Can you get your teeth cleaned while you have your braces on? Not only can you, you have to! The absolute most important thing you can do to achieve straight teeth and a beautiful, healthy smile is to take good care of your teeth during your treatment. That means brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly through your treatment.
In this video, Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. Muhammed Abey explains the importance of regular dental visits during braces treatment.
Can The Dentist Clean My Teeth With Braces?
Dentists and dental hygienists are very comfortable and experienced with cleaning teeth that have braces. Your visit to your dentist will not be very different: your dentist may take x-rays and do a thorough examination of the health of your teeth and gums, and the hygienist will do a cleaning, removing plaque from between the teeth as well as around the brackets and under the wires of your braces. They will also floss your teeth with a threader.
Your dentist will inspect your teeth and check their health throughout braces treatment. If issues arise, such as cavities or root canals, they will take care of those while your braces treatment progresses normally ( yes, you can get a root canal with braces ).
If they see a lot of plaque build-up around the braces, they may recommend you come in more often for cleaning and treatment to ensure there is no further damage. Most dentists recommend you come in for cleanings every 4-6 months. Ask your dentist what schedule they recommend for your case.
Protect Your Teeth With a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
To keep your dentist happy, your orthodontist happy, and most importantly, your teeth happy, take good care of them every day! This will reduce the likelihood of staining, cavities, gum diseases, or other tooth decay and dental issues.
Brush twice daily, and floss at night with a floss threader. Read up on more braces cleaning tips for home. Use a fluoride mouthwash and a Waterpik for a full clean treatment.
Avoid sugary drinks and foods, or hard or sticky foods that could break your braces and interrupt treatment.
Healthy teeth move faster, and stay healthy longer! Proper oral healthcare will keep you smiling for a lifetime. But don’t skip out on dental cleanings from your general dentist: they are important to your treatment, too!
