For anyone that’s just had braces put on, plenty of questions immediately pop up. A common one is, can you get your teeth clean with braces? The short answer: Yes!
The long answer: Not only CAN you get your teeth cleaned with braces, but you SHOULD also aim for the best possible dental cleaning with braces, as they pose unique challenges to overall oral health.
The Super Dentists offer comprehensive, all-in-one orthodontic care for all of our patients, which includes regularly scheduled teeth cleanings.
With so many questions on dental cleaning with braces, we thought it would be a good idea to create this article to answer all of your questions such as, “Can you get a teeth cleaning with braces?”
Why is it Important to Get Your Teeth Cleaned with Braces
Can you get your teeth clean with braces? Yes – and it’s imperative that you do. Two big factors illustrate the importance of dental cleaning with braces:
Time. How long do braces take? Some people can have braces on for 2 years or even longer. With a minimum time of 6 months, that’s plenty of time for plaque and tartar buildup. Over the course of 6 months – 2 years, regular cleanings are highly recommended.
The plaque factor. As mentioned briefly above, plaque and tartar love to hide near each tooth’s brace mount, and under the wires and bands. Without a disciplined care regimen (at home and at The Super Dentists), cavities will eventually surface. Some people think you can’t get your teeth clean with braces, but you can – and we’ll show you how below!
How Often to Get Teeth Cleaned with Braces
Can you get your teeth clean with braces? Well, it can be difficult to get a truly thorough cleaning by yourself, so The Super Dentists recommend visiting one of our offices at least 2-3 times per year for a dental cleaning.
Other patients may require more cleanings, depending on things like a hereditary propensity for cavities, how well they take care of their teeth at home, and other factors.
What to Expect When Getting Your Teeth Cleaned with Braces
Even though you have braces, there’s nothing “special” to expect during your appointment. Just like any other teeth cleaning appointment, a dental cleaning appointment with braces on follows the same structure.
The only (minor) difference might be a bit more time in the chair, as our dental hygienist may need extra time to clean in and around your braces. This means all you have to do is sit back, relax and breathe. Let The Super Dentists (or hygienists) take care of the rest!
Dental Cleaning With Braces
Let’s review a few important points about dental cleaning with braces, including how the teeth are cleaned with braces on, and some brief tips for your home routine.
How Do Dentists Clean Teeth with Braces
Do orthodontists clean teeth? What about dentists? The answer is none of the above. At The Super Dentists, we have highly trained dental hygienists to handle all teeth cleaning with braces.
Depending on the types of braces you have, the hygienist will gently wash water between your bands and teeth in order to remove bacteria that cause plaque and tartar. Gentle flossing is also performed so your gums stay food particle-free and clean.
Can you get your teeth clean with braces? If you visit The Super Dentists, there’s no doubt about it!
Basic Tips for a Home Routine with Braces
Here are three basic things you can do to ensure thorough dental cleaning with braces:
- Brush (and brush some more): Try to brush your teeth after every snack or meal. If that’s not possible, make sure you’re brushing at least twice per day to keep plaque at bay.
- Don’t forget to floss. Flossing is a little tricky with braces, but it’s well worth the effort in order to maintain a healthy smile (even with braces on)! Insert one end of the floss between the upper part of the brace mount and gum, and gently floss back and forth. Repeat as necessary.
- Mind your diet. Try to avoid sugary, sticky substances, as they’re breeding grounds for bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If you must indulge, a quick rinse with water will at least lessen the impact of that occasional treat until your next brush time.
And here’s a fourth tip: visit The Super Dentists for regular teeth cleanings. We’ll help ensure your teeth stay clean, even with braces on! If you have any questions, or you’re not sure you can get your teeth cleaned with braces, stop into any of our San Diego-area offices or schedule an appointment online, and we’ll take care of you!
Thanks for visiting The Super Dentists, Southern California’s #1 pediatric and parent dentistry and orthodontic network.
