBT Machine?
Searches for "EMS AirFlow price" and "EMS GBT machine price" are common. Here are the factors that usually make the biggest difference to the total investment. For current pricing, see the individual product pages.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Configuration | You can buy the device on its own or as a GBT device and trolley bundle. |
| Mobility | A dedicated workstation trolley lets you move the unit between operatories. |
| Consumables | Running costs include powders (PLUS, CLASSIC), PIEZON® instruments and NIGHT CLEANER solution. |
| Instrument life | EMS rates handpieces for more than 1,000 sterilization cycles, and its IFU states that one PS instrument is designed for up to 1,000 treatments. |
| Training | GBT training through the Swiss Dental Academy is a separate option. |
| Complementary devices | Some practices add a portable air-polisher for operatories that don't have a GBT unit. |
Accessories That Complete the Setup
Workstation trolley
The EMS GBT AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master workstation trolley gives the device an ultra-compact, movable base on wheels with an 800 ml water bottle holder and a place for the foot pedal. EMS's maintenance guidance for the Prophylaxis Master with STATION+ says to place the NIGHT CLEANER bottle on the cart during waterline cleaning, with no water bottle on top of the unit, so that all liquid lines are reached.
NIGHT CLEANER solution
EMS states that NIGHT CLEANER cleans water lines, prevents biofilm formation in them and protects against algae and limescale. Our listing for EMS NIGHT CLEANER waterline disinfection solution describes leaving it in the lines overnight for at least 12 hours. Rinse the lines before the first patient, as described in the IFU.
AIRFLOW® Handy 3.0 Plus
For operatories without a GBT unit, the AIRFLOW® Handy 3.0 Plus is a portable air-polisher made in Nyon. It connects plug-and-play to common turbine couplings. EMS lists:
- a Plus handpiece for supra- and subgingival use in pockets up to 4 mm with AIRFLOW® PLUS powder
- a Classic handpiece for supragingival use with COMFORT or SOFT powders
Prophylaxis Master vs. AIRFLOW® Handy 3.0 Plus
| AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master | AIRFLOW® Handy 3.0 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stand-alone 3-in-1 unit | Handheld air-polisher on turbine coupling |
| Modalities | AIRFLOW® MAX, PERIOFLOW® MAX, PIEZON® NO PAIN | Air-polishing only |
| Subgingival reach (EMS) | Up to 9 mm with PERIOFLOW®; PIEZON® PS up to 10 mm | Up to 4 mm with Plus handpiece |
| Waterline care | Built-in NIGHT CLEANER system | Per IFU |
| Typical use | A full GBT protocol in one chair | Adding air-polishing to existing chairs |
Clinical and Regulatory Note
This article summarises manufacturer-published information. It is not clinical guidance. Always follow the EMS instructions for use (IFU), your national regulations and your practice's infection-control protocols. Available configurations and included accessories can vary by country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GBT machine?
"GBT machine" is EMS's name for the AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master. It is a single unit that combines AIRFLOW® MAX, PERIOFLOW® MAX and PIEZON® NO PAIN to carry out the Guided Biofilm Therapy protocol.
What is the difference between AIRFLOW® MAX and PERIOFLOW® MAX?
EMS specifies AIRFLOW® MAX with PLUS powder for supra- and subgingival use up to 4 mm. PERIOFLOW® uses a slim, flexible nozzle for pockets deeper than 4 mm and up to 9 mm.
Does the Prophylaxis Master include an ultrasonic scaler?
Yes. It includes the PIEZON® NO PAIN handpiece, which EMS states delivers 32,000 linear oscillations per second.
How are the waterlines maintained?
The device has a built-in NIGHT CLEANER system for daily cleaning and disinfection. Follow the EMS IFU for the overnight cycle and the morning rinse.
Do I need the trolley?
No. The device works on its own, but the workstation trolley adds a mobile, compact base with water bottle and pedal storage. It is also available as a device-plus-trolley bundle.
Equip Your Practice for GBT
Whether you are setting up a full GBT chair or adding air-polishing to existing operatories, explore the EMS GBT AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master and its accessories at DentrealStore. We ship worldwide. Contact our team if you have questions about configurations.