Getting Your Teeth Cleaned While Wearing BracesWearing braces changes more than just the patient’s appearance. Most patients tend to experience differences in oral hygiene and speech as well. However, the need to maintain good dental hygiene practices remains the same. So, how is a dental teeth cleaning done with braces? It is crucial to continue with habits that promote oral health, regardless of how challenging it becomes. That includes keeping your regular dental appointments. If you wonder, can you see a hygienist with braces? The answer is yes. Braces should not get in the way, but the cleaning process may take longer. Below we explore the benefits and importance of undergoing dental teeth cleaning with braces on and answer questions like, how do dentists clean teeth with braces? Why Getting Your Teeth with Braces Cleaned is Mandatory Most people wonder about the possibility of cleaning teeth with braces and think it is unfeasible. On the contrary, cleaning such teeth is mandatory for two crucial reasons. Treatment period – You can have braces on for at least six months and, at most, two years. Some people keep them on for longer. That means that regular cleaning throughout the treatment duration is vital. Otherwise, tartar and plaque will have enough time to accumulate and cause extensive damage. Oral biofilm – The dental braces mounts provide the perfect surface for plaque and tartar to hide. The biofilm can easily collect under the bands and wires, leading to the formation of cavities. You must improve your oral care regimen at home and visit a dentist regularly for proper cleaning. The misconception that you cannot clean teeth with braces remains a misbelief. We can show you how to do it efficiently and effectively at Molson Park Dental. How to Clean Braces At Home Having braces does not necessarily require keeping a rigorous maintenance routine, particularly when you ensure your teeth remain healthy. The type of dental braces you have determine the level of care – non-metal braces may need extra care. To keep braces clean at home, brush thoroughly for two minutes to increase the chances of eliminating all plaque. Floss at least once a day to remove all food particles between teeth – that also cleans the gumlines where a toothbrush cannot reach properly. Continuing the usual flossing may be challenging, but you can use a water jet. Change your inter-arch rubber bands when you finish flossing, preferably in the morning, if you’re too busy to floss again afterward. Remember, the rubber bands encounter significant pressure throughout the day, making daily replacement necessary. Start by removing the rubber bands that run from the top to the bottom of the mouth. That will allow you to reach the areas around the braces, making the cleaning process hassle-free. Take note not to confuse ligature bands with inter-arch rubber bands. The former connects the teeth and should remain in place as you brush. The latter usually come in different colours. Consider the type of braces you have – you can take off clear or removable braces and put them back after you finish brushing. Ensure you place them in their cases to prevent germ contamination. Brush them with a small amount of toothpaste separately and rinse them properly before wearing them again. Rinse your mouth with water before brushing. The swishing loosens food particles, especially around the braces. Spit out the water after thorough swishing. Brush slowly but thoroughly – do not rush. Focus on the gum line, brackets, and teeth. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Begin with the gumline, then work on the top and bottom teeth. Finish with the brackets as you pay attention to the amount of pressure you exert during the exercise. Do not be too rough because that could break the wires. Ensure you brush for two minutes every time and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Some lifestyle adjustments can also help, like reducing the intake of sugary foods and beverages. If you indulge in them, brush soon after you are through to keep away bacteria that could cause plaque. Waiting for long after taking sweet foods can speed up the spread of bacteria to other sections of the braces, increasing the chances of damage or decay. We can recommend the best alternatives to food items that could make cleaning braces more difficult. What Oral Hygiene Should Be Like While Wearing Braces Can you get your teeth cleaned with braces on? Teeth cleaning is critical when you have braces on. It prevents decay and other problems like gum disease that can easily arise because of the tartar and plaque buildup around the brackets. Therefore, you should continue with the same practices you did before, like brushing and flossing after every meal using fluoride toothpaste. Dentists recommend that you become more thorough when brushing to remove food particles that get lodged between the braces and the teeth. You can take advantage of advancements such as water flossers to make such processes effortless. Honouring your regular dental appointments is essential when you have braces. You should increase the frequency with which you see your dentist if you have an ongoing orthodontic treatment to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which are more prevalent under such conditions. If possible, go for regular dental cleaning at least every three months. Remember, professional