Even though you have braces and you’re seeing your orthodontist every six weeks for adjustments, you still have to see your dentist every six months for cleanings. This applies even to those who wear clear aligners.
Why You Still Need Cleanings
Braces are no excuse for neglecting your oral hygiene; in fact, it’s more important than ever to keep up with cleanings because of all the potential for food to get caught in your braces that you may never know about. In addition to that, flossing can sometimes be hard when wires are involved, which can lead to excessive levels of plaque in braces-wearers.
It’s also tough to brush in all the right places when you have braces covering a portion of each tooth. On top of all that, you may be due for x-rays that can determine the health of your gums, roots and jaw. As someone who wears braces, you are also at risk for decalcification, or the loss of calcium in the teeth, which can leave unsightly white spots on your teeth. While this condition is not reversible if left untreated, it is preventable if you cut back on the sweets and acidic foods, brush and floss every day, and visit your dentist at least twice each year for a cleaning.
If you get a cavity, this could prolong your braces treatment. That’s why it’s important to keep up with cleanings and fluoride treatments while undergoing braces.
What to Expect
When you make your appointment for a cleaning, be sure to tell them you have braces. They will make a note of this in your chart so the dental hygienist and dentist are prepared when you get there. When you show up for your appointment, be sure to allocate just a little more time for your visit. While there’s no special procedure to cleaning teeth with braces, a lot of extra care does go into the process so as not to damage your wires and brackets.
While some dentists prefer to take out the wires connecting your braces to do a really good cleaning, most dentists simply work around the existing braces. In many cases, they use a smaller brush to fit in all the nooks and crannies. They will also floss your teeth and use a scaler to remove any built-up plaque and tartar. You will get a fluoride treatment if you are due for one.
Overall, the cleaning is just like any other, with the addition of extra care and time due to all the hardware. If you have any questions about your dental cleaning with braces, don’t hesitate to call Drs. Savage, Sabol, and Visser at one of our five convenient locations. We would be happy to answer any concerns you may have so your visit goes as smoothly as possible.
