Can You Get a Dental Cleaning With Braces? 

Yes, you can get a dental cleaning with braces. Dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment with braces. Maintaining a dazzling smile is within reach, even with braces! dental professionals are trained to perform thorough and deep cleanings even with braces in place. 

How Do Dentists Clean Teeth With Braces 

Here’s a step-by-step process of how dentists typically clean teeth with braces:

Ultrasonic Scaling: 

The dentist will first inspect the braces and surrounding teeth to identify any areas of concern, such as buildup of plaque or signs of gum inflammation.

In some cases, particularly if there is significant plaque buildup, the dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove hardened plaque from around the brackets and wires. Plaque is broken up and removed with high-frequency vibrations in this device without damaging the braces.

Manual Scaling: 

Following ultrasonic scaling, the dentist or hygienist will use manual scalers to carefully remove any remaining plaque and debris from the surfaces of the teeth and around the brackets. 

Interdental Cleaning:

Interdental brushes or floss threaders with waxed dental floss are then used to clean between the teeth and around the wires of the braces. This step is important for removing plaque and food particles that may be trapped between the teeth and brackets.

Fluoride Treatment: 

After thorough cleaning, a fluoride rinse or gel will applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and help prevent tooth decay. This is especially important for patients with braces, as the brackets and wires can create areas where plaque is more likely to accumulate.

Once the cleaning process is complete, the dentist will conduct a final inspection. The dentist ensures that all plaque and debris have been removed and that the braces and teeth are clean and healthy.

How Will You Do In-home Teeth Cleaning With Braces 

Here’s a complete process for you to do in-home teeth cleaning with braces in the United States:

Rinse with Water: 

Start by rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water to help dislodge any loose food particles. After that with the help of your soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brush both the front and back surfaces of the teeth around the brackets and wires.

Flossing: 

Flossing with braces requires a bit of extra effort. Use a floss threader or specialized orthodontic floss to thread the floss under the wire of the braces and between each tooth. Gently slide the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth to remove plaque and debris.

Orthodontic Wax: 

If any wires or brackets are causing irritation or rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or lips, apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the offending area to provide temporary relief.

Final Rinse: 

After cleaning your teeth and braces, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining toothpaste or debris.

 

 

Do Orthodontists Clean Teeth  

Orthodontists are experts in tooth and jaw alignment, they generally do not perform routine teeth cleanings as part of their standard practice. 

Teeth cleanings are typically carried out by dental hygienists or general dentists. These professionals specialize in preventive dental care which includes regular cleanings, examinations, and treatments for gum disease and tooth decay.

During orthodontic treatment, orthodontists can provide guidance and advice on how to maintain proper oral hygiene which includes instructions on brushing and flossing techniques tailored to accommodate braces. They also monitor the progress of the treatment and address any issues related to the braces or aligners themselves.

How Often Should You Get Dental Cleaning With Braces?

You should get a dental cleaning with braces every three to six months. This frequency will ensure that plaque and tartar buildup around the braces can be effectively removed to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. 

The exact timing varies which depends on individual factors such as oral hygiene habits, the extent of orthodontic treatment, and the recommendation of the orthodontist or dentist. 

Why Scaling Teeth With Braces is Different than Without Braces 

Scaling teeth with braces requires extra care, time, and specialized tools to navigate around orthodontic appliances effectively. Dental professionals always take precautions to avoid damage to the braces.

Cleaning teeth with braces may take slightly longer than without braces due to the need to clean around the hardware. The presence of brackets and wires creates additional surfaces where plaque and food particles can accumulate and it requires thorough attention to detail during the cleaning process. 

Can Braces Break While Brushing?

Usually, braces do not break while brushing. it’s essential to use caution and employ proper brushing techniques to minimize the risk. The brackets and wires of braces are designed to withstand normal brushing forces.

However aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can increase the risk of brackets becoming dislodged or wires bending and breakage of braces. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions when brushing around braces. 

You should avoid biting down directly on the toothbrush and instead angle it to clean both the teeth and the brackets effectively.