cleaning routines may also take longer, but the results are worthwhile. How to Clean Invisalign Braces Invisalign braces have undisputed benefits, one of which is the absence of pain. You do not have to worry about possible injury and can enjoy a softer procedure that guarantees proper teeth alignment. Actions like kissing are also less of a hassle with Invisalign than metal braces. The only downside you might experience is that you must be cautious when using toothpaste on clear braces. The abrasive nature of the products can make Invisalign noticeable over time. In worst cases, the braces can develop a foul odor due to extensive toothpaste use. Invest in a product designed for cleaning such braces to prevent such occurrences – consult your dentist before purchasing commercial cleaning products. Alternatively, use mild soap or detergent. Ensure you rinse them thoroughly after using either product. Cleaning the teeth regularly between meals is also critical when using Invisalign braces. That means you’ll need to carry a toothbrush whenever you are traveling. The best option is to avoid anything that can stain the clear braces. Remember to remove the clear braces when taking coffee, wine, or any food that can stain them if you must indulge yourself. Brush your teeth and braces before putting them back on soon after eating. Do not rush when brushing to ensure you remove all food particles from your teeth. Pay attention during the action, and remember to reach the corners of the mouth when brushing. Take your time to clean the gums, the upper and lower teeth surfaces, and the sides. Put the Invisalign braces in their container anytime you take them off. That reduces the chances of germs infestation and ensures you retrieve them quickly afterward. The only way to take advantage of modern Invisalign profits is by caring for them properly. You can enjoy a faster straightening period, comfort, and complete oral functionality if you prevent potential problems like decay by cleaning the braces and teeth regularly. Contact our dentists if you are still unsure about the cleaning criteria. We will ensure you get an impressive smile in the most painless manner possible. How Dentists Clean Teeth With Braces The thought of going for dental cleaning may be intimidating, but you can rest assured that dentists have the training and experience to handle them. They do it with utmost care and caution – they do not damage the braces or cause you pain and discomfort. First, the dental hygienist will ensure you are comfortable on the dental chair before applying a numbing cream to the gums. The next step will be to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, gum line, and around the brackets using appropriate tools. They target those areas because most buildups occur on them. Using a tool called a scaler, the dentist will also scrape the back, front, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. After that, the dental hygienist will floss the teeth cautiously without tampering with the wires. They use a looped tool because the shape allows them to reach between the wire and the tooth. They also clean the gum line and the sides of each tooth. The dentist will then use a fluoride treatment on the final step of the cleaning process. They apply the fluoride in foam or gel form to nourish the teeth. It is a popular choice because it can remineralize to strengthen the enamel. That means it can protect the outer layer of the tooth from decaying and prevent the growth of bacteria on the tooth surface. Dental cleaning procedures are usually precautionary. Do not be alarmed if the dentist examines your mouth and takes a few x-rays. They have a duty to be thorough when removing the tartar and plaque and when administering the aftercare. They generally check for signs of issues like gum diseases or cavities and recommend an ideal treatment option depending on what they find. Expectations After Procedure Cleaning the teeth with braces still on is an intricate procedure that takes longer to complete. That is why you should specify that you have braces when booking the appointment. It ensures the professionals prepare adequately before your arrival. Do not go for the procedure when in a hurry or after making any other commitments because the cleaning usually takes longer than usual dental cleaning processes. It does not involve using special techniques; it only requires extra attention to reach between the wires and teeth without causing damage or pain. Some dentists prefer to remove the wires before cleaning, and others leave them on and work around them. Discuss those options beforehand to be sure of how they will handle your case. If they will clean with the wires on, expect them to find a way to reach the nooks and crannies for a comprehensive cleaning. The hygienist or dentist will do their best not to cause you pain or discomfort but expect slight irritation on the gums afterward. The soreness comes as a result of the measures they take to ensure they remove all the tartar and plaque, but it is not severe and should clear soon. In some cases, the gums will bleed on the first day, but that does not last long either. Avoid drinking or eating for at least one hour after the procedure to enhance the effectiveness of the fluoride. Continue with the dental hygiene protocols to prevent food deposits from accumulating around the brackets.